Insider Pages Reviews for Picante Berkeley

5 Stars: I love Picante! (by Iram O.)

Iram O. — Sun, 10 May 2009 19:03:00 GMT

I eat Mexican food often, and usually have trouble finding a good, traditional Mexican food restaurant. I have been going to Picante for a couple of years now, and still find it to be one of the best restaurants. Everything I have tried, is absolutely amazing! Even the most simple foods, such as a kids bean and cheese burrito, is delicious! The food is very authentic and filled with flavor that will have you drooling for more. The service is really fast! You order, find a seat, wait about 5-10 minutes and an employee will come out with your food hot and ready to eat. The only thing I don't like about Picante is finding a place to sit! So many people go (because the food is amazing, and everyone knows it), so it's difficult to find a decent table at times. There are tables inside and out (with heaters out back just in case someone beats you to a table inside). A great place to go with the family, some friends, with a date, or alone. I recommend this restaurant to everyone, especially those who are looking to find real Mexican food!

5 Stars: Icon of the Community (by Alon S.)

Alon S. — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:03:00 GMT

It seems that everyone has eaten here that I speak to and many make it their Mexican regular. It is a great place to take the kids - they can watch the tortillas being made and will always be offered one while we are waiting to order.

Great to be able to sit outside. The portions are of fair size and always tasty.

Enjoyed the Pina Colada.

4 Stars: Really tasty Mexican food (by Brandon K.)

Brandon K. — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:15:00 GMT

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.

5 Stars: Gourmet Mexican, Reasonable Prices (by Doug S.)

Doug S. — Mon, 08 May 2006 09:46:00 GMT

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.

4 Stars: Great food and very kid-friendly (by Caroline O.)

Caroline O. — Sat, 16 Jul 2005 17:49:00 GMT

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: