Picante Berkeley

You can get most every kind of common Mexican dish at Picante. I am pretty partial to the burritos (the Chorizo y Papas is delicious) but everything is good.

It's really hearty, but not at all greasy or too cheesy like other Mexican places can be.

It's a counter-style restaurant which also does take-out. They make everything fresh there and it shows. They have an awesome salsa selection and a good beer library.

It's pretty kid friendly and pretty busy. There are definitely too many kids in here, unless you really like kids. You can usually get a table though.

They also do a brunch, which I haven't tried, but looks pretty delicious.

Picante is a special place - gourmet food, yet a casual, cafeteria style place. It has a full bar - and several types of tap beer.

What makes them special is they do authentic mexican cooking - with chile's that you wont find in the US. They make special trips to Mexico to get the best spices, and use local organically grown vegetables. They make their own tortillas. Everything is made from scratch.

The dishes I really recommend are: Either burrito's or platta's with the carnitas (pork), or chile verde. They also server brinch starting at 10AM - the best Huevo Ranchero's you will ever taste - outside of Mexico. Ranch eggs that are fresh...

I've been going to Picante since the 80's when it was under different ownership. The quality was good then, and its actually improved over time. The new owner has elevated the level of cooking and service and cleanliness.

PROS: The food is great, and its a real Berkeley experience
CONS: Can get busy (and noisy) around dinner time.

A total kid-fest. I can't believe it sometimes when we go, how many kids and babies there are! The bonus there is they have a bar, so (if you are at all indulging yet, or for your husband and friends), margueritas are available to soothe those jangling new parent nerves!

The food is pretty authentic and very tasty. To top it off, it appears to be prepared in a healthy manner, unlike many Mexican restaurants that I've been to. The prices are reasonable and the staff are always friendly and efficient.

PROS: Kid-friendly, good food, never a long wait for the food
CONS: