La Penca Azul

4.3
595 reviews

About

Mexican Restaurant

Details

  • DeliveryAvailable
  • TakeoutAvailable
  • Curbside pickupAvailable

Location

La Penca Azul
891-B Island Dr, Alameda, CA
94502, United States

Hours

Reviews

4.3
595 reviews
5 stars
334
4 stars
179
3 stars
45
2 stars
16
1 star
21

What are people saying?

AI-generated from recent customer reviews

Food Quality

Feedback on food quality is mixed; while some dishes are praised for being delicious and authentic, others are criticized for being bland or poorly prepared.

Service

Service experiences vary significantly; some customers report excellent and attentive service, while others mention disjointed or rude service.

Atmosphere

The restaurant's atmosphere is generally well-received, with many enjoying the waterfront views and pleasant decor.

Pricing

Many customers find the prices to be on the higher side, with some expressing concerns about value for money.

Consistency

Several reviews highlight the restaurant's consistency in food quality, although there are notable exceptions.
  • JA
    Jay Allday
    Dec 21, 2025
    4.0
    Very easy to park. Great salsa and chips! Food was served fast and hot.. taste great!!
  • NG
    Nikolai Greenlee
    Dec 20, 2025
    1.0
    First things first, I want to say that the service was fantastic. Everyone was nice and professional while being really talkative in an engaging way. The aesthetic and decor was nice, and you got a decent view of the water depending where you sit, but it only had one big centered TV that no one sitting backwards can see. I understand that it isn't a sports bar, but might as well not have one at all. Unfortunately the most important aspect of a restaurant is the food itself, and my God was this place terrible. The carne asada was unseasoned, had a rubbery texture, and a bad aftertaste that just doesn't sit well. My entree came with a side of fries, and it felt as if there was no salt which made them taste like nothing. I will give this place credit on the rice and beans, but what Mexican restaurant can actually screw that up? The enchilada red sauce was the complete opposite of the other dishes as it was way too salty. I will say that the chicken had a nice texture, but it was sadly drowned in an awful sauce. In case this wasn't a big plate of disappointment on its own, the bill for 3 people came down to $130 including a 20% tip and tax. This establishment is overpriced, gimmicky, and has some of the worst Mexican food the Bay Area can offer. If you want to waste money and be disappointed then come here.
  • EB
    Eric Bautista
    Dec 12, 2025
    5.0
    Food is always really good and they are consistent unlike other restaurants that dont taste the same. They really nailed their S.O.P to where any cook can cook the dish the same and you get the best results every time!
  • EO
    Erin O
    Dec 11, 2025
    4.0
    I ordered delivery, the chicken enchiladas are fantastic with rice and beans. The salsa and guacamole are both good. It’s not worth the extra money for the guacamole. It’s too tangy to eat unfortunately
  • BV
    BACILIO VILLA
    Oct 19, 2025
    5.0
    Comida buena