Seemor
Rico Rico TacoBWorth Trying
3205 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland, CA 94610
· Mexican restaurant, Caterer, Takeout Restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (732 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Fresh-pressed tortillas, fast counter service, and standout tacos make this a reliable casual stop near Lake Merritt, though service inconsistency and occasional order errors can frustrate.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Rico Rico Taco delivers reliable quality through strong food quality—particularly praised al pastor and fresh tortillas—and exceptional speed that makes it ideal for quick pre-movie or lake visits. However, inconsistent service attentiveness, occasional quality misses like cold food, and recent operational friction prevent higher standing. A solid neighborhood pick rather than a destination worth planning around.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels bright and buzzing, with an open kitchen window where you can watch tortillas puff and tacos fly out quickly. One diner put it simply: "Fast, fresh, and flavorful; we were out in half an hour." Seating is compact with a few sidewalk tables, and at peak times delivery pickups can make the space feel a bit crowded. The cooking leans traditional taqueria—hand-pressed corn tortillas, well-seasoned al pastor, and satisfying burritos—more comfort than couture. Regulars praise the al pastor, carne asada, and shrimp tacos, while a few report off-days with cold food or rice-heavy burritos. Order at the counter, grab sauces, and expect your food to arrive quickly. Families do fine here thanks to a simple kids menu (burrito, quesadilla) and familiar taco fillings. Note that salsa can come standard on tacos, which caught some kids by surprise; ask for mild or on the side. Portions are sensible, prices are friendly, and there are enough basic choices for less adventurous eaters.
At a Glance
- Fresh tortillas and flavorful tacos, especially al pastor and carne asada
- Fast counter service ideal for pre-movie or lake visits
- Service inconsistency on phone orders and issue handling
- Limited seating; delivery pickups crowd the entry
- Occasional quality misses (cold food, rice-heavy burritos)
What Sets It Apart
- hand_pressed_tortillas
- lake_merritt_proximity
- speedy_counter_service
What People Love
- Fresh-pressed tortillas that elevate every bite
- Al pastor and carne asada tacos with bold flavor
- Speedy service that respects your time
- Reasonable prices for the quality
Points of Concern
- Service can be curt or unhelpful on phone and corrections, based on recent complaints
- Peak times feel cramped due to delivery pickups crowding the foyer
- A few reports of hair in food and restroom issues over years; majority still find it clean
- Review patterns show typical fast-casual variance, not manipulation, but recent negatives cluster around operations
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$18-$26 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Lean into taco trio with al pastor, carne asada, and camaron; add rice and beans to round it out
- Families: kids burrito or quesadilla ($6) plus a mild taco on the side
Perfect For
- Quick lunch before a movie at Grand Lake
- Casual taco night with friends
- Affordable family meal with simple options
- Takeout on the way to Lake Merritt
Location Insights
Area: Lively Lakeshore/Grand Lake corridor near Lake Merritt; mix of locals, moviegoers, and casual diners.
Safety: Generally busy and fine by day/evening; occasional street solicitation mentioned; typical urban vigilance advised.
Nearby: Near Grand Lake Theatre, Lake Merritt, bars like Heart and Dagger; weekend farmers market crowds.
Grand LakeGrand Lake is a bustling neighborhood centered around the Grand Lake Theater and Lakeshore Avenue, featuring a mix of independent restaurants, cafes, and shops. The dining scene is eclectic, with a strong emphasis on local and artisanal food, attracting a community-oriented crowd that values quality and diversity in cuisine.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–21:00
Tuesday11:00–21:00
Wednesday11:00–21:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–22:00
Saturday10:00–22:00
Sunday11:00–21:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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