One of the best places for tacos in Fruitvale. Convenient to bart but limited hours and days and sells out fast. The problem with this spot is probably what also makes it most alluring. Seemingly always closed or sold out. Its the taco you can't have. This has always been among the top taco spots in Fruitvale and I think often overlooked because its only open a couple days a week. Went today and everything was sold out except one type of pupusa. Vegetarian with no meat but still outstanding. Served super hot straight off the griddle. The thick cake was very satisfying and filled with beans and cheese. On top was some veggies and I opted for red salsa. All very fresh and very tasty. If your from out of the area and want a taste of Fruitvale tacos this is a good bet as its right at Fruitvale station. You could pop out the train real quick - but come early as they sell out fast.
Ultimo Baile is easily one of the best taco spots in Oakland--no question. For taco chasers like myself, it's a must-try. They used to have a storefront at Fruitvale Station, but has recently closed and has gone fully into catering and pop-ups. That just adds to the appeal--it's a little elusive and absolutely worth the hunt. Ultimo Baile is in my top five taco spots in Oakland, maybe even top three. These are northern-style tacos, which means you're getting expertly made flour tortillas by hand (they also offer corn) and, most importantly, a Sinaloa specialty you don't see often: vampiro tacos. A toasted tortilla with crispy cheese, piled with perfectly cooked meat and toppings--these are next-level. I'm not exaggerating when I say I've had dreams about the brisket vampiros. Oakland's taco scene is already strong, but Ultimo Baile brings something unique: true northern Mexico-style tacos with incredibly well-prepared meat, flawless toppings, and salsas that hit just right. If you love tacos, this is one to chase down. Follow @tacoselultimobaile on Instagram to track their latest pop-ups--you won't regret it.
This place is so good, one of the few taco places that I believe smokes all of their meats for their tacos. They also have a unique type of salsa that I have not seen in other locations. Not only is this place just top quality, but it is a rather unique flavor compared to many of the other taco places in Oakland making this one you have to hit up.
Tried their brisket tacos for the first time at the Prescott Market and the line was continuously long the entire time! It was definitely worth the wait! I recommend the brisket and carne asada tacos!
Tacos El Ultimo Baile mostly operates as a pop up at Humble Sea Brewing in Alameda on Saturdays. I wish their brick and mortar was open so I could get these delicious tacos all the time. My waist and wallet would hate me though. I was introduced to Tacos El Ultimo Baile at an A's game as the supplied hungry fans free tacos at the reverse boycott last summer. I went to show monetary support at a pop up and have been hooked on brisket tacos ever since. All of the meat offerings are delicious, but my favorites are brisket, chile colorado, pastor and now rib. The corn tortillas are good, but the fresh flour tortillas make my mouth water every time. Start time for the pop up can vary, but for these tacos, it's worth the wait. The owner, Dominic, also does catering so go check him out!
I was able to get the last vegetarian burrito of the day! Felt super lucky and as did my tummy. I've never had jamaica cooked as a meat substitute before but it was DELICIOUS. Kinda similar to people who use jackfruit, it has a similar texture but honestly a better bite to it. My partner got four tacos that he inhaled and honestly loved. Also there's a self serve salsa/toppings bar which is amazing. There's a few tables inside and also a cute outdoor patio to snack on your tacos and hangout! Definitely come and give this place a try if you can and even more so if you're not a meat eater!!
Like it's predecessor Nyum Bai, Tacos El Ultimo Baile is an unassuming gem. There were a few small groups of people outside, not really a line. Ordering was straight forward. Really enjoyed what I got, almost went back for more. * Vampiros with carne asada on flour tortilla: I wanted to try both types of tortillas (fish taco came on corn). Good portion, textures, and flavor. * Fish taco: delicate but didn't fall apart. Want to come back, particularly to try the brisket, Chile Colorado, and catch a Panadería Matilija pop-up if I'm lucky.
Tacos El Ultimo Baile opened where Nyum Bai was. infrastructure basically the same. indoor dining and outdoor seating. ordering is done inside. pay. food brought to table. mexican music in background. inside dining seating area is cramped. offerings (limited): tacos, vampiros, lorenzas, pozole menudo, sangria, beer, eats: menudo (12) -nice smooth texture with tender pieces of tripe and plenty of hominy. came with 2 corn tortillas, dried veggies, chili pods. can customize with fresh condiments from salsa bar. nice comfort food. asada/pastor handmade maiz tacos @4, flour +1. -not all choices were available -salsa bar inside near door, self garnished with onions, limes, radish, green salsa. -proteins were moist, tender, not overgrilled. 4.5 stars limited menu, not everything posted. take outs: -table was wobbly, outside seating mostly in the shade. -dining experience al fresco. inside spacing too confined.
Excellent tacos!! I tried the steak on corn tortilla and grilled chicken on flour tortilla. I really wanted the brisket but they didn't have it today.. The grilled chicken is really good, very tender, fully cooked, and nice flavor , didn't need a bunch of toppings The steak was great too. It wasn't chunky and didn't have a bunch of gristle like some places. I enjoyed both my tacos and the tortillas were very fresh too. The owner was nice and had a beautiful smile. A couple reviews said they are rude but I didn't experience anything but kindness. Definitely coming back to try the brisket and the veggie
In my hunt to find the best Mexican spots in Oakland, I've named a top contender in Tacos El Ultimo Baile! While they only offer a small menu, there's nothing simple about their food. Amazing fresh meat (al pastor and pollo were both incredible) tasty homemade tortillas, and an awesome salsa bar with, believe it or not, guacamole! You gotta get at least one taco as a vampiro taco as they come with a layer of melted cheese underneath the meat! Can't wait to return to try their birria tacos/bowls and tamales!