Calavera

2337 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612, United States
$$$ mexican restaurant
(1098 Reviews)

Welcome to Calavera, a vibrant Mexican restaurant nestled in the heart of Oakland at 2337 Broadway. This culinary gem invites you to embark on a flavorful journey through the rich tapestries of Mexican cuisine, where every dish tells a story and every bite ignites your senses.

As you step inside, you'll be enveloped by a casual yet lively atmosphere perfect for all occasions, whether you’re on a festive night out with friends or a cozy brunch with family. The dynamic decor and friendly service set the tone for an unforgettable dining experience.

Calavera’s menu is a treasure trove of authentic flavors, with a tantalizing array of mouthwatering offerings. For lunch, their Tacos De Camaron features perfectly sautéed shrimp paired with a zingy chipotle aioli and fresh pico de gallo, all artfully presented in crispy jicama tortillas—an explosion of textures and flavors. The Carne Asada Tacos, with marinated bavette steak and tomatillo-arbol salsa, and the succulent Carnitas Tacos bursting with braised pork shank will have you reaching for more. Don't miss their Cochinita Pibil Tacos, a Yucatan-style delight that’s roasted to perfection, making it a standout favorite among patrons.

On weekends, indulge in a sumptuous brunch with highlights including the delightful Coliflor, a mix of roasted cauliflower dressed in brown butter and spice, and the vibrant Elote Placero, where wood-fired corn meets chicatana aioli. And who could resist the allure of ethereal Churrodonas? These churros, paired with decadent Mexican chocolate and luscious passionfruit espuma, are worth the wait, ensuring a sweet end to your meal.

Past customers rave about their experiences, with many highlighting the flavorful offerings and unique cocktails. Hardik Sodhani notes the refreshing margaritas and casual vibe, while Cecilia VC emphasizes the delicious tortillas and the option of outdoor seating for a quieter dining experience. Dan Clark expressed a standout moment with their Cochinita Pibil, calling it among the best he's ever had.

The freshness and uniqueness of the dishes, combined with the restaurant’s fun atmosphere, create a dining spot that’s not only exciting but also comforting. With thoughtful dishes catering to various preferences, including vegetarian options and a lively drink menu, Calavera makes for an excellent choice whether you're grabbing lunch, brunching with friends, or enjoying a hearty dinner.

Join the crowd and discover why Calavera is becoming a favorite destination for anyone seeking genuine Mexican flavors in Oakland. Whether you're savoring your meal on the terrace or inside amidst the energetic ambiance, Calavera promises an experience that tantalizes your taste buds and leaves you longing for your next visit.

Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Sport
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Food
Happy-hour drinks
Happy-hour food
Small plates
Spirits
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Crowd
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
1098 Reviews
Hardik Sodhani

18 Sep 2025

An overall great place to go for some good Mexican food, a casual yet fun vibe, and friendly service. The quality of food was pretty good, but at times lacking some flavor that you usually hope to find in authentic Mexican cuisine. Margaritas were delicious and on point, definitely recommend going with the spicy option! Would come back here especially with large parties as they are very accommodating and flexible to seating arrangements and bringing out food in a timely manner.

Cecilia VC

11 Sep 2025

Very nice Mexican food experience, with good variety of dishes and (very importantly), delicious tortillas. Tinga tacos and refried beans were by far the best choices that we made, highly recommend. The main dining room gets quite noisy, but the terrace is a good alternative if you'd like to have a conversation while you eat (nicely heated too!)

Jaquelene M

14 Aug 2025

Came for dinner or a Friday night. Not super busy but steady. Service was good. Food portions sort of small, and on the pricey side. Food flavor was good and ingredients fresh! Drinks were unique and tasty. Rice and beans are vegetarian, no lard is used. I ordered the passion fruit princess drink and my friend ordered the corazón, the corazón jamaica gets stronger as the drink sits. The Passion fruit foam does flatten over time so drink it promptly because it is delicious! Overall good visit here, quality product but a little expensive for a basic Friday night dinner and drinks, spent around $90

Jose Gutierrez

07 Aug 2025

I had their fish tacos with a hibiscus and strawberry tea, along with their mushrooms appetizer with a mole sauce. Their flavors are interesting, I enjoyed my tacos and the app. The tea was a little too sweet for my liking considering hibiscus is a little more bitter/sour. The restaurant itself is in a great location, there’s a brewery only a few steps away with a plethora of other bars/breweries nearby. It’s open concept with a large patio and full bar. Their decor choices are done nicely to honor the Mexican tradition.

Dan Clark

01 Aug 2025

I actually considered giving them 5 stars, but tonight was the first time I've been there, so I'll see what I think on future visits. First impression was really good, food ranged from good to outstanding, drinks were tasty and strong, outdoor patio seating was very pleasant. The Cochinita Pibil may have been the best I've ever had, certainly in the top 2 or 3.

Vivek Nair

23 Jun 2025

Stopped by for lunch on the hottest day of the year. Guac was fresh, chips were thick and crispy. Both sets of tacos were divine. Mushroom tacos were very flavourful with pineapple. Chicken tacos were a bit spicy.

Shelley Costantini

21 Jun 2025

What a wonderful and lively place! I could spend every afternoon here enjoying delicious food and drinks. The margaritas are to die for, the guacamole comes with yummy chips--none I've ever had before I ordered a Mexican salad and added shrimp to it and it was fantastic. It does have bacon, so you can opt out if you want. Everything was fresh and the dressing was perfect. Every team member that I met was even nicer than the first. I look forward to returning.

Nathan Kam

09 Jun 2025

Rolled up on this place and so glad we did. Exceptional food, great cocktails and fun atmosphere. Definitely get the guacamole verde, pulpo asado (octopus), quesabirria with lamb, and the carne asada and cochinita pibil tacos. The flavors were incredible and our family loved it all. Wash it down with a margarita or other tasty cocktail. We’ll definitely be back the next time we’re in Oakland.

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