Island Taqueria

I pretty much only get one item here which is a Super Carnitas Burrito. I’ve been going to this place for nearly 20 years (minus the few years they closed) and have not found many places with better carnitas. Yeah, the Guadalajara truck on Fruitvale is comparable, but I still prefer to go here. To me, carnitas should have a perfect mixture of crunchiness and softness. Most of the places around are either one or the other. Island Taqueria knows how to do it just right. I’ve had the occasional steak burrito which is also very good here, but usually the only rare instance that they run out of carnitas. Adding some shrimp to that steak burrito is scrumptious! Free chips a plus here. And the cooks and workers are all good people. I’ve told many people to go here and they all enjoy the food. The only thing I wish they did different is burn the tortilla instead of steaming it. I like it a little crispier, but that won’t stop me from eating it.

Portions are generous and the free chips and salsa are nice. We tried the crispy taco, the street taco and a super burrito. The crispy taco tortilla tastes stale. It came with lots of toppings though which was nice. I would have loved some shredded cabbage on the street tacos. They needed something. The burrito was average but tasty and certainly filling. Customer service was decent.

Since I had a big lunch I was not going to pig out on a big burrito. Instead the wife and I split some chicken nachos and drank jarritos soda (made withe real sugar). The Mexican food here is to the Michoacan flavorings. Very tasty nachos with grilled chicken, cheese, guacamole and sour cream on the side,
Island Taqueria offers all of the traditional Mexican entrees plus combo plates. Oooops I didn’t notice the assortment of beers, just the Modelos. We were fortunate to have one of the window seats to watch all of the foot traffic on Park St. Next time I will order more.

This place is great! Not only do they have the best burritos on the island they’re great people as well. I went in with my 6 mos old daughter and had asked for a small slice of avocado for her. They gave me half of an avocado and didn’t even charge me. Thank goodness dor Island Taqueria!

Loved the place!
In addition to generous portions of *tasty & juicy” food & great free chips & salsa, they also minimize the waste by using a reusable plastic salsa dish & no foil for the «for here» burritos!
We’d save ourselves from tons of plastic waste if all the Mexican restraints had this practice for salsa service!

Shrimp burrito — a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Friendly, helpful service and a festive vibe.

So I’ve passed this place up a million times, never once stepped in until last night.
So I really wanted Mexican food, something that would hit home. I haven’t been able to get that satisfaction anywhere, until last night.
It felt like I was back at grandmas house eating again, I was in heaven.
The have great portions and prices. I couldn’t believe how much food I got.
The only negative part was its a small facility and it was hot inside. Overall great find.

Excellent fresh authentic Mexican food. Large portions and the prices are good. I was very impressed with everything that we ordered.
Beef flautas, a corn quesadilla, nachos, the supreme steak burrito. All yummy, all came out pretty fast. This was our first time, but we will definitely be back.

Wow! I had the Burrito special and did not think I could eat it all when it arrived, but it was so good I polished it off. Great staff and good seating. Definitely would eat here again.

I can’t believe living in the island for over 20 years, I’ve slept on this place. I had been a La Piñata/​La penca dude for way too long and the food here is so much better at half the price. I wish they did have chiliquiles though but its all good. I am a convert and you should too.

This is my favorite Mexican restaurant! The food taste great and is well priced. Eat there or get to go, either way the customer service is excellent.
I have a weak stomach and have NEVER had ANY digestive issues when eating here. I associate it with fresh and quality ingredients. Keep up the good work.

Island Taqueria is just alright. Burritos are big enough (and cheap at $ 6), but there’s barely any meat in them. In addition, the carne asada I got was a little overcooked and tough.
I’d gladly take it over Chipotle any day of the week, but it’s not the be-​all end-​all of taquerias in the area.

One of my go-​to spots in Alameda.
Food: Good authentic Mexican food. The food is fresh with your classic options. I wish they served breakfast burritos. They have a great selection of Mexican sodas.
Price: For the bay the prices are reasonable considering the healthy portions of food you get. Chips and salsa are always included that they serve to you.
Atmosphere: A little plain inside other than the colorfully pained walls of orange and yellow. They play Mexican music but it’s barely audible coming from the kitchen area. People are friendly and device is pretty fast.

Dear Island Taq,
You alright man.
Nothing too fancy. Nothing that blows my socks off.
Meats are average but if I was to best describe you… it would be «solid»
— Good Prices (very good)
— Large Quantities
— Big soft tacos (not even a taco, they just bury your tortilla)
— Big burritos (try the wet one. yes pls!)
— Good chips
— Ok salsa
Basically I would never say no if people choose to eat at your place because hey it’s «solid» but I’ve never once craved to come here.
but I love solid places like you. we always need decent options here on our island :)
keep up the good work

I don’t even like horchata and this place has the best horchata I ever tried! It was cold and creamy. It didn’t have that rice milky taste and the cinnamon was apparent.
The menu is easy to read and the items are cheap. Their portions are huge here so don’t over order even if you’re super hungry (ahem). They have bar seating and some tables. The food is prepared right in front of you and is quick. Their burritos are juicy and flavorful. Honestly, one of the top 10 taquerias I’ve been too. And I would drink a whole glass of their horchata.

MEH… Ordered the California burrito which isn’t on the menu bc saw pics on Unilocal.They charged for super burrito price and it did have guaca and sour cream. The fries were no crispy at all and it’s not skinny which is what I prefer. It didn’t not taste great at all. If I were to compare this to the California burrito from señor sisig truck, it trumps enough said.

Delicious nutritious and great flavors and portion size. I was in town for work from San Diego AKA Burrito Central. These burritos were as delicious or better than most of the Taco shop burrito places I have tried in the Bay Area. This was delicious flavorful authentic Mexican food. You can get a Huge meal and will be full for hours for less than 12.00 with beer or drink.

After leaving my last review, Island Taqueria has become one of my usual spots. It’s walking distance from my house and I’m convinced that the super quesadilla is the closest I’m ever coming to true love.
The main gripe I have is that they’re closed on Sundays. Like Chick Fil A, I always want a super quesadilla the most on a Sunday.
Thanks for being awesome!

Their customer service for starters is awesome. Food quality is very good and we’re so happy to have discovered this place. We live in Oakland but we always visit Alameda on a regular basis for awesome food finds and this place was definitely one of our best food finds. We loooooooove their steak super nachos! I want to try it next time with shrimp!!! Also, their shrimp street tacos are just mouthwatering. It’s a must-​try for sure! I would give them 5 stars because of that but they were a tad bit pricey. For two tacos, it’s about $ 7. In comparison with the super nachos which is about $ 8, it looks like it’s an incredibly small portion. Nevertheless, they’re really good! PLUS, they give you free chips! We liiiiiike free! LOL

Great place! You must try the burrito Majado! (Check out my photos!)
Customer service; kinda friendly. It’s still a great place to dine in. Very spacious, and has very nice decorations. Will come back soon to try other foodies.