Mexico Tipico — Restaurant in Union City

Nestled unassumingly along Mission Boulevard, Mexico Tipico in Union City is a family-owned gem that brings the warmth of a traditional Mexican kitchen to the Bay Area. With its old-school charm, attentive service, and richly flavored cuisine, this restaurant delivers a reliably satisfying experience—especially for those seeking comfort over flash.

Atmosphere

The moment you walk in, you’re greeted with the inviting aroma of simmering spices and sizzling meats. The interior is modest but welcoming colorful murals, and rustic décor evoke a sense of being in someone’s abuela’s dining room rather than a commercial establishment. It's casual and clean, with a friendly, local vibe. On weekends, the energy picks up with a mix of families, couples, and longtime regulars.

Service

Service here is personal and sincere. On my visit, we were seated quickly and never felt rushed. Our server was quick to offer recommendations and ensured our drinks were never empty. There’s a sense that many staff members have been part of the operation for years, and their pride in the food and service shows.

Food

The menu at Mexico Tipico covers all the classics, and then some. Standouts include:

Carne Asada Plate: A generous portion of marinated steak, grilled to perfection, served with fluffy rice, creamy refried beans, and fresh guacamole. The meat was tender, flavorful, and charred just enough for added depth.

Enchiladas Verdes: Stuffed with juicy shredded chicken and topped with tangy tomatillo sauce and melted cheese. A comforting, well-balanced dish that doesn’t overwhelm.

Chiles Rellenos: Lightly battered and perfectly roasted, the poblano pepper is filled with queso fresco and bathed in a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s a house specialty and a must-try.

The salsa served with the complimentary chips is lively and fresh, with just enough heat to wake up your palate. Margaritas are solid—generously poured, not overly sweet, and fairly priced.

Value

Portions are hearty, prices are fair, and the quality is consistently above average. Expect to spend about $15–$20 per entrée, with plenty of leftovers for the next day.

Final Verdict

Mexico Tipico isn’t trying to reinvent Mexican cuisine—it’s honoring it. While it may not offer trendy plating or Instagrammable cocktails, what it does offer is heart, authenticity, and flavor that keeps locals coming back for more. For a casual night out or a comfort-food fix, it’s easily one of the best Mexican dining options in Union City.

Pro Tip: Try to visit during lunch for great combo specials, and don’t skip the homemade flan for dessert—it’s silky,...

I am writing to formally express my deep disappointment and frustration with the treatment my family and I have received at your restaurant—not once, but on multiple occasions.

Several years ago, my party and I were seated under the patio canopy by one of your staff members, only to be approached shortly after by a bartender who told us that only "clean" people were allowed in that section. Not only was this statement deeply offensive and discriminatory, but we had also waited over 30 minutes just to receive menus before finally deciding to leave, feeling humiliated and disrespected.

Despite this incident, I decided to give your restaurant another chance this Mother’s Day, hoping for a better experience. Unfortunately, we were once again treated unfairly. Upon arriving with my brother, we were told we could not be served alcohol because, according to your bartender, someone (allegedly the manager) saw through the cameras that my brother "looked drunk." This judgment was made less than a minute after we sat down—he hadn’t even ordered a drink, and he wasn’t under the influence. This baseless assumption was not only inaccurate but incredibly embarrassing, especially as it happened in front of a full dining area filled with families.

This repeated pattern of judgment and poor service is unacceptable. Your staff consistently makes snap assumptions based on appearances, takes an unreasonably long time to serve customers, and clearly lacks proper training in customer service and respect. My family and I have been loyal patrons in the past, but we will no longer support a business that treats people this way.

I strongly urge management to take a serious look at how the bar staff and servers treat their guests. No customer should ever be made to feel unwelcome or embarrassed in a public setting, especially without reason. The boss manager and bartender are not...

We used to go to Mexico Tipico reasonably frequently in person. Management was noticeably rude, which was never great. The food was good, service was spotty, sometimes ok, sometime not good. But decent and local so we supported them.

Not any more. We ordered takeout tonight and they got my order wrong. Not the first time; it's happened a number of times before. A few times they have been rude enough that we said we wouldn't go back, but we did anyway. Not this time.

Got home and started eating, and realized the order was wrong. I called in and told my story to one person. He disappeared and the manager got on the phone. Had to tell him the whole story again, had to repeat myself a bunch of times (it seemed like he didn't believe me). His initial reaction? "What do you want me to do?" Are you kidding me? I would like the correct food and I would like my money back for the incorrect part of the order because now we have to drive in circles (already spent 30 minutes driving, now another 30 minutes). As I said, this is not the first time (probably the 4th or 5th time) they have gotten my order wrong and I told him that. I had just dealt with it before, but this was the last straw (they very randomly gave me something I can't even eat).

The manager was EXTREMELY rude when we went to pick up the correct food. I mean, if you screw up maybe you shouldn't be rude to your customers. On top of that, when I got the food home it was terrible. Almost inedible, the cheese enchiladas seem to have been made by frying the cheese separately and then rolling it in a tortilla... The cheese was all browned and greasy and tasted nasty. I have encountered this only once before in my life and I never went back to that restaurant. I will never to go back to Mexico...