La Taza De Cafe

04/22/09

Poor Service and Food Not Very Good

by CarlosSt

Tonight my girfriend and I decided to try La Taza de Cafe. I have heard many good things about it, and the idea of going some place that sounded fun and tasty was to hard to resist. But the experiences ended up being memorable for not so good reasons. When we arrived, we were not asked where we would like to be seated, and on this hot day, outside would have been the prefered place, but we were steered to the inside middle room. I had to open the window myself. The waitress was kind, but the service was very slow, and just getting a glass of water or a drink was a major effort for me. I walk with a cane, and I had to get up and find a waitress or busperson to serve us. When we did ask for water from three different people when seated, we never received water. So stars off for service.

The food was not up to the price. We had several small plates. Most were bland. The paella was not good at all, the dish lacked any flavor, even with the chorizo. The best item on the menu was the asperagus with ham. Lets give them a star for that dish.

The drinks where O.K. but then again you have to get them in a timely manner.

The bill with tip came to 120.00. I am giving this one star only to be nice, but I could not recomend this place to anyone. I am sorry for having to say this.

• Pros: Nice location
• Cons: Poor Service and Bland Food

08/06/07

Nuevo Cubano Intrigue

by oaktowngal

I know this sounds like sacriledge, but I wish my mother would have cooked Cuban food like this. I know, I know you aren't supposed to badmouth your mom's cooking, but... the Lechon Asado I had at La Taza over the weekend, was the best. Being Cubana, via Miami, I've eaten my share of Lechon Asado. Though I still think my mom's Ropa Vieja was better, it's the idea that there putting a twist on the dishes that is especially appealing. Try the Costillas de Guayaba...smoky, tangy sauce, really Good! Finished with a Cafe Cubano, my central nervous system thanked me. Want to go back on another Saturday to hear the Cuban Son and get a table on the patio this time. Viva La Taza!

• Pros: Serious Mojito, Cool/Cozy Ambience, Interesting Dishes

06/22/07

Best tapas in the Bay Area! Definately worth the wait!

by oaklander9

I have been hearing raves from so many people about this place and we finally made it in. What were we waiting for? We had one of the greatest experiences out we have had in months, and we go out a lot. The food was superb. The service, informed and attentive. It is incredible when you find a place that not only has a large selection of interesting takes on authentic dishes but actually has at least some clue on how to prepare them. I was very impressed with the quality of the food and it was certainly an added bonus to be able to dine outside on the tropical setting of the patio. Something else that most venues in the area are unable to cater to. I would definitely give this place the thumbs up for those looking for delicious food and a greatly welcoming atmosphere.

• Pros: Delicious plates, welcoming atmosphere, Hip vibe
• Cons: Nada

12/02/06

Incredibly tasty tapas. Best place you may have never heard of !!!

by fisherking

Not enough good things to say about this place. I have had almost all the dishes, and each one is very good, and very tasty. The plates are small (they are tapas), and consequently one has to order many in order to get a full meal. But being that tapas are all the rage right now, I like this place as a nice alternative to Cesar in Berkeley and Oakland. As I said already - the food is VERY good. Each bite is full of flavor, and the ropa vieja is incredible. So good, I wish I could have just paid extra and gotten a bowl of this delicious shredded beef stew. Atmosphere is nice too, and I have been there with 2 people, and with several, and it was good both ways, although you benefit more from having a larger party, so that you can order more, and try more of the dishes. The only negative thing (and to anyone who eats tapas, this is HUGE) is that they do not have a liquor license, and therefore only offer a very limited number of wine/champagne based drinks. I cannot understand how someone could open such a great place, and not realize that if you are doing CUBAN FOOD, there NEEDS TO BE RUM! If they can get this one detail sorted out (buy the license already), then this place will be king. But I don't know how anyone can eat tapas and not want a glass of sherry, or brandy, or rum. So if the alcohol part is secondary, then definitely go here. If you want great tapas AND the best alcohol selection this side of the Mississippi, go to Cesar. Actually the owner of La Taza should take a cue from that spot, and attempt to create as diverse a selection of alcohol as they have. Plus La Taza needs to know - great food may bring people in, but great alcohol will keep them there. None the less, go eat here.

• Pros: VERY tasty tapas/antojitos.
• Cons: NO LIQUOR LICENSE!

Editorial Review

by Contributor

Festive Cuban cafe with live jazz and Latin belly dancing serves 30 different tapas-style dishes plus red and white sangrias.

08/02/06

Hot Latin Sounds: CUBANACAN!

by janikp

The food is delicioso, the drinks are muy exotico, but it is the hot Latin Sounds that make this the PLACE to be in Oakland on a Saturday eve. The CUBANACAN TRIO presented us with an unexpected delight in the authenticity of their renditions of classic favorites.

• Pros: MUSICA

04/08/06

An Evening Well Spent! Great Neighborhood Spot!

by cantaroo

I first ventured upon La Taza as they were putting their new sign up, and have since dined there twice. Both meals were extraordinary - the Salmon Mojito, the grilled Lamb Chops, and the seared Scallops were all notably delicious. Service was excellent with an infectious enthusiasm. The waiter was attentive and polite without being overbearing, and, when I didn't like the choice of wine that he'd suggested for me, he immediately whisked it away and brought me another without my asking. The night was topped off with a seat in the bar for a port flight while listening to Brasilian singer. Great! Probably among the best meals that I've ever experienced.

• Pros: Atmosphere, Food, Port Flights

04/08/06

User review by mirthaq

by mirthaq

They were good at their last location, but now I would say they are excellent! The waiters, bartenders and all other staff are very attentive and friendly and seem to be completely all about the guest. The food was great, the dim lights makes for a romantic atmosphere. Definatley a ten in my book! The sangria was fabulous, and the tapas offered were wonderful. We are food lovers, and we were completely won over. We ordered almost everything on the menu and it was all delicious. We are so glad we have a place in the area to have great food and listen to live music. I will be telling everyone I know about this place. We'll definitely be back.

• Pros: Excellent Food, Attentive Service, Comfortable Atmospher

04/05/06

Total Disappointment

by valabra

I am always on the lookout for this kind of cuisine. I had been looking forward to going to this restaurant all week. Well, the food was not good. I had the baby spinach salad--it tasted like it was mass produced in a cafeteria, the tostones-they were burnt and dry )how you you get this wrong!!!??), the ropa vieja- it tased old and salty, the snapper alamadine-it smelled like bleach and the yucca frita-it was bland and when we wanted salt we could not find our waitress so we had to get up and find it for ourself. The place was freezing and the worst part of all of it wa that it is sooo expensive. This is just not a good example of good cuban/latino cooking.

• Pros: The wine was good
• Cons: Bad food, Too expensive, Below average

10/23/05

Feeling back at home @ La Taza Bodega en Oakland

by geneveve

I have been here in the states for about 9 months from beautiful Argentina. Having nostalgia for my Buenas Aires I have found a place that brings me back. The interesting mix of foods from my country y Cuba, delicioso. Our server, from Colombia was so nice and attentive. She explained all our questions. This place really brought me back to a Bodega in Buenas Aires I was regular at. My sister comes next month. La Taza will be the first stop for a wonderful dinner. Charming.

• Pros: FOOD, Ambience, Servicio