Went there to have our last date at Calavera since they are closing down, waitress seem to be in a rush, not friendly, never went and checked in for drinks refill and didn't even offered dessert. We were waiting to get the table cleaned up after we finished our main dish and ask for desert.
novicefoodie
Calavera never disappoints! I was grateful to introduce some friends to this amazing place. Sarah and her team do an amazing job making everyone feel welcome and continuing to bring the delicious food and fantastic drinks. Ask Gabby about getting a jug of the Mezcalera, not to be overlooked!! 10 out of 10!
DianaA
The chilaquiles were delicious! The staff was super friendly and accommodating. We had the brunch menu and overall a really good amount of options. The drinks were also delicious. I had the mimosa especial and I would definitely have it again. Highly recommend it.
Kaamil
We were not at all happy with the food. It was a big disappointment. As my husband shared, “the food lacked passion and soul.” We ordered the whole snapper. It was bland. The roasted cauliflower was just okay. And the pork tacos didn't have any seasoning.
HollyD
Last night may have been an anomaly -- but it was overly crowded, busy and super noisy! The service staff worked hard, but there was a lot going on. I could not hold a conversation with table mates!
JoJo
We have eaten here many times. The quality of the food is usually very good as is the service. Last night the fish I ordered was extremely over salted and inedible. My husband enjoyed his enchiladas and they have the best guac and chips. The chocolate desert had a rich look to it but not much chocolate flavor. The usual great service was very slow and it was hard to get our server's attention. The noise level inside is the loudest of any restaurant I know precluding any conversation. Fortunately there is a heated patio.
luv2dine
We go here all the time. The staff is super nice - so welcoming and the food is great, the service is great, and the drinks are great. We go with our dog and sit in the outdoor patio and they always are kind and welcoming to our dear dog, too. Love it!
AmeliaV
I absolutely love Calavera - I am from the Netherlands and lived in the Bay Area when they opened. Ever since moving back to Europe I missed the food, the cocktails and the overall ambience. This time around I reserved a table to celebrate being reunited with my chosen family post-Covid and it was absolutely amazing. The staff was super friendly, knowledgeable and pleasant, the food fresh, creative, mouth watering and beautiful. I could not have wished for a better evening and a better experience. In a city and area that have changed a lot since the start of the pandemic, coming to Calavera felt like coming home. A big shout out to the whole team - and please consider opening up a restaurant in Amsterdam!
anabanana
We've been to Calavera about 4 times now and our experience has been consistently fantastic. The only downside is that it can get really noisy and hard to talk, which is a bummer, but there are so many compensating factors. The food is fantastic. Fantastic! This time we took my mom, who is from Mexico City, to celebrate her 85th birthday and she loved it! We started with a bottle of a dry sparkling wine from Querétaro (Mexico) and then we shared a bunch of the appetizers along with the Cochinita Pibil entrée. Every single dish was delicious. The tortillas are out of this world - even my mom commented on them. And the staff is very professional and friendly. We finished up with two of the desserts and called it a night. We'll definitely be back!
673randyf
Everyone enjoyed the food and drinks. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Good atmosphere. I took on star away only because our table , made of wood was in desperate need of refinishing. The top was sticky even after they cleaned it.
We were there on a very busy night, most of the diners planning to attend a Lila Downs concert down the street at the Paramount. The waitstaff seemed a little harried and the drinks were slow to arrive. They finally arrived after the entree was served. But overall, it was a good meal and a nice environment.
JonB
I grabbed a reservation for a table for one. Had impeccable service and food came out very quickly. Got the fish tacos and the roasted cauliflower. Both were phenomenal. I would definitely come back here in a heartbeat.
JoshR
We had such a good time here! Drinks were amazing, food was delicious, service was knowledgeable and relaxed. I would go back just for the houseware tortilla chips which were not the usual chip. It's now on my list of favorite restaurants in Oakland!
JackieC
Sat outside, we always bring blankets! Friendly waiters, the food is always good and there are plenty of interesting choices for vegetarians. We've eaten here several times and it's been great every time.
Blaise
Three of us shared 4 appetizers, 3 entrees, and 1 dessert. All of them were delicious, well-plated, and generous in serving size. The mole was outstanding; something very rare outside of Mexico. Service was perfect - attentive but not intrusive. Recommend reserving monitored parking via Spot Hero or such.
Went there to have our last date at Calavera since they are closing down, waitress seem to be in a rush, not friendly, never went and checked in for drinks refill and didn't even offered dessert. We were waiting to get the table cleaned up after we finished our main dish and ask for desert.
Calavera never disappoints! I was grateful to introduce some friends to this amazing place. Sarah and her team do an amazing job making everyone feel welcome and continuing to bring the delicious food and fantastic drinks. Ask Gabby about getting a jug of the Mezcalera, not to be overlooked!! 10 out of 10!
The chilaquiles were delicious! The staff was super friendly and accommodating. We had the brunch menu and overall a really good amount of options. The drinks were also delicious. I had the mimosa especial and I would definitely have it again. Highly recommend it.
We were not at all happy with the food. It was a big disappointment. As my husband shared, “the food lacked passion and soul.” We ordered the whole snapper. It was bland. The roasted cauliflower was just okay. And the pork tacos didn't have any seasoning.
Last night may have been an anomaly -- but it was overly crowded, busy and super noisy! The service staff worked hard, but there was a lot going on. I could not hold a conversation with table mates!
We have eaten here many times. The quality of the food is usually very good as is the service. Last night the fish I ordered was extremely over salted and inedible. My husband enjoyed his enchiladas and they have the best guac and chips. The chocolate desert had a rich look to it but not much chocolate flavor. The usual great service was very slow and it was hard to get our server's attention. The noise level inside is the loudest of any restaurant I know precluding any conversation. Fortunately there is a heated patio.
We go here all the time. The staff is super nice - so welcoming and the food is great, the service is great, and the drinks are great. We go with our dog and sit in the outdoor patio and they always are kind and welcoming to our dear dog, too. Love it!
I absolutely love Calavera - I am from the Netherlands and lived in the Bay Area when they opened. Ever since moving back to Europe I missed the food, the cocktails and the overall ambience. This time around I reserved a table to celebrate being reunited with my chosen family post-Covid and it was absolutely amazing. The staff was super friendly, knowledgeable and pleasant, the food fresh, creative, mouth watering and beautiful. I could not have wished for a better evening and a better experience. In a city and area that have changed a lot since the start of the pandemic, coming to Calavera felt like coming home. A big shout out to the whole team - and please consider opening up a restaurant in Amsterdam!
We've been to Calavera about 4 times now and our experience has been consistently fantastic. The only downside is that it can get really noisy and hard to talk, which is a bummer, but there are so many compensating factors. The food is fantastic. Fantastic! This time we took my mom, who is from Mexico City, to celebrate her 85th birthday and she loved it! We started with a bottle of a dry sparkling wine from Querétaro (Mexico) and then we shared a bunch of the appetizers along with the Cochinita Pibil entrée. Every single dish was delicious. The tortillas are out of this world - even my mom commented on them. And the staff is very professional and friendly. We finished up with two of the desserts and called it a night. We'll definitely be back!
Everyone enjoyed the food and drinks. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Good atmosphere. I took on star away only because our table , made of wood was in desperate need of refinishing. The top was sticky even after they cleaned it.
Restaurantji Recommends
We were there on a very busy night, most of the diners planning to attend a Lila Downs concert down the street at the Paramount. The waitstaff seemed a little harried and the drinks were slow to arrive. They finally arrived after the entree was served. But overall, it was a good meal and a nice environment.
I grabbed a reservation for a table for one. Had impeccable service and food came out very quickly. Got the fish tacos and the roasted cauliflower. Both were phenomenal. I would definitely come back here in a heartbeat.
We had such a good time here! Drinks were amazing, food was delicious, service was knowledgeable and relaxed. I would go back just for the houseware tortilla chips which were not the usual chip. It's now on my list of favorite restaurants in Oakland!
Sat outside, we always bring blankets! Friendly waiters, the food is always good and there are plenty of interesting choices for vegetarians. We've eaten here several times and it's been great every time.
Three of us shared 4 appetizers, 3 entrees, and 1 dessert. All of them were delicious, well-plated, and generous in serving size. The mole was outstanding; something very rare outside of Mexico. Service was perfect - attentive but not intrusive. Recommend reserving monitored parking via Spot Hero or such.