Mesa Maguey — Restaurant in Oakland

This place is fabulous!

We tried the special – a braised pork dish – and the chicken mole. Both were completely delicious. We could tell that they were made with care and time because the meat melted in our mouths – it was very tender and not dry at all. You HAVE to try that mole – it was really outstanding. It was clear that this place does not rely – as many lesser-quality ones do – on salt and hot peppers to get all the flavor: everything had a complexity. We especially liked the pickled onion salsa(?) that came with the special and the black bean puree(?) that came with the mole. And it's noteworthy as well that each dish came with a slightly different bean and rice; it was not just a recombination of the same components each time.

Prices were in the $15-25 range for main dishes; chips and salsa for $5. A whole side of the menu was for drinks – we didn't order any but were impressed with the selection.

Friendly and attentive waitstaff who were knowledgeable about the menu and very patient as we took a long time to decide what to get.

Great ambiance: beautiful wall art, classy bar, colorful decorations yet tasteful. Music wasn't too loud on the Wednesday night we went. The waiter said they also have music and dance nights, so we'll have to go back to check those out.

Comparable to Comal in Berkeley but with slightly brighter and more casual...

We recently had the pleasure of visiting Mesa Maguey, the new mezcal bar in our area, and it was an outstanding experience! The ambiance is warm and inviting, perfect for both casual hangouts and special occasions.

The service provided by Leo and Ruben was exceptional. Leo’s deep knowledge about mezcal truly enhanced our visit. He was incredibly informative, sharing fascinating details about the different mezcal varieties and guiding us through a memorable tasting experience. Ruben was also fantastic, ensuring we had everything we needed and providing attentive, friendly service.

The food was absolutely delicious. We particularly enjoyed the tacos, chicken flautas, and tlayudas. Each dish was bursting with authentic flavors and expertly prepared. The Happy Hour menu offers great value with a diverse selection of tasty options.

The assortment of beverages is impressive, with a range of expertly crafted cocktails. Whether you're a fan of classic margaritas or looking to try something new like the Flor Silvestra or Mojito de Maracuya, there’s something for everyone.

Overall, Mesa Maguey is a fantastic addition to the Piedmont Ave area. With its outstanding service, knowledgeable staff, and delicious food and drinks, it’s definitely a place you’ll want to visit. Highly...

This place is amazing! A hidden gem for your for a full body experience for your eyes with gorgeous presentation of their foods and drink, nose (everything smells delicious!! The cocktails are aromatic too!) taste buds (we try something new each time and are always pleasantly surprised! 2 friends stated their chili relleno was the best they'd ever had in their life) , and mind as Leo walks you through his handcrafted mixology curations. His liquid therapy never disappoints😍

We attended Mexican Independence Day celebration and saw Ruben welcome each guest with pride.

After returning several times, we feel like extended family to the Mesa Maguey team.

The food is fresh and healthy from the state of Oaxaca. It’s like going on a food vacation that transports you to one of the best culinary delights.

Don’t miss this place!

There is a back room that can be used for parties and events. Holiday parties, birthdays, retirement, baby shower, reunions, ect would be an amazing way to...