La Pinata: One of the East Bay’s most popular Mexican restaurants
La Pinata has seven locations in the East Bay, but the festive Mexican restaurant is not your average chain. It’s family owned and operated by the Guzmans, who’ve spent the past 25 years turning La Pinata into a staple name.
The original La Pinata opened in Hayward in 1983 and subsequent locations have mirrored its success. Whether you end up in Alameda, San Leandro, or Newark, the lines for lunch and dinner spill onto the sidewalk. With so many faithful patrons, it’s no wonder that the establishment continues to expand. The Alameda location recently added a new café as an extension to the restaurant, bar, and outdoor patio.
While the business keeps growing, its building blocks to success have stayed the same. What keeps La Pinata on top? A combination of factors that sit right with the dining-out crowd, like freshly made chips, served with an excellent salsa as soon as you are seated to keep the hunger pains at bay and refilled to your heart’s desire.
What else? Fresh ingredients and sauces that have created a signature La Pinata flavor. A menu that includes a generous selection of seafood, like a fish special that consists of two whole fish lightly fried, with a savory dipping sauce. (Not to mention the endless selection of prawn dishes.)
Breakfast and brunch choices, when you crave huevos rancheros, machaca, or pancakes. Upbeat sounds of salsa, mariachi, and merengue playing in the background. Generous portions. Hearty soups. And of course, there’s the party going on at the bar, where only 100% blue agave tequila is served. Found a reason to wait in line yet?
The service here is quick and efficient; your wait staff won’t linger long and they’ll return often.
One thing La Pinata doesn’t have is agua fresca. Maybe someday soon?
Posted by Renee Rutledge
