Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    El Picante

    3.5 (100 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican
    Open 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

    Order El Picante Takeout or Delivery

    El Picante Photos

    Business Info

    EL PICANTE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - El Picante

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Front of restaurant.
    Kevin E.

    Server not attentive. Drinks $3.75 (Pepsi products) - only refilled once and had to tell him to do so. Food is so-so, portions are on the lighter side. Menu is too large (pork chops in a Mexican restaurant?), salad is just the lettuce they use for fajitas tossed in a plate. We did have a couple of issues, server had no intention of fixing it, just said, "sorry" and that was it. Could use a remodel and server needs a class in manners. Takes military discount but server was extremely dodgy about adding it; downright pushy in fact - "just give me your card" (credit card). Manager never visited table. This was a one time visit, I will not return.

    Street Tacos
    Katie J.

    Okay, there's a range of pros and cons to this pace! Cons: - It's not the most clean/up to date - Service was so-so Pros: - The Street Tacos we're delicious! - The Mango Margarita on the rocks was one of the best we've ever had Would probably go back again!

    Chips and salsa
    Rob M.

    I give this 5 star review based on the service. We came here for my Moms birthday. She wanted good margaritas- and that's what she got! Our family is very large and we had a part of about 14 adults and 10 kids all under the age of 6. We warned the staff as we walked in the door with no reservation. They seated us right in the front of the restaurant and we occupied about 3 rows of tables. Thankfully we went at 330 in the afternoon on a Thursday so no one was really there yet. The atmosphere in the restaurant was able to suit us as well. But I have to comment on the staff, specifically our waiter Oscar. He was absolutely amazing. He waited on all of us, plus other people in the restaurant and did so very well. He was prompt, he interacted with us, encouraged us for more margaritas haha. He was good at keeping them flowing. I don't drink, but from what I could tell with my group - THEY WERE STRONG hahaha. My wife and I have personally been here 4 times and every time I'm pleased with everything. It is typical Mexican food, nothing majorly special but if you want a good food, great service and good night out I would definitely recommend this place. Especially if you have a large group, indulge yourself with some pitches o' Rita. Will be back for sure

    Rice and beans
    Sean C.

    El Picante is the perfect neighborhood restaurant. The staff is great! They are always smiling and ensuring your food and drink are great! As soon as you sit, you get some complimentary chips and salsa - nothing out of the ordinary, but a perfect snack as you peruse the menu. Also, I highly recommend a margarita! On the rocks! There isn't a reason to skip the drink at this place, every time it has been perfect. All of the food has always been great. My family loves the fajita! There is always a great mix of veggies with the meat, and just the right amount of tortillas. If you need more, they will even bring a few more! Although its not so hidden in Loveland, if you don't know about El Picante you need to get over and try it!

    1/2 and 1/2 Margarita
    Ilona H.

    Loved the Friendly staff! Oscar and Alex were super accommodating and I had one of the best margaritas ever. Street Tacos were delicious. Would highly recommend.

    What they call chicken fajitas.

    Lets play a game called find the chicken....ordered 2 chicken fajitas for 2, 1 of the trays was 1/2 steak 1/2 chicken. The other 3 all looked like this. Offered to make us some more chicken which was nice, but not when carry out!

    Jeff C.

    This was our first time visiting El Picante. It was very enjoyable. The "It's Special" dish was very good. Ginormous beer only cost $6.50. The waiter Frank was extremely good. We will be returning for dinner again in the future.

    Conner F.

    The drinks and food are nicely priced and the portions have been very generous in my experience. The menu is incredibly extensive and your orders are brought out super quick.

    Chicken & Chorizo
    Jay G.

    Saying a Mexican restaurant is authentic these days can be overrated. There are a few taquerias in Cincinnati/Dayton that are much more "authentic" than El Picante. Some would say that items like chimichanga's aren't even Mexican but more Tex-Mex. You can find your fair share of Tex-Mex on their menu but don't let that deter you from checking this place out. El Picante have the best beans and rice I have eaten at any Mexican restaurant in Cincinnati/Dayton. The taste is consistent and yummy. El Picante also serves my favorite Mexican dish in the region which is thin chicken breast topped with a generous helping of chorizo. It is fantastic dish and something I go out of my way for when I can. You can see a photo of it in the El Picante photo section. The place is always packed and the staff always have a smile on my face. It doesn't matter how busy they are, we have never encountered a pushy or rude worker at El Picante over the last 6 years we have been visiting this place. Loveland can be out of the way for many, but give it a try sometime I think you will enjoy it.

    Carne Asada Tacos are my FAVORITE dish here!

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sean C.
    419
    592
    2917

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Food is excellent and great service, family friendly I love the Alex burritos I suggest going

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bob S.
    0
    11
    1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Wonderfully authentic Mexican American food. Love their chicken fajita's and their in house made chips. Very good beer selections too.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy A.
    24
    16
    1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jeff C.
    175
    17
    6

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jay G.
    2
    33
    105

    16 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kelly L.
    37
    76
    18

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bill C.
    86
    39
    26

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - El Picante

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Mexican 10,849 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Fuego Parrilla Mexicana - Fuego Parrilla Mexicana

    Fuego Parrilla Mexicana

    4.3(91 reviews)
    6.4 mi
    $

    A local mom and pop that blows Chipotle away. Just like tortilleria Garcia. Just moved to this…read moreside of town and will be back.

    First time and last time coming here , hoping for an authentic experience in Mexican and got the…read moreworst possible outcome i could imagine . The girl working the line has an attitude problem and she clearly hates her job and doesn't want to provide a good service just there to get paid . She did a careless job making my food . First of all she served me really skimpy servings and If I'm gonna get short serving at least make sure your food is quality because not only were there servings something you would expect from a kids meal but the chicken was DRY AND HARD could not even chew it over half of my food got spit out because it wasn't edible and then I asked for fajitas " grilled peppers & onions" and they weren't even grilled it was liked betting into raw onions and raw peppers and then I had to ask for EXTRA CHEESE three times just to get a normal amount . SPENT $30 on one chicken bowl and one chicken quesadilla both with minimal servings got nothing extra whatsoever! It's already a small businesses with barely any customers now I get why but you would think they would try to take care of the few customers that they are fortunate enough to get and make sure the customers want to come back . We were the only people in the establishment at that time soo there's no excuse for this kind of nonsense. PEOPLE WANT TO SPEND THEIR MONEY AND ENJOY THEIR FOOD. NOT GET RIPPED OFF AND WASTE THERE MONEY AND TIME . THE GIRL AT THE REGISTER HAS THE EASIEST JOB IN THE ENTIRE WORLD IF SHE HATES HER JOB SO MUCH THEN SHE SHOULD GO WORK SOMEWHERE WHERE YOU CAN GET PAID TO DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AND PROVIDE YOUR CUSTOMERS A PISS POOR SERVICE . If you like good food and don't enjoy wasting your time and money then i recommend going elsewhere.

    Photos
    Fuego Parrilla Mexicana - Fuego Parrilla Mexicana

    Fuego Parrilla Mexicana

    Fuego Parrilla Mexicana - Fuego Parrilla Mexicana

    Fuego Parrilla Mexicana

    Fuego Parrilla Mexicana - Fuego Parrilla Mexicana

    See all

    Fuego Parrilla Mexicana

    El Picante - mexican - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...