Centro Cocina Mexicana

4.6

206 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Top Tags:

A staple in the Sacramento dining scene for over 25 years, Centro Cocina Mexicana offers the most authentic regional Mexican cuisine in Sacramento in a festive and colorful atmosphere. Located on the corner of 28th & J Streets, Centro has remained one of the best Mexican restaurants in the region due to its commitment to using local products and house made ingredients. The craft bar with an extensive list of tequilas, (300 and counting) infusions, and margaritas served by the friendly, energetic staff creates a truly unique restaurant experience.

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Takeout

(916) 442-2552

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Mexican, Regional Mexican
Hours of operation
Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(916) 442-2552
Website
http://www.centrococina.com/
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Kurt Spataro
Private party facilities
Centro offers a back room that accommodates up to 30 guests sit down in multiple table configurations. For cocktail parties, the room accommodates up to 50 guests. There are private dining menus as well as customized menus available. Please contact pmt.megan@paragarys.com for more information.

Location
2730 J St, Sacramento, CA 95816-4314
Neighborhood
Sacramento
Cross street
28th
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wi-Fi available, Wine

Popular dishes

Guacamole$9.00
Avocado, onion, serrano Chile, tomato, queso fresco
Camarones y Calamares$16.00
Marinated & grilled monterey bay squid & shrimp, cilantro, serrano Chile, lime juice, oregano, pickled onions
Tostadas de Pollo$13.00
Crisp tortillas with pulled chicken, black bean puree, avocado, cabbage, pasilla Chile sauce, cotija cheese
Repollitos$7.00
Roasted brussels sprouts with salsa macha
Taquitos$10.50
Crispy rolled tacos with chicken, jalapeño, tomatillo-avocado salsa, cabbage, cotija cheese
Queso Fundido$13.00
Iron skillet of melted jack and oaxaca cheeses with rajas, caramelized onions, house-made chorizo, warm flour tortillas
Quesadillas de Epazote$12.00
Crispy masa turnovers filled with sierra Nevada jack cheese, roasted chiles; guacamole & morita Chile salsa
Molotes de Platano$12.00
Plantain turnovers stuffed with chipotle seasoned black beans, crema, mole oaxaqueno, queso fresco
Ceviche$15.00
Lime marinated market fish, avocado, onion, cucumber, serrano Chile, cilantro, lime, green olives, tortilla chips

Sopas y Ensaladas

Sopa de Tortilla$7.50
Roasted tomato broth, queso fresco, avocado, pasilla Chile, tortilla strips
Caldo Tlalpeno$8.00
Mexican chicken soup with chickpeas, carrots, avocado, chipotle Chile, lime
Pozole$15.00
Pork and hominy soup seasoned with ancho and guajillo chiles; garnished with onion, avocado, cabbage, radish, lime
Col Rizada con Quinoa$13.00
Salad of dino kale, quinoa, pomegranate, roasted kabocha squash, manchego cheese, pumpkin seeds, chipotle-citrus dressing
Ensalada de Gemas Pequeñas$14.25
Little gem lettuce, crispy carnitas, radish, red onions, queso fresco, avocado dressing
Calamares a la Parilla$14.00
Marinated & grilled squid, garlic, Chile de arbol, cilantro, mixed greens, radishes, pickled red onions, herb dressing
Ensalada Picada$16.50
Chopped salad of grilled, marinated chicken breast, romaine, avocado, chioggia beets, pickled ancho Chile, queso fresco, cilantro dressing

Enchiladas

Enchiladas de Calabeza$18.50
Butternut squash, chard, shiitake mushrooms, queso oaxaca, roasted tomato-chipotle sauce, steamed rice, black beans, crema, cotija cheese
Enchiladas de Pollo$18.50
Pulled chicken, tomatillo sauce, radishes, onion, cotija cheese, crema, steamed rice, whole pinto beans
Enchiladas Oaxaqueñas$18.50
Pulled chicken, mole negro, crema, cotija cheese, sesame seeds, steamed rice, refried black beans

Platos Fuertes

Pescado al Mojo de Ajo$25.00
Grilled market fish, roasted garlic-chipotle Chile salsa, bloomsdale spinach, steamed rice, plantain
Camarones a la Talla$25.00
Wood-grilled market shrimp with ancho & guajillo Chile rub, brussels sprouts, braised butter beans
Tamales de Pollo$18.00
Fresh masa, seasoned chicken, tomatillo sauce, crema, steamed rice, pinto beans
Asada de Puerco$20.00
Wood-grilled pork carnitas with cascabel salsa, grilled vegetables and onions, black beans
Manchamanteles$22.00
Slow-cooked pork shank in a sauce of ancho chiles and spices; with grilled pineapple, plantain, sweet potato tamales
Cochinita Pibil$20.00
Yucatan style slow roasted pork in achiote rub & citrus juices; steamed rice, pickled red onions, habanero salsa
Carne Asada$23.00
Wood grilled flank steak, refried black beans, oaxacan pasilla Chile sauce, enchilada of smashed yukon potato, queso fresco, grilled red onions

Tacos y Burritos

Choose any two $16.75. Served with rice & choice of whole black beans, refried black beans or pinto beans

Tacos de Camote
Sweet potato, shiitake mushrooms, rajas, morita chjile salsa, queso fresco
Taco de Pescado
Market fish with achiote rub, habanero salsa, avocado, cabbage slaw
Taco de Camarones
Crispy shrimp, mango salsa, cabbage slaw, chipotle crema
Taco de Pollo
Shredded chicken, onion, garlic, tomato, radish, serrano Chile, avocado-tomatillo salsa, shredded cabbage, cotija
Taco de Carnitas
Braised pork, de arbol salsa, cilantro, onion
Taco de Carne Asada
Ancho Chile rubbed flank steak, poblano chiles, caramelized onion, cascabel salsa, cilantro
Burrito de Pollo
Shredded chicken, onion, garlic, tomato, radish, serrano Chile, avocado-tomatillo salsa, cabbage, cotija
Burrito de Carnitas
Braised pork, de arbol salsa, cilantro, onion
Burrito de Chorizo y Papas
House-made pork sausage, potatoes, roasted poblano chiles, cilantro, crema
Burrito de Papas y Rajas
Potatoes, roasted poblano chiles, onions, cilantro, crema, roasted tomato salsa

Acompañamientos

Veraduras en Escabeche$3.75
House pickled vegetables & chiles
Frijoles de Olla$4.00
Black beans, onion, garlic, epazote
Frijoles Refritos$4.00
Refried black beans
Frijoles Charros$4.00
Pinto beans, bacon, tomato, chiles, onions
Arroz con Platanos$5.00
Steamed rice, fried plantains, sesame seeds
Espinaca$5.00
Sauteed spinach, garlic, onion
Papas y Rajas$4.00
Potatoes, roasted chiles, onions

What 206 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.6

4.6 based on all time ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.4Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

Filters

OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Our friends were an hour late, but the staff was great about it. We ate and our friends ordered when they got there. The food was awesome. The sweet potato tamale side was our favorite. Sat outside, which was occasionally noisy but enjoyable as the weather was great.
T
Tmurph
San Francisco
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on May 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and service, our favorite Friday night dinner restaurant.
j
jen123
Sacramento
9 reviews
vip
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 23, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience5
Service was great. Food needs a little more flavor. Chicken was bland. Guac was very tasty.
a
aliyahs
Sacramento
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on May 16, 2022
overall2food1service1ambience3
the service was alright and definitely would not come back
T
Tmurph
San Francisco
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service, food and the best Margaritas in California.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall2food4service2ambience4
Waitress had great service and food was delicious but it took over an hour to receive appetizers. One appetizer was forgotten but waitress removed charge. Main dish took about 20-30 min after to receive.
JU
JoanneU
Sacramento
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
This was my second time eating here and the food was very good. Their guacamole is the best. I also love their Margarita infusions. This visit was Mother's Day and it was very crowded but bring that the service was fast and efficient.
C
Chris
Sacramento
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Even slammed on Mothers Day the meal was amazing as usual
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sacramento
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall4food5service3ambience5
Food is delicious. It was disappointing that we booked a reservation and we still had to wait 30mins to get a table after we saw few party's arrive with no reservation and get a table before us. Other than that everything was good.
l
lollyc
Sacramento
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall4food3service4ambience4
Great for drinks and appetizers. Entrees...not so much. Quesadilla more like hard, deep fried empanadas and fish in taco had a strange taste. Should have asked what kind of fish. Service was very good.
LL
LuLuB
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 22, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great food, atmosphere and excellent staff
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Love this place!
DM
DeniseM
Cincinnati
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 19, 2022
overall4food3service4ambience4
Sat outside - so noise level much better than inside
AZ
AlephZen
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
Fantastic. Great food and the people have been reliably friendly and on the ball. A definite go-to for Mexican --- in a state where that cuisine is obviously a strong suit. Easy recommendation.
RG
RobinG
Sacramento
97 reviews
vip
4.0
97 reviews
Dined on April 13, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Everything was terrific.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience, great food!
MD
MarchDiners
Sacramento
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on April 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We really enjoyed the delicious food and we were provided with great service. The seating, booth, was comfortable and we really enjoyed our time out.
S
Sactokaren
Sacramento
105 reviews
vip
5.0
105 reviews
Dined on April 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
April is shrimp month, so I had the Shrimp Diabla. It came with rice, asparagus, and avocado slices. I was delicious and filling. I brought half of it home. Since it was National Burrito day, one of my friends ordered the two burrito dinner. He had chorizo and carnitas. He cleaned his plate. My other friend ordered a margarita and the taquito appetizer. Our server was attentive without hovering. He gladly offered us separate checks.
R
Racecat777
Sacramento
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on April 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always awesome at Centro! Richard, our server was phenomenal as he was sooo attentive! We will be back!
JD
JoshD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great service and the food was amazing. We are vegetarian and found great variety from appetizers to entrees. Had to leave for a show so no time for dessert as they were busy but they all sounded great.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sacramento
11 reviews
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on March 27, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Kaitlyn was our server and she did a good job.
TS
TomSacto
Sacramento
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on March 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
If you want good Mexican food and a great selection of margaritas this is the place. Also, very friendly staff.
TJ
TheJohnsons
Sacramento
11 reviews
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience2
Real mixed bag. A couple very good dishes, an okay dish and a fail. Sangria was not sangria and was disappointing. Beer and wine list had something for everyone. Service was stretched thin but did pretty good. Annoying Mexican music was too loud for table conversation.
SJ
SusanJ
San Francisco
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love Centro! Great food & service & vibe:)
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent server and food! Thank you.
J
Jeffreyb
Las Vegas
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 16, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
A relaxing meal. Great mole on top of stuffed plantains. Excellent churros for dessert.
M
Maureen
Tahoe
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2022
overall5food5service3ambience5
We can INHALE the chips and salsa! We can’t help ourselves! We crave it and we each want our OWN bowl of salsa and our own bowl of chips! Great food but when we ask for our own little bowl of salsa, don’t say YES and then not bring it. Charge us if you think we asked for too much! Food was delicious, as always!
CS
ChuckS
Columbus
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on March 5, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
The staff is very friendly and attentive.
HT
HelenT
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such friendly service and the food and drinks were excellent!
M
Maureen
Tahoe
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place is amazing The best guacamole and salsas/chips We always get too full on them!! All 5 stars except.. when you miss happy hour (3-5), you miss out on some appetizers NOT available on regular menu or in the dining room This is sad! We love their happy hour food!
S
Steve
Sacramento
167 reviews
vip
4.0
167 reviews
Dined on February 24, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
A fun restaurant. The monthly Dungeness crab specials were good, especially the tacos. Good beer on tap. Great service, unhurried even though it was past closing time.
DL
DavidL
San Francisco
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I always like hosting my friends here when they come to town and they always love it.
HR
HelenR
Sacramento
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2022
overall3food3service5ambience3
The hostess was very friendly and hard working, cleaning off a table for us right away. Waiter was very friendly and accommodating. It was a bit too loud for my taste. I did not like only green salsa option with the chips. I did not like white rice with the beans. But I am very picky about Mexican cuisine and felt the food was bland though not unpalatable, just not my taste.
TM
TanyaM
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 23, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience4
The Salsa was delicious. The anticipated Crab enchiladas were just ok. They were meaty, but Not as flavorful as expected. I also would have preferred Mexican rice versus the steam rice option only. The entree also quite pricey!
SC
SacCeeMac
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Lured by the promise of Dunguness crab in dishes to celebrate February, my group of 3 enjoyed all the three specials on offer: crab salad, crab tacos and crab enchiladas. I had the salad and loved the presentation and flavors. My guests found the tacos especially good. A good local beer and margarita with a fruit infusion balanced the dishes. Although the mango-berry-and-something-else colored the beverage a gorgeous pink, the flavor was nearly unnoticeable; it still was a delicious lime-forward margarita with a modest half rim of salt (perfect for me). Service was excellent and our food arrived quickly. The chips and two salsas were very good, especially the tomatillo green salsa. We’ll definitely return!
DO
DONNYV
Sacramento
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great time. Food was awesome. Love the salsa!
A
Alex
Exclusive
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 16, 2022
overall3food4service2ambience3
It was a birthday treat but it wasn’t acknowledged
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sacramento
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Would definitely return. Great service, good food.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Sacramento
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2022
overall3food3service1ambience1
It was Valentine’s Day so everyone was rubbing around like crazy. Service was horrible but the food came out great.
S
Speak916
San Francisco
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2022
overall3food3service2ambience2
We were seated outside. The heaters weren't working. There was an electrician working on them. It was Valentine's day and there was a special menu for that. We were given the menus however the waiter said the specials weren't available until 5:00. The food was pretty good and the drinks were great. It was a very forgettable meal and experience, especially for Valentine's day.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Centro Cocina Mexicana using the Order Online button. Centro Cocina Mexicana also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (916) 442-2552.

Centro Cocina Mexicana is rated 4.6 stars by 206 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(916) 442-2552

Other options

Order online

Additional information

Cross street
28th
Neighborhood
Sacramento
Hours of operation
Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Mexican, Regional Mexican
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Kurt Spataro
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wi-Fi available, Wine

Website
http://www.centrococina.com/
Phone number
(916) 442-2552
Private party facilities
Centro offers a back room that accommodates up to 30 guests sit down in multiple table configurations. For cocktail parties, the room accommodates up to 50 guests. There are private dining menus as well as customized menus available. Please contact pmt.megan@paragarys.com for more information.

Centro Cocina Mexicana

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Additional information

Torta de Carnitas

Burrito de Carnitas

Enchiladas de Calabeza

Antojitos

Guacamole$9.00

Camarones y Calamares$16.00

Tostadas de Pollo$13.00

Repollitos$7.00

Taquitos$10.50

Queso Fundido$13.00

Quesadillas de Epazote$12.00

Molotes de Platano$12.00

Ceviche$15.00

Sopas y Ensaladas

Sopa de Tortilla$7.50

Caldo Tlalpeno$8.00

Pozole$15.00

Col Rizada con Quinoa$13.00

Ensalada de Gemas Pequeñas$14.25

Calamares a la Parilla$14.00

Ensalada Picada$16.50

Enchiladas

Enchiladas de Calabeza$18.50

Enchiladas de Pollo$18.50

Enchiladas Oaxaqueñas$18.50

Platos Fuertes

Pescado al Mojo de Ajo$25.00

Camarones a la Talla$25.00

Tamales de Pollo$18.00

Asada de Puerco$20.00

Manchamanteles$22.00

Cochinita Pibil$20.00

Carne Asada$23.00

Tacos y Burritos

Tacos de Camote

Taco de Pescado

Taco de Camarones

Taco de Pollo

Taco de Carnitas

Taco de Carne Asada

Burrito de Pollo

Burrito de Carnitas

Burrito de Chorizo y Papas

Burrito de Papas y Rajas

Acompañamientos

Veraduras en Escabeche$3.75

Frijoles de Olla$4.00

Frijoles Refritos$4.00

Frijoles Charros$4.00

Arroz con Platanos$5.00

Espinaca$5.00

Papas y Rajas$4.00

Overall ratings and reviews

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Screening

FAQs

Does Centro Cocina Mexicana offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Centro Cocina Mexicana restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

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Additional information