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Portales Taqueria

Castro Valley

Mexican Food in Heart of the City

Portales Taqueria, the Mexican restaurant in Castro valley is here to set a trend for authentic Mexican food. From crispy tacos and juicy California burritos to mouth-watering quesadillas and flavorful fajitas; our menu is bursting with flavors from Mexico. We offer a varied selection of the best Mexican food at an affordable price. Plus we have delicious seafood delicacies including Camarones Rancheros, Cocktail de Camarones, Fish Tacos and more. We are open 7 days a week from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. With 100% Mexican cuisine, we serve you the taste and culture that is celebrated around the dinner table with friends and family. The family recipes and creatively evolving dishes bring joy and flavor to your life. We passionately put them out at your table just as they are so when you leave, you leave with a content heart. Our family-friendly staff serves up delicious and traditional Mexican grill to make you feel right at home. The enchiladas are some of the best you'll ever have, and you won’t be able to resist the temptation of the homemade flour tortillas.

Flavors that have been created for you

If you're looking for a traditional Mexican dining experience, Portales Taqueria is a great option. We offer a wide variety of Mexican breakfast burritos, all of which are cooked to perfection. We also specialize in fusion cuisine, combining Mexican flavors with those of other Latin American countries. For something a bit more modern, check out our entire menu. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, Portales Taqueria is the perfect place where we are committed to serving you all some authentic Mexican food. Come experience the taste of Mexico through our unique recipes at our restaurant. We welcome you to try our made-from-scratch dishes made with ingredients of the highest quality that are fresh and locally sourced.

The promise of serving the best

From the freshly prepared quesadillas to breakfast burritos, salsa and seafood, we serve you everything with confidence no matter what time of the day you come. By always keeping the fun in the atmosphere and freshness in the food, we make sure you can unwind with your go-to Mexican food at our place.

Customer Reviews

Cin-Yee S.

Google

Loved my empanadas (3/$10), especially the perfect fried-to-order cornmeal crust! Served with avocado crema and sweet chipotle crema, but great on their own. Can't wait to come back and try more items, as everything the other patrons had ordered looked delicious on the tables.

Sammi C.

Google

Portales is my FAVORITE Mexican restaurant that I've been coming to for the past decade. Their food is consistently delicious and home-y. The owner Rosa is the sweetest lady, and gives such great service. The vibes inside are colorful and casual, with a chip and dip bar for dine-in. It's a Castro Valley staple and some of the best local food around!

Pamela R.

Google

Stopped on the way home at this small Mexican restaurant. Parking was a little difficult, but food made it all worth it. Walked in very great service. Placed my order at the front and was given FRESH chips and salsa. I'm Mexican and that salsa was really good. Then I ordered a green wet burrito. Two to eat it so my pictures show the aftermath a little bit. I also had ordered a Sope which was also amazing and you could tell by my picture. Overall give this place out five stars. Very great amazing food. Everything was fresh. Will come again.

John T.

Google

In this country the prevalence of manufactured foods has reduced the population's capacity to enjoy seasoning and flavor. The unfortunate result is a descent into blandness of not only American dishes, but also the cuisine from other parts of the world -- where with reluctance, ethnic restaurants dumb down their food to avoid being labeled "too hot" or "foreign." Nationally, Mexican restaurants are among the worst casualties of this trend. But for some of us there is hope. Here in California, especially in communities with a large Hispanic population, it is still possible to find the real thing: Mexican cuisine devoid of pretension, prepared to order, and served in a relaxed and informal environment. This is the sustenance of a hard-working people for whom good food is an essential bond with the social fabric, whose cooks use ingredients indigenous to America (in the sense that large parts of this country were stolen from Mexico), along with home-grown methods of preparation that are a refreshing alternative to the European tradition. At Portales Taqueria, located on a quiet stretch of Castro Valley Boulevard in the Bay Area city of the same name, where parking is plentiful and well-behaved dogs are allowed, the customer orders from a cafeteria-style menu on the wall and then adjourns to one of the small tables, inside or out. I visited on a Saturday afternoon and was among a handful of customers. Service was friendly and welcoming. My three-taco plate featured a different meat for each: beef, pork, and chicken, giving each its own personality. All three tacos were richly flavored, juicy, and fresh. The homemade essence of the dish, down to its in-house refried beans and salsa, brought back my fondest memories of this uniquely American cuisine. I'll be back!

Eli W.

Google

My son and I love this place. Great service, daily specials, and delicious food. His favorite are the tacos, mine is the wet burritos.

Shepoklyak S.

Google

Outstanding food and insanely nice staff. Make sure you try their new California burrito: plain awesome! Highly, highly recommend!

masa s.

Google

I don't know if this is the best Mexican food in Castro Valley - depends on your taste and experience. But, this is my favorite. I think all of the things that I've gotten, I like, and some would absolutely be my favorite of the other places in the area. But, I like their value, service, attitude, location, and friendliness.

Marlys ..

Google

This is a family run business. The food we've had has always tasted great. The owners are very nice. The restaurant has always been clean, and we haven't seen any critters running around ! I've seen critters at a different establishment, so I know the experience of eating at the counter and seeing someone with ANTENNAS passing by my plate!! May this business continue to be blessed to succeed!

Vanessa S.

Google

My husband and I love this spot. Great burritos and the people are always SOO nice. GREAT service

Da’Rel H.

Google

Service was good and they were friendly they double layered my bags because they seen I was on a bike and the food was good

W K.

Google

Portales Taqueria is great! I have eaten there several time and the food is great and service is excellent! I had their pozole last time and it was really delicious.

L

Google

Not only was the Food we ordered very delicious, reasonable prices for family night out , first time here and service was amazing the cashier/waitress/host was so friendly and kind not only to us but to all other customers who came in after us. Even though they were busy she did warn us ahead of time & decided to stay glad we did now we have a new place for my family to gather and enjoy wonderful food I don't remember exactly what everyone else got to eat but my dish was pozole I love that I had the option for chicken/pork I've never been given that option anywhere else so I was excited to try it out and I highly recommend it hit the spot and serving size was very generous too for dessert they offer a variety of churros nice warm and tasty to top off the night they also offer hot coffee/ doña Maria's hot chocolate / vanilla cappuccinos all day and came hand in hand with the churros I can't wait for our next gathering there I highly recommend this place they also have a variety of menu options even a kids menu.

Lam

Google

Staff recommended asada and pollo asado for their most popular meats and I couldn't agree more for their asada. Nice and crispy with deep beef flavor. I would personally recommend definitely getting their chips and salsa, as chips were golden colored and crunchy. I would give a shoutout to the Al pastor tacos, as that is what I'm getting exclusively next time.

Jessica A.

Google

I love their burritos and their chips are the best! Love her hospitality as well. This is definitely my go to spot in CV when I'm craving a delicious Mexican meal

Peter T.

Google

Rosa is always so welcoming. I can actually say I've never had a bad meal here. She's catered a few church functions and always a joy. Her only focus is caring for the customer like family. Food is tasty and authentic. I highly recommend this cozy little gem. We've been eating here for years.

Lexie P.

Google

One of my fav taco spots! $3.50 for a taco. I always get one steak, one chicken, and one carnitas. They have these super yummy 'special' chips that they only cook on certain days. I was disappointed one day as I thought they had them every day but they said to just call next time to find out if they're selling them that day! The lady who takes your order is so nice and friendly. And I love the color and decorations inside, especially being a Raiders fan :) Be sure to check them out when you're in CV!

Katrina L.

Google

This is my daughter and I first time here. The foods are great, friendly service. Family own. Yes we will be back.

M C.

Google

I've been coming here for many years now. The owner is super friendly and helpful. The food is pleasant and comfortable. My favorite part of the restaurant is the setting and ambiance. I especially love the outdoor seating. On a nice day, it's really lovely. It's a wonderful contribution to the civic life of Castro Valley.

Carrie P.

Google

They do Birria every Friday-Sunday and it is delicious! I always enjoy their food and the owners are so friendly. Great neighborhood spot.

David V.

Google

I've been working in the general area now for a few months and ventured off to what seemed to me was downtown Castro Valley. Initially, I saw a deli and figured to give it a try but once I walked in they were slammed (which is a good thing) but I had a small window to grab lunch so I stumbled upon this place. They to were fairly busy but I managed to walk in with no one in line. The lady that greeted me at the counter was extremely nice promptly taking my order, about 5 min later she walked my food over to me and I started to indulge and ended up finishing the whole thing which for means it was really good. When you put good service together with good food you'll almost never go wrong. I highly suggest to give this place a shot cause i know I'll be visiting again soon!!

Cara W.

Google

A Mexican restaurant with a truly vegetarian burrito!! It's rare to find a place whose rice is vegetarian (they're often made with chicken stock). Add on great service by a super kind woman taking orders and a different special each week? Definitely the top Mexican restaurant in Castro Valley.

Michele M.

Google

This is a great neighborhood mom and pop option with the tasty Mexican offerings most taquerias have, plus daily specials. Very friendly and reasonable prices, too.

Jeff M.

Google

Always a good Mexican spot right in the middle of Castro Valley you can't go wrong. the lady up front is always so nice good spot never fails

Heather S.

Google

We love the street tacos! Can't go wrong with any of the meats! The nachos are also pretty tasty!

Rose M.

Google

Food is delicious, generous portions , authentic Mexican cuisine! very pleasant service! clean place!, nice outside dining!

M Garcia

Yelp

Rosa and her family are VERY loving, caring and professional.. they will always go above and beyond to provide you with the best customer service no matter the day or time!

Caroline Carrington

Yelp

This is my favorite new Mexican spot in the Hayward/Castro Valley area. I love that they have vegetarian and vegan tacos which is rare. The lady taking my order was so kind and compassionate about a recent surgery I've had. I'll definitely go back

Sherrila Levin So

Yelp

We are always received warmly, and the food is so tasty. I appreciate that they have vegan proteins and are accommodating of my weird food things (no cilantro, etc). Happy to stop in here anytime we can♡♡♡

Thomas Felardo

Yelp

Brian Soller

Yelp

Patricia Takata

Yelp

Lupita XO

Yelp

Edwardo Silva

Yelp

Good good.

Charlie Rebich

Yelp

Had a really delicious tostado here at a reasonable price. And the staff are friendly. I’ll be back

David Harris

Yelp

David Baines

Yelp

Meredith Leon

Yelp

Love this place for about 20 years now! Love the salsa bar!

debazoid

Yelp

Great food and service! Wonderful friendly atmosphere!

Brandon Lee

Yelp

Food was good. We were given complimentary chips while dining in. There is an open salsa bar with a variety of salsa and toppings. The nice lady also asked us if we wanted refills for the side tortillas that came with the combo plates.

Sacha O

Yelp

Great fast service, wonderful atmosphere, and yummy food. Definitely come here and enjoy the outdoor tables. Staff is so friendly. Food was great.

Morgan Bakowsky

Yelp

I ordered a wet vegan burrito online and the food was a bit late so I did not get it at it's best I would imagine. The filling was dry and I don't personally like belle pepper so the veggie filling was not very good for me. The papas and sauces were flavorful and I do plan on trying their food again and I hope to dine in sometime.

Dakota G

Yelp

Very delicious food and extremely nice and warming staff. Highly recommend the Quesabirria Quesadilla, Wet burrito, and Supreme burrito.

Code with Don

Yelp

Absolutely lovely small family owned taqueria. Great food at a pretty cheap price.

Michael Bates

Yelp

Jonathan E

Yelp

Messie Shefa

Yelp

Love the place! The lady in the front is very welcoming and always has a smile. She reminds me of a my grandma! Great tasting food and a lot of drinks options

Mia G

Yelp

We stopped by on a Sunday afternoon. The food was great and service was good. We ordered chicken fajitas plate and tacos plate. Both were fresh and flavorful! There were also free chips and salsa

Danni Swavey

Yelp

Sweetest women in the qorld works here, food is yummy and tastes authentic.

Shriam Joshi

Yelp

Rosa is the best! Tacos are amazing, filled just right and seasoned right. Prices are great for what you get

Rae G

Yelp