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Mexico Lindo
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Mexico Lindo
7.5
Operating since the late 1980s, Mexico Lindo features live music and dancing every Friday and Saturday in their spacious dining rooms. The Apollo Barracho and chile rellenos showcase traditional preparations, while weekend brunch draws crowds for huevos rancheros.
Must-Try Dishes:
Apollo Barracho, Chile Rellenos, Tampiquena
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Live mariachi music and dancing on weekends
Who should go: Large groups seeking entertainment with dinner
When to visit: Friday/Saturday nights for live music
What to order: Apollo Barracho, chile rellenos, margaritas
Insider tip: Reserve for weekend nights to guarantee seating
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Massive Koll Center lot with hundreds of free spaces, never an issue any time
Dress code: Casual to dressy casual - people dress up for weekend music nights but jeans fine
Noise level: Very loud Friday/Saturday with live music, moderate other nights, difficult conversations during performances
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation on music nights, often fully booked by 8pm
Weekday lunch: No wait, spacious enough to handle business lunch crowds
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie combos, cheese enchiladas, chile rellenos, fajitas can be made vegetarian
Vegan options: Limited - can modify some dishes but not a strength, beans may contain lard
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available but kitchen not set up for strict gluten-free prep
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both love mariachi - Friday/Saturday music is LOUD and dominates the experience. Better for groups or try weeknight for quieter dinner
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually fine, but Friday/Saturday music nights often sell out. Sunday brunch gets busy 11am-2pm. Call ahead for groups over 6
Is it kid-friendly? Very - huge space means kids won't disturb others, high chairs available, kids love the music and dancing. Sunday brunch especially popular with families
Best For
Better for: Only place with live mariachi and dancing floor, biggest venue for parties/events, best Sunday Mexican brunch in Pleasanton, can handle groups of 50+
Skip if: You want intimate dining, craft cocktails, or modern Mexican. Choose Wild One for innovation or Blue Agave for upscale experience without the party atmosphere
Mexico Lindo
8.4
Full-service Mexican restaurant with a broad menu, shareable platters, and a later close compared with most in the area. Tacos come on griddled tortillas with well-seasoned meats and sides built for groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Birria Tacos with Consomé, Shrimp Tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Sit-down tacos with cocktails and a later close for Pleasanton.
Who should go: Groups wanting tacos and margaritas
When to visit: Fri–Sat after 8pm for easier tables
What to order: Birria tacos with consomé, carne asada tacos, shrimp tacos
Insider tip: Ask for the hotter house salsa—available by request.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface lot in the Koll Center complex with ample free parking after 6pm; easy weekend access.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and collared shirts are common, but many guests dress up a bit for night outings.
Noise level: Moderate — energetic bar chatter and music, but normal conversation works at most tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, especially before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — grilled veggie tacos, enchiladas, and salads are clearly marked.
Vegan options: Limited — can modify some items like veggie tacos or fajitas on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas and several entrées are naturally gluten-free; alert your server for celiac precautions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it balances casual comfort with a lively atmosphere and solid cocktails; the patio offers more privacy if you want a quieter spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially for smaller parties before 7:30pm. Larger groups should reserve on weekends to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably — high chairs available and service is accommodating, though the bar scene makes it better suited for older kids or early dinners.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-friendly taco nights and larger groups wanting full meals rather than grab-and-go tacos.
Skip if: You’re after quick takeout or quiet dining — go elsewhere for fast or low-noise meals.
Mexico Lindo
8.3
Full-service Mexican restaurant with a broad menu, margaritas, and later weekend hours compared to most nearby spots. Go for shareable platters and fajitas; the dining room handles groups without dragging ticket times.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super Molcajete Plate, Fajitas Norteñas (beef or chicken), Carne Asada
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Large-format plates and margaritas with later hours for the area.
Who should go: Groups wanting sit-down Mexican and cocktails
When to visit: Fri–Sat after 8pm when tables turn quickly
What to order: Super molcajete, fajitas norteñas, carne asada
Insider tip: Ask for extra house salsas—there’s a hotter blend on request.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Ample free lot parking shared with neighboring offices and eateries within Koll Center; spots available most hours.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and polos fine, but many patrons dress up slightly for group dinners or nights out.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is manageable in booths but louder near the bar and large tables after 8pm.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without reservation; faster bar seating available for small parties.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—dedicated vegetarian combo plates and enchiladas with rice and beans.
Vegan options: Limited—2–3 options; request no cheese or sour cream on vegetable fajitas or tacos.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas available; staff can guide safe menu choices but no dedicated prep zone.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re aiming for relaxed energy over fine dining—colorful atmosphere, margaritas, and shareable plates keep it easygoing but not overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes—walk-ins are common, though calling ahead for groups over four is smart on weekend nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—high chairs and a simple kids’ menu available; best suited for families before 8pm when the bar crowd picks up.
Best For
Better for: Larger groups who want sit-down Mexican with cocktails and faster pacing than downtown spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet, romantic dining or truly authentic regional fare—this leans festive and American-Mexican.
Mexico Lindo
8.0
Spacious, family-friendly dining room in Koll Center with a broad menu, from breakfast plates to sizzling fajitas. Plenty of parking and consistent portions make it easy for multi-generation dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chile verde, Shrimp fajitas, Pozole
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Large-format seating with broad menu and easy parking.
Who should go: Extended families and mixed appetites
When to visit: Weekend lunch for fastest seating
What to order: Chile verde, shrimp fajitas, pozole
Insider tip: Breakfast-anytime plates are available and great for kids.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Ample free surface parking in the Koll Center lot; spaces remain available even during dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly; jeans and relaxed attire are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but manageable; conversation is easy at most tables.
Weekend wait: Typically 20–30 minutes for larger parties during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait; immediate seating most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — plenty of meatless enchiladas, burritos, and veggie fajitas.
Vegan options: Limited — a few customizable dishes like veggie fajitas or rice and beans plates.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas and many plates can be adapted; ask your server for safe options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for romance, but great for a relaxed, low-pressure meal if you want conversation without formality.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are welcome and usually seated quickly; reservations help for groups over six on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — high chairs, booster seats, and a kids’ menu make it easy for families with children of any age.
Best For
Better for: Large family dinners and gatherings where everyone wants something different on the menu.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale ambience or craft cocktails — try Blue Agave Club downtown instead.
Mexico Lindo
8.1
Full-service Mexican restaurant with a broad menu and sit-down comfort. Street-style tacos share space with combo plates and margaritas, convenient for business lunches around Koll Center.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Street Tacos, Shrimp Taco, Al Pastor Taco
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Reliable sit-down option with a wide taco selection and parking.
Who should go: Office groups and sit-down diners
When to visit: Weekdays 11:30–1 for workday lunches
What to order: Carne asada tacos, shrimp taco, al pastor
Insider tip: Ask for extra lime and cilantro if you prefer street-style garnish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Private lot parking shared with Koll Center offices; spaces are usually available except peak weekday lunch hours.
Dress code: Smart casual; business attire common during weekday lunches, jeans and polos fine for evenings.
Noise level: Moderate; conversational during lunch but livelier during happy hour and dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated within 5–10 minutes; reservations help for parties of six or more.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several options like veggie fajitas, cheese enchiladas, and bean tacos.
Vegan options: Limited – a few plant-based tacos and salads available with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas and gluten-free plates upon request, but shared fryer use for chips.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual or second dates; the setting is lively and comfortable but more social than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for small parties; peak lunch and Friday dinner hours benefit from calling ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – family-friendly with high chairs, kid’s menu options, and quick service suitable for early dinners.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for sit-down taco meals with margaritas and space to linger, unlike smaller counter-service taquerias nearby.
Skip if: You’re craving quick street-style tacos or a quiet date-night vibe — faster or more intimate spots fit better.