Hot Shop

909 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA 94706, United States
+1 510-528-9011
$$$ Restaurant , Afghan restaurant , Mexican restaurant
(264 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Hidden away in Albany, California, Hot Shop is not just a restaurant; it’s a foodie’s treasure trove waiting to be discovered. This unassuming taqueria is a gem that fuses traditional Mexican flavors with a unique Cajun twist, making it a must-visit for those who crave something extraordinary. Located at 909 San Pablo Ave, the cozy atmosphere of Hot Shop invites casual dining with friends or a quick bite after work.

As you step inside, the aromatic blend of spices and sizzling ingredients greet you, setting the stage for an unforgettable culinary experience. The menu features an array of delectable dishes, but it’s the innovative fusion that truly steals the spotlight. Indulge in their famous Cajun Lamb Burrito, where tender lamb meets a bold, spicy Cajun sauce, carefully wrapped in a warm tortilla. Food enthusiasts rave about this creation, with one customer exclaiming it as a “culinary angelic creation.” If you’re in the mood for something a little lighter, the Veggie Fajitas provide a fresh and vibrant option, bursting with seasonal vegetables, grilled to perfection and served with your choice of sauces.

The charm of Hot Shop extends to their nachos, which set a new standard for this classic dish. Topped with their delightful garlic chutney and a special curry-inspired sauce, these nachos boast real cheese, void of the artificial “cheese sauce” found elsewhere. Customers have shared their joy at finding nachos that feel both indulgent and health-conscious, presenting a mix of textures and flavors that keep you reaching for more.

But it’s not just about the main menu—Hot Shop also offers a selection of vibrant drinks, including Jarritos for $8.25, perfectly complementing their bold dishes. Customers often commend the quick service and friendly owner, who enrich the dining experience with personal touches and warm engagement. This is a place where you not only enjoy delicious food but also feel the genuine hospitality that draws you back again and again.

Overall, if you are looking for a culinary adventure that breaks the mold of conventional Mexican cuisine, Hot Shop is an exciting destination. With its innovative menu and focus on fresh flavors, this restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience, whether you’re a local or just passing through. Don’t just take our word for it; the delighted customers and their rave reviews speak volumes about the magic waiting within these walls.

Whether you're planning a casual dinner or seeking an intriguing spot to impress out-of-town guests, Hot Shop is sure to elevate your gastronomic journey to new heights!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves comfort food
Serves halal food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with university students
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Somewhat difficult to find a space
Openings Hours

Monday

11:00 AM - 7:30 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 7:30 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 7:30 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 7:30 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 7:30 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 7:30 PM

Sunday

Closed

264 Reviews
UrbanGirl

16 Sep 2025

UNBELIEVABLE!!!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I’m picky! The fusion of his spicy Cajun sauce overtop - anything! Lol, but I did nachos, was SUBLIME. This place flies under the radar. I’d say re-name and re-brand to mach how completely scrumptious and unique and delicious it actually is! And it’s halalfor those who can which NEVER happens with Mexican! Nachos had REAL cheese not cheap “cheese sauce” which I can’t stand. If you’re a fan of cream sauce chilaquiles you’ll go NUTS for the nachos with this Cajun sauce (must ask for it). The owner couldn’t be nicer The location means prices are good - he filled the container up, feels like 5lbs lol, and with chicken it was $14.95 - and absolutely excellent and full of flavor!! Others there for the first time were also dying. Just go!

Max Blum

04 Sep 2025

This place is special; it's on my A-list for out of towners and I eat here once a month if not more. I'm sure the regular burritos are good, but where this place really shines is the owner's sauces. Don't sleep on the special menu! Cajun, Tropical, Teriyaki, etc... And his salsas! If he sold these for retail I'd take home all three of these regularly. The only reason I'd say stay away is so that there's no line when I want to go. There's a reason the Hot Shop wins Best Of Albany awards regularly. S-Tier burrito shop if you like flavor. Enjoy yourself!

LB

21 Jul 2025

Went here for a quick dinner. Shared nachos and a burrito. The nachos are interesting. Has a curry-ish sauce on top and shredded cheese with other toppings. Feels healthier than other nachos but the chips get real soggy since the sauce is watery. Comes with a great green sauce to put on top. The owner is friendly and the food comes fast. Would definitely come back!

Mohammad Afsar

11 Jul 2025

One of my favorite spots from when I was a student. The only place in the planet that serves Gourmet-Afghan-Cajun-Lamb-Burrito which is absolutely top notch. The sauces elevate the entire experience (especially the garlic chilli sauce and mint chutney ). The loaded nachos are glorious as well

Alexander Boulgakov

26 Jun 2025

A coworker recommended this place. $15.50 for a tasty cajun lamb burrito. The combination of lamb + the cajun sauce hit the spot. Three different auxilliary sauces, too, so you can freestyle as you eat. If you want to try a slightly different take on burritos, this is a great place!

Luna Salaver

14 Jun 2025

Hole in the wall taqueria with unique and delicious burritos. A neighbor highly recommended this taqueria so we drove 30 miles to check it out and we were glad we did. The menu selection is very different from a typical taqueria. We has the Cajun and the Garlic Lime both with lamb. DELICIOUS!

Natalia Chippa

01 Jun 2025

I am currently crawling around the floor of this restaurant searching for my jaw cause it fell clean off after I took my first bite of the angelic creation that is the Cajun lamb burrito. My partner got the Tropical, and Artichoke burritos, and they were both as mercilessly delicious as mine, though with flavors completely unique themselves. Three different sauces came with our food, and, as someone who was lost in the sauce long ago, I was extremely pleased. All the housemade sauces were uniquely spectacular; each bringing something new, and dynamic to the already formidable burritos we gobbled up with ravenous glee. The interior of the restaurant itself was nice, clean, and the pricing was great for food of this calibur. When I awoke this morning I had no idea I was going to experience a life-changing burrito, but here we are. I’ll definitely be back!

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