photo CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 by Jared Kelly
Mexicali Rose was a traditional Mexican restaurant across from the Police Administration Building in Old Oakland. Established in 1927, it was rumored to be the oldest Mexican restaurant in Oakland (not confirmed). Mexicali Rose is famous for its very bright pink paint-job. Its Mexican food is traditional Amer-Mexican food—don't expect greatness! Do expect cops eating.
When it opened in 1927, it was kittycorner from the current location across 7th and Clay. They were forced to move in the late 1970s for the construction of the Wiley Manuel Courthouse. 1
1958 2
1964 ad
Inside, the walls are covered in murals.
After 91 years and four generations, they closed on June 29, 2018.
Photos CC SA-BY Our Oakland:
Location
701 Clay Street
some kind of crazy sour cream filled creation. photo CC BY-NC 2.0 by pengrin™
CC BY-NC 2.0 by rocor
Links and References
- Mexicali Rose official website (via archive.org)
- Visiting the oldest Mexican restaurant in Oakland: Mexicali Rose Humid Beings
- Mexicali Rose - an Oaktown Classic Oaktown Life
- Restaurant Gets $71,000 Oakland Tribune December 5, 1979
- ohrphoto.dpoa1.035 Oakland History Center, Oakland Public Library
