La Imperial Restaurant

Great food! Love the chicken fajitas! Friendly staff. Can't wait to go back. And the chips and salsa are to die for! more

The burritos are big, but not tasty. In no way were the burritos there authentic, instead so far away from authentic. It was truly a disappointment and we haven't returned since. Found a really good burrito spot named, Senaida's (I believe). Been going there ever since. more

My husband and I have been regular customers at ""Mama Gilbert's"" (La Imperial) since before we met - going on thirty years now. This is not just good Mexican food, but also wonderful, comfort food, prepared and served with love by a beautiful family. Whenever we have visitors from out of town, we try to bring them here for a taste of local Hayward color. Yummy chips/salsa & guacamole... Cold beer, delicious Machaca. Comfy atmosphere. If you're never been - go tonight! more

I love the food at La Imperial. We have been going there for at least 20 years now and their family feels like part of my family. The food is just what you would expect; family recipes that mamma used to make and her sons and daughters ready to share them with you. The best part is the atmosphere, it feels just like going over to a friend's house for great, ""Mexican,"" food. Everyone is friendly and very laid-back, and best of all, the prices are great. Stop in sometime to chat and enjoy some great home style food. Pros: Great food, friendly staff more

I've been coming to this resturant with my family for years. We always have a great time. The staff is really laid back and great to get along with. The food's incredible!!! No matter what we order on the menu, we know it's nothing less than perfect. The ambiance isn't all that great, but it feels like home. Great beer, great food, great time. And it's the only place my daughter can order a cherry 7up! It's like the cherry on top. Just one more thing to love about this place!!! Pros: Service, Food, Price Cons: No Hard Liquor, No Margaritas more

My husband and I started eating at La Imperial as early as 1972. We have enjoyed many a meal at La Imperial. It is a family ran business so it's very casual. The quality, taste and quantity of food served has not changed in the past 30 years. When you order your food, they prepare it. It's not one of those places where the food is stored and heated in the oven/microwave prior to serving i.e. ""don't touch the plate it is very hot"". You won't find any MSG in their food, it's prepared daily with the loving hands of the family that have been making it since the early 70's. If it's good food you want, it's good food you'll get. The prices are extremely reasonable and I have friends who come from out of state and the first place they want to eat at is La's! Pros: Price, Food Taste, Quantity Cons: Service, Ambiance more

The 9.0 rating was very misleading. It was more like very average food at a very average restaurant. The server was unpleasant; the food was made with cheap materials very thin tortilla, and very low quality cheese. I would not recommend this restaurant to anybody. Pros: Cheap Cons: Cheap more

I've lived all over the Bay Area and for 30+ years I've eaten at hundreds of Mexican places and La Imperial has yet to be topped. That goes for SoCal joints as well. La Imperial could easily double their prices and still be way worth it. The wait staff is top notch and friendly as hell. You haven't been to the real Bay Area until you've been here. Come hungry. Pros: otherworldly food, cheap prices, legendary Cons: no wet Tshirt contest more

Great informal place: TV up in the corner, big comfy booths, pinatas, funky murals. Family-run and friendly for over 25 years. Real lard. Real beer (no hard liquor). If you're looking for low-salt or low-fat, forget it. This is not your nouveau-healthy Mexican, but it just might be the absolute best Mexican place around. I've been eating here since 1982; nothing else compares. Pros: best rice & beans, Great value, Cheery and casual Cons: NOT low-fat, NOT low salt, No hard liquor more

Excellent burritos, good choice of cervesas. Best frijoles refritos around. Best place to be after a Raider game. Funky jukebox and pinatas as well. Oh- best salsa too. The gem of Lady Hayward.---GO. Tell 'em Martin sent you. Pros: beer, burritos, girls more

Good Pros: Inexpensive Cons: Parking more