TACO TUESDAY. Get a marg tower for good times. Also, unlimited free chips. read more

El Talpense Mexican Restaurant - Carne Asada, Al pastor, mango carnitas tacos - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Service is friendly and food is fresh and well seasoned. Highly recommended. Good food.

Come here for taco Tuesday, you won't regret it. Expect to wait around 30 minutes for a table on Tuesdays but the food and drinks are well worth it!! I loved the mango carnitas street taco and shredded chicken hard taco. Super flavorful and juicy. They serve you salsa and chips the moment you sit down at the table and the salsa is fire. read more

El Talpense Mexican Restaurant - Hard Shell Taco, carne asada taco, mango carnitas taco, and blended margarita - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

This is the hidden gem of catering for big events and parties in Berkeley. My favorite is the enchilada tray, chili Riano trays & fiesta taco platter. Make sure to pick up the mixers for margaritas at home! They are the best Berkeley. Also, under rated happy hour and the best service in town. The perfect place to pop in for a late afternoon lunch and margaritas! read more

Came here multiple times when they were "open" and door was locked and/or they said kitchen was closed. Zero stars since they clearly don't respect their customer's time. read more

Came here around 7:45pm on a Tuesday and the place was full. Especially with the number of large groups who come, it can get pretty loud. They have a few taco and margarita deals on Tuesdays. They have both hard shell and street tacos. The regular menu is very extensive. I love that they have so many vegan options. The vegan options tend to contain fake meat and cheese, so keep that in mind if you don't like those substitutes. For drinks, they have different flavored margaritas. I saw some tables with impressive margarita towers! They also have other cocktails and beer. Seems like a popular spot for birthdays. To start off, every table is given a basket of chips and salsa. The chips are light and crispy. The Vegan Al Pastor surprisingly have a lot of flavor. The meat substitute seems like a "ground meat". The pineapple pieces complement the saltiness of the sauce. A downside is that the street tacos only use one tortilla per taco, which makes them fragile. Try to eat them in as few bites as possible before they fall apart! I've ordered one of their burritos before and it was huge! El Talpense is a great spot if you want to have a sit down meal and enjoy some drinks, or have a meal with your vegan friends. read more

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As a Berkeley student I sometimes get takeout at a few local Mexican places but of them all, El Talp has by far the best California Burrito without contest. I usually order takeout so I can't speak to the service or the interior much. Even though I've been here so many times, I've never taken a photo because eating this has been a simple part of my routine. The flavors of everything are very bold but come at you in productive ways. Nothing feels too overwhelming and at the end you are left very satiated. I urge you to try something here if you are on Northside for any reason. You might just have a new local favorite Mexican place. read more

This place was awesome! Wasn't expecting much since it's near a college campus but I was very impressed! First off the tacos were so cheap and sooo good. Everything was fresh and amazing tasting. My friends also got a margarita tower to split so we were having a great time. Good ambiance good food and great drinks! read more

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Got the Camarones a la Diabla and the Dos Compadres. It was so good we didn't even get a chance to take a picture. Portions were huge. This is the real deal Mexican cuisine. The food was so damn good, the camarones a la diabla surprised me with how tasty and actually spicy they were. The birria had fantastic flavor. The rice and beans, authentic. Had been looking for a good go to Mexican spot in the area and definitely found it here. Will be back read more

VEGAN OPTIONS Tasty AF Service is wonderful and quick 4 different salsas I'll keep going and going All beans vegan friendly even refried Enchilada sauce authentic read more

So so so good. I came here with a friend over Labor Day weekend for lunch and margaritas. The atmosphere is bright and welcoming as are the folks that work here. We were greeted and seated right away and were soon given waters and delicious chips and salsa to snack on while we decided what to have. We ended up choosing the nachos and the shrimp quesadilla and we each had a classic margarita with a salt rim. The margs were huge and well made and the food came out quickly. The portions were pretty big, and there were plenty of well seasoned shrimp in the quesadilla. I can't believe I've been by this place a 100 times and never been in. I won't be making that mistake again and can't wait to go back and bring everyone! read more

El Talpense Mexican Restaurant - Margaritas, shrimp quesadillas (minus one piece cause I couldn't wait. Lol) and nachos - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

Chilaquiles with two eggs and asada don't ask me how many calories just do it. One Michelada because if you drink two that's on you. Excellent service I'm full af read more

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The Service..was not good due to the wait staff Food was good-I only was able to eat my rice and beans. I didn't eat anything else because I took the rest of the food home due to the male wait staff forcing me to pay a split check. For explanation I met a friend there for lunch/dinner she already had her food and was eating. I sat down and placed my order. Because she was done before me( I'm still eating) she asked for her check. The wait staff at the time included my tab to hers and when I asked to place another order for dessert(churros) I was instructed to pay my bill first however I hadn't even finished my meal. No one told him to include my tab with her (he should have asked) and furthermore he wouldn't correct the ticket. He actually refused. I paid my portion of the ticket... and unfortunately didn't order my dessert . I took the remaining food home due to his unpleasant behavior. The Service was poor. His attitude was nasty and because of the unpleasant interaction we left read more

We came here for an early lunch on a Saturday. We had 7 people in our party and they were able to seat us quickly. Most of us enjoyed our dishes. I will write about a few of the dishes. The portion sides were generous and very filling. The pork tamale was really good. The pork was very tender. It came with beans and rice which were average. The enchilada mole was also very good as well as the Chile Relleno. We also had the Tortilla soup which was okay. There was more cilantro than I liked. But I am one of the unfortunate ones who has the gene that makes cilantro taste like soap. I don't mind a teeny bit of cilantro but this soup had more than I liked. However, another person who ordered the soup and liked cilantro said the soup was average for her also. Service was very good. The server was attentive. Good restaurant! read more

Absolute go to for Berkeley students for taco Tuesday!! Famous for their dangerously delicious marg towers/pitchers. Slightly overpriced and the wait, especially for large groups, can get to 1-2 hrs on Tuesdays, which is why the four stars. I personally still find it well worth. This is a family run restaurant, I believe, and all of the servers are super friendly and kind. The food seems very authentic, and fan favorites include the mango carnitas and Al pastor street tacos. Every table gets unlimited chips and salsa. read more

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My husband and I just ate a delicious lunch at El Talpense! It was so delicious! I had an enchilada mole a La carte + salad. He had a plate of Chile Relleno, beans & rice. Both had diet cokes with lime, refillable. The place has been upgraded-- new menus, new curtains, but the same responsive staff. We've tried other Mexican places, that added too much heat to their enchilada mole, and rellenos. The ones at La Pence are mild and more delicious!! The atmosphere is Mexican-- flags, ceiling ornaments, pictures. The leather seats by the window are worn, but very comfortable. There is Mexican takeout place across the street that isn't nearly as tasty or welcoming. Check out El Tapence. We've loved it for the eight years we've lived within walking distance. read more

Hot spot for the university kids... decent music, colorful decor... mediocre food and barely average drinks... no need to return

We came here on a rainy Saturday and were able to get street parking easily. It was our first time eating here and we were able to get seating right away, and the waiter brought us out chips and salsa and water as we looked at the menus. The chips and salsa were excellent, the salsa was very flavorful and it was not spicy. If you like really spicy salsa, you will probably need to request a hotter version, I ordered and Chilada and one taco plate and my daughter got the California burrito. The portions are humongous. For both of us to eat including tip we spent $43. The burrito was $15 and my plate was $19. It was really tasty and of course we had leftovers. I look forward to checking out this place for taco Tuesday. read more

El Talpense Mexican Restaurant - California burrito with guacamole and pico on the side - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Came here for lunch off of a recommendation for a colleague, picked up the California Burrito with Shrimp and a Tamarind Jarritos soda for added enjoyment. I would say that they were quick to serve the food from order to takeout as well and the burrito came with a side of tortilla chips and hot salsa. For me I thought the addition of shrimp to a traditional California burrito was unusual but added good perspective of how flavorful unusual combinations can be! The beef and shrimp was reminiscent of surf and turf but was overall simplified by the French fries and other traditional burrito ingredients. Little messy toward the end was the only issue I had, perhaps in the way the burrito itself was wrapped but nonetheless a great spot for a good meal. read more

El Talpense Mexican Restaurant - California Burrito with Shrimp - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Delicious food, generous portions, attentive and hospitable staff, this is my new favorite Mexican restaurant in Lafayette! read more

El Talpense Mexican Restaurant - Organic margarita, with chips and salsa - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Food was good. Service was slow and server not that friendly. He didnt like answering questions about their menu. Not sure why person works there if they dont like talking to people. read more

this place is literally a hidden gem in berkeley and so glad i decided to check it out after a class one day upon entering, i was immediately in awe by the vibrant and colorful furniture and beautiful papel picado strung across the ceilings. the space felt so warm and welcoming and i immediately loved the vibes! the owner was literally SO friendly and gave complimentary chips+salsa before my meal came out which was so sweet. even from observing his interactions with the other customers, i could tell he was just the sweetest guy:,) bottom line: the food is BOMB and the service is immaculate so i will definitely be bringing my friends here next time:) -- -- -- pictured: " 3 quesabirria taco combo ($13.50) // i'm not even going to lie, i think this is the best birria i've had in the east bay thus farthe tortilla was slightly crispy, the cheese was gooey, and the birria was so tender and flavorful! the combo also comes with a wide of consome to dip each taco which was ~chefs kiss~ 10/10 would get again! -- -- -- please come support this restaurant if you're ever in the area! read more

El Talpense Mexican Restaurant - a plate of food - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Order: - Margarita pitchers (4/5) - Street tacos (4/5) - Nachos (4.5/5) Came here for Taco Tuesday with friends at 7pm and there was no wait. We were immediately seated and served with complimentary chips and salsa. Margarita pitchers were $27 each and street tacos were $2.25 each. The margarita was refreshing but also very strong. It also comes in other flavors too! The street tacos had a variety of meats to choose from (carne asada, pollo asado, al pastor, chorizo). My personal favorite was the al pastor. Just a nitpick but I wish the tacos came with two tortillas instead of one. Also remember to ask for the green sauce! It adds a good kick to the tacos :). The nachos were also yummy; I liked the beans and peppers. Taking off a star because no one came to take our order and we had to flag down multiple people but were constantly told to wait. And when we asked for sauce the waiter snapped at us. Other than that, the tacos were delicious and I plan to try their burritos next time! read more

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Excellent service and the food was fresh. The black beans were cooked perfectly and the birria was super flavorful. Would highly recommend this place before or after a show at the Greek read more

Surprised this place doesn't have more reviews!! Best place near campus to have a birthday dinner/gathering. They are super accommodating with big groups and have such great service. The margarita pitchers are fantastic and the decorations are cute and cozy. Taco Combo: cheesy refried beans and rice hit and the taco was just fine Enchilada Combo: ^rice, beans, and slaw were good and the enchiladas were ok read more

El Talpense Mexican Restaurant - Small Enchilada Combo - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

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ordered a marg that was $10 on the menu. Asked the waiter for what flavor they liked & they recommended me a mix of strawberry and mango but didn't mention the $1.5 extra cost. Oh and also 18% forced tip for a marg. read more

This place was SO much fun to go to. I came here for a friends birthday with a pretty large party (like 12 of us I think) and the restaurant was able to accommodate us. We ordered a bunch of food, the stand outs being the margarita tower (!!!), nachos, and tacos. Also, they gave my friend two free shots of tequila for her birthday! Such great service here, I cannot wait to come back. read more

El Talpense Mexican Restaurant - Marg tower - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

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We got there right before closing and it was excellent. We shared chips and salsa and then ordered our entrees. I had the California burrito, spicy, with extra guac and spicy salsa. It was absolutely delicious! Would definitely come back for another round! read more

The food is always delicious, and the restaurant is kept clean. The customer service is outstanding!

Wow. So good I forgot to take a picture. Ordered the Carne Asada burrito via Snackpass and got the spicy sauce to go with it. Service was on-time and in-line with the app, employee kind, and food still warm by the time I opened it up Southside. The burrito was probably the best I've had in Berkeley--perfectly complemented by the sauce and small serving of tortilla chips. What really stood out to me was how well cooked and flavorful the beef was. I also appreciated the spicy sauce, as it enhanced the flavor without overpowering everything. It's a bit more expensive compared to something like La Burrita, but well worth it in my opinion. Will definitely be back, would recommend! read more

The food is decent and of good portion. The civiche is a little disappointing for me as it is using cooked shrimp. read more

El Talpense Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

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The amount of dishes is really huge. Because it's delicious, I tried my best to finish it. I like the sour cream cooked with chiken and tomatoes. The beans and rice are a little dry for me. The Pollo en Crema also serves with flour tortilla. Put sour cream and chiken in it and take a big bite, you will like it. Plus, we got free corn chips with homemade tomato sauce. There are coriander and black pepper in the tomato sauce, which suits my appetite. I'm wondering if I can buy some tomato sauce home since I really like it. read more

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I loved the vibe. Taqueria for sure, not Tex mex or Cali mex.. like true authentic taqueria. They give you chips and salsa before you order. Have vegan options, which is nice. No lard or pork in their beans and tortilla- bonus! Bright colors, mariachi music, happy hour, whole in the wall, good food.. read more

This is the best place to eat at before a show at the Greek. Really friendly service. The plates are huge and tasty, and as a vegetarian I appreciated that they proactively said they don't use lard in the beans. Definitely get a pitcher of top shelf margaritas. read more

El Talpense Mexican Restaurant - 2 item combo - cheese enchilada and bean and cheese tostada - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

We tried this restaurant last night and it was freaking incredible! They served us up the large Quesa-birria, and it was so damn good! Also we got California burrito but we asked for it crispy, and it was incredible! Also we tried their happy hour margaritas, and I have to say the mango margarita was to die for! And only $7! This place is on par with good Mexican food that we actually have in Mexico, highly recommend. read more

El Talpense Mexican Restaurant - Quesa Birria - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Excellent food, service and happy hour margarita pitcher - ask for Roman! So good! We'll be back read more

Stopped in on a trip to the Bay Area. The chili relleno was delicious. Portions were big and the service was great. I'd definitely stop in again. Parking was a bit difficult.. but I think that's to be expected in that area. read more

El Talpense Mexican Restaurant - Chili Chile Relleno Combo - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

The food is great. The quantity is generous and the staff are kind and respectful. And you can actually taste the alcohol in their margaritas! We also love the chips and salsa's. read more

Moved to a Texas recently and have missed California Mexican food. This place did not disappoint. The food was authentic and delicious, the staff was patient and swarm and the drinks were perfect. I wish I could move this place to Texas. read more

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Really nice ambiance and friendly service. I ordered Birria Soup. I enjoyed my time here a ton. read more

El Talpense Mexican Restaurant - Birria Soup - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

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