Cholita Linda

Probably my favorite Mexican food in Alameda right now. The Baja fish tacos are the best. Sometimes it can take a while if it's busy, but that's pretty much standard for a popular place with delicious food.

You would think with how many times I've eaten at Cholita Linda (their Temescal location, this Alameda location, at their tent during the pre-COVID Old Oakland Friday markets, and through DoorDash deliveries), that I would have written a review on at least one of their Yelp pages. Alas, over half a decade of patronizing this business and I'm just getting around to it. Apologies!

First off, I think it's impossible to be or remain in a bad mood when you're inside. You may have gotten annoyed trying to find parking and walk inside a little aggravated because someone beat you to a close street parking spot, but the bright interior and great music (love Buena Vista Social Club's "Chan Chan") transport you to a better state of mind. My go-to order is usually three Baja fish tacos and yuca fries, but I've been known to order a sandwich (Cubano, Papito, Lechon, or Asado - all solid choices) and some chips and salsa from time to time, too.

If you order fish tacos through DoorDash, they've thought of it all and can put the crema and salsa on the side. They actually even have the option to put extra crema and salsa on the side, too.

My only gripe, and it's ridiculous, is that I wish they gave extra lime wedges with the tacos. Or maybe by now I should already know to bring one of my own lol.

Food is quick and definitely reliable. There's never been a time when I've felt like an order was off flavor or texture-wise.

In the trenches of life with a newborn, my husband and I went straight here on a cold, dreary weekend in February and found comfort in having a solid meal that didn't leave either of us feeling too heavy or still peckish. Our newborn was also a bit stunned into silence by all of the activity and liveliness around her (this is definitely a popular weekend spot).

Thank you, CL, for being such a bright spot - literally and figuratively.

So this place is very cute and the food is fresh and healthy. The service is also very nice and there is plenty of seating.
You walk in and order and then sit down and wait for your food. It did take quite a while to get our food and the restaurant wasn't that busy.
Lots of veggie options and there seemed to be a lot of regulars. Being from SJ tho I would say it was not something I would drive back for.

Ate here for lunch on a Monday around 2. It wasn't very crowded. We just walked in off the street and ordered.
The place was clean and quiet. Just an all around chill vibe. Service was prompt and friendly.

I got the street tacos. And a Diet Coke. Coke came in a can. I got one of each of the tacos. They were all pretty tasty. I didn't get up and slap anybody, but they were decent.

Overall a decent place for lunch. There were some other things on the menu, that probably would have been better than the tacos. I'll have to experiment.

I have been meaning to come here, always pass the one on Telegraph. Happened to be in Alameda and had a craving for fish tacos....and they didn't disappoint. I ordered the fish tacos, wanted crispy shells but I had to settle for the crispy fish...and it was delicious. Ordered a side of plantains...perfect!

I will definitely be back...

We got food to go.
Always enjoy the salads and fish tacos! Pescado frito plate was tasty too.

We came here for dinner on a Tuesday night. There was no line when we got there. You order and pay at the counter. They had plenty of seats available in the dining area. The place was clean and tidy.
We both ordered the pescado frito which came with/ rice, your choice of beans, salad, pickled onions and plantains. I ordered a very delicious mango agua fresca and he ordered a margarita. It took about 15 minutes to get our food. The whole plate was delicious. The fish was nice and crispy, the salad was perfect and before I knew it, I had finished my plate. I was stuffed and the food was perfectly portioned for me. We bussed our own plated and that was the whole experience. Will definitely be back.

Few options for those that don't eat meat. They do have tofu as a substitute, but many people need to steer clear of soy, as it is a phytoestrogen. Would love to see them get more creative with plant-based offerings - roasted vegetables would be an amazing option! At least please offer a grilled fish option instead of fried. My partner loves their tacos, and I used to enjoy them as well, but if you're on a different type of diet, you may find the pickings a bit slim here.

Join us on a flavorful journey with our sustainable food tour, starting at Cholita Linda for scrumptious tacos! Step one, order at the counter, relish community seating, and bus your own table. The tacos are delicious and the evening atmosphere is pure delight! The best part? The charming little chipped plates made me feel like I was dining at my Latino friend's grandmother's home. We'll be back for the nighttime experience!

For as long has I've lived in Alameda, this Cholita Linda location has been so reliable and consistently good. I always get the most bang for my buck and the food is amazing.

I can eat indoors in their wonderfully decorated restaurant, or out around the corner for some communal outdoor seating.

Here's what I always order:

BAJA FISH TACOS - $3.85
Crispy fried fish, salsa roja, cabbage slaw, baja crema.
The best fish tacos ever! The batter is crispy and this taco is full of flavor. Ask for extra crema and salsa roja.

CHIPS & GUACAMOLE - $5.45
Your standard house-made chips that is thick, crispy and lightly salted with a scoop of delicious guacamole. Great one to share!

ASADO SANDWICH - $12.50
Peruvian style roast beef, caramelized onions, organic arugula, aioli and jack cheese on grilled French bread.
This rich sandwich can easily be shared. It's jam packed with all the goods--the roast beef and onions, and it's cheesy and they don't skimp on the aioli. It's my go-to sandwich choice here. It's a hefty one, and heads up, it's' wonderfully shiny (greasy, hehe).

Every now and then I get beverages:

STRAWBERRY AQUA - $3.85
Sweet, refreshing and the kind of drink that always hits the spot!

SANGRIA - $6.50
Also sweet and refreshing! So good!

I can easily order online or at the counter. Staff is always friendly and efficient. I appreciate how reasonably priced this place of quality is. I love you Cholita Linda, I'm so happy you opened one near me.

What I ordered:

10/10: Baja Fish Tacos - $3.85 each
10/10: Strawberry Agua Fresca - $3.85

Cholita Linda is my go to spot for fish tacos in the Bay. Parking on Park St. is always difficult to find so I recommend parking around the block and walking. There is plenty of seating available, but you may still have to wait for one especially when it's busy. The service is always great and the food comes out quickly!

My favorite thing to get are the fish tacos. The batter is light, airy, and incredibly crispy without being too greasy. The fried fish is balanced out by the acidity from the lime. You have to add the hot sauce when eating the tacos too! The strawberry agua fresca is also one of my favorites. They use real strawberries and it does not taste artificial at all.

Overall, I highly recommend Cholita Linda if you're in the mood for fish tacos. They also offer other items that never disappoint!

Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Total: 5/5