My friends and I got food to go. I really liked the ambiance and the service was excellent. The place was clean and there was intentionally in the decor. However, the food was honestly not great. My friend said his rice was undercooked and his steak overcooked. I did not enjoy my food either. My enchiladas lacked flavor and did not taste like Mexican food. I was so hungry and I still failed to finish my meal. read more

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The chips were made in house & the salsa tasted freshly made, as well. It had very good flavor with real ingredients. The Tostada Marian salad was a generous portion of each ingredient, the jalapeño's added a nice kick of spice. I had the shredded pork, protein.(a favorite of the waitress according to her.) read more

El Topo Cantina - Tostado Marian Salad - Mexican Near Me - Bigfork, Montana

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Fun place to gather and enjoy drinks and food. Daily specials are excellent and the menu is large. Rib night Monday is a must but get there early as they do sell out. Wait staff works hard to make you meal complete. read more

This was our "go-to" for Mexican food for many years. The last several times dining there, the food was well below grade, tasteless and the service was almost nil. Charging for chips and salsa is ludicrous! They do not know how to make a simple margarita....no tequila taste at all....more like lemonade. We are year-round residents and will not be going back there anymore. read more

We've been in the area almost a year, but hadn't tried El Topo yet, as the reviews haven't been super positive. But, the most recent reviewer said everything was a 10 out of 10, so we decided to give it a try. The first impression of the inside decor and vibe was nice. When the server brought us water, he asked if we would like chips and salsa. I must admit that it had been several months since I looked at the previous reviews (other than the most recent), but I was surprised to be charged for chips and salsa. Anyway, that's not too terrible. But both my wife and I found the food to be somewhat lacking flavor. I felt the chicken fajitas needed salt and more spice, even though I asked for hot. My wife, who rarely adds any hot sauce, had to ask for some. And speaking of hot sauce, there was none on the tables, and what we got was some habanero sauce in a small cup. Overall, the food was just ok, albeit filling. read more

The food here is amazing. The yogurt cilantro lime dressing you have got to try. The wait staff is friendly and very attentive. High recommend. read more

We didn't have great expectations for this restaurant. Being from San Diego and so close to Mexico, I've been spoiled. I was surprised, the food great! Authentic and seasoned well. Service was awesome too! But, who is "El Topo" ??? read more

El Topo Cantina - a man riding a horse - Mexican Near Me - Bigfork, Montana

As long time residents of Bigfork, we have been going to El Topo for years ! It was good then but lately it is nothing but awful! Charging for chips and salsa is stupid! No other Mexican restaurant charges for that! And their margaritas taste like lemonade Won't be going there anymore since there are much better Mexican restaurants to choose from!!!!!! read more

Cozy decor, really quick table service, good chips & salsa, chile relleno was good. Enchiladas were ok. Would return.

We were just driving through on a roadtrip and randomly google searched this place. First impression walking in a 10! Service when greeted a 10! Then the food came and it was a 10! I'm from California so I'm picky about Mexican food lol but it did not disappoint! If you ever find yourself in the area do not pass it by, it's a must! read more

Reasonable prices. Decent food, not great but decent enough that we've gone back several times. Staff isn't all that. read more

I have never had a worse experience from a restaurant in my entire life. My friend had a hair in her drink, and the waitress took the drink back behind the bar, I kid you not, grabbed another glass, and poured the drink into that glass and brought it back to her! How disgusting! And when my friend said she didn't want that the waitress and the bartender got abusive and angry. The bartender even came from behind the bar and yelled at my friend. The food was not that great. The chips were good, but that was about it. I have never ever even felt the need to write a bad review about a restaurant, but this is one to definitely stay away from. It is awful and not worth the headache to go to. read more

I'm giving it 5 stars so I don't get shamed publicly! LOL. Great food, great people. Cold beer! What could go wrong?

Waited a while for service only to get dry meat in the tacos, and hair. Still charged me for the meal even tho it was sent back because i had eaten some of the taco with hair in it. Save yourself some grief and get more authentic mexican at taco mexico up the street. Better food and service. read more

Waited for our order for 52 min. Got up and left ......HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A QUESADILLA AND 2 TACOS??????? NOT 52 MIN.....UHH NEXT !!!!!!!¡ Response from the owner a day ago You are a liar. On video you are recorded placing your order with Mindy, and you walked out exactly 22 minutes later, AS YOUR FOOD WAS BEING DELIVERED to your table. You came into a packed restaurant, stating that you had to be somewhere, and you became impatient and left. And that is THEFT . Shame on you for lying, shame on you for theft, shame on you for expecting the impossible read more

I sat at the bar and waited 15 minutes while the geezer next to me flirted with the bartender before I ordered my lukewarm beer. Then when I asked for a menu 5 minutes later I was able to order a $24 dinner of 3 enchiladas with rice. I waited another 15 minutes while watching every other customer munch on nacho chips that I apparently did not qualify for. Then I played with my 2 tablespoons of rice and apparently 6cottage cheese enchiladas before paying and escaping (so far) with my life. I am a local and nothing was right about the service, food, price or beverage. I rarely leave reviews. These frauds deserved one. Edit: In response to another review, as I left several that night (the experience was that bad), the owner caled me a liar, a scumbag, a drunk and denied that I am a local. It appeared to be an alcoholic rage. read more

11/9/18 update: Lousy service. My Caribbean margarita was good. Chips and salsa taste prepackaged. You have to pay $3 for that. I got a salad with chicken in a toasted tortilla. Th tortilla was pretty soft. Not great. SO got a smothered chicken and rice burrito. He enjoyed it and ate every bite. Chips and salsa taste prepackaged. My house margarita was smallish but tasty. My SO's chicken and rice burrito was good but lacked spice. My chicken taco had great flavor. I got a side of rice (not hot, and a little dry) and black beans (utterly smothered in melted cheese read more

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Food and drinks are ok. I expected margaritas to be on point and sadly it's not. Service is slow. Took 45 to get nachos! The salsa and chips were good the day we went and that was prolly the only positive thing, read more

The most expensive and flavorless "Mexican" food I've ever had. They charge for chips and salsa even when you order entrees. Rice, beans, burrito, taquitos were all as bland as cardboard. If you have stomach ulcers, this might be the place for you. If you have active taste buds; I'd go anywhere else. read more

Solid meal, not your average small town Tex-Mex and we were pleasantly surprised with our meal. We've tried just about every place in town and they're all a rinse and repeat of the last one -- this was different, and better. We found the service to be great and the food fresh and something unique to El Topo. They house make a lot of things which was a welcomed change and also didn't open a menu that was 10 pages long. The cocktails/margaritas were also great with a solid tequila and mezcal selection. My biggest regret? Not coming here sooner. For a local spot, it's pretty solid under the right expectations. read more

What a hidden jewel! The food here was fantastic. Wasn't expecting food Mexican food in Montana and this place proved me wrong! I got the asada burrito with green sauce and WOW! Shrimp taco and avocado enchilada were insane! Nice job El Topo! Some friends who have a house here recommended it and we loved it! And it's super super cute! read more

El Topo Cantina - the interior of a mexican restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Bigfork, Montana

Have a craving for Mexican cuisine in the Bigfork area? Well, keep searching.... Our experience was so disappointing that we didn't make it past the appetizer. The hostess was friendly and so were the bartenders and their house margaritas were good, but not overly memorable. The restaurant was busy but a spot at the bar opened up quickly. For eats, we opted to start with the pork nachos and figured that because it stated on the menu it was "for two", it would be a big portion. We wanted to see how hungry we were before selecting our main entrees. While this was okay with our bartender, the "manager" or whoever the blonde hair woman was, greeted us, not with a hello, but with a "what else do you want" comment. When we explained that we had ordered our app, she asked if our bartender had put the order in. The question seemed strange like she didn't trust the staff. She also was very frustrated (rolled her eyes) that we didn't want to place our dinner order right then. Mind you, we had only been there for about 20 mins at that time and already had drinks in our hands and an app on the way so....? In any case, as soon as our nachos came out, she came over again and said "ready now?" I said not yet but we'll keep you posted. She laughed and rudely walked away. It was at that time where another patron at the bar commented on the exceptionally poor service. By this time, we had already ordered another drink so we committed to finishing our nachos and drinks and were already considering other restaurants in the area for dinner. I understand that it's busy and you want to quickly turn tables over, but you should NOT be in this industry if you have terrible customer service and communication skills. Also, at that time, there were a few tables available as well as random seats at the bar. As locals, we were extremely disappointed and shocked at how rudely we were treated and will NEVER come back. P.S. the pork nachos were delicious, hence the two star rating. In the future, please take care to treat your guests respectfully. read more

Stopped by on our way to the play. 3 of us had pork verde enchiladas ala cart. We each had a fish taco. 2 mahi mahi and traditional. Very good. The mahi mahi tacos were a huge hit with the ladies. Margaritas were good. Service was good Ambience was fine. We were glad we stopped by! Will return again. read more

El Topo turned out to be a disappointment. Although I must admit that the place was full of customers at 7 on a Wednesday evening. The service was pretty good, and the attempt to create a Mexican cantina atmosphere is a success. They served us chips and salsa, also charged us for them when we reviewed the bill. Our real disappointment was with the food. Portions were too small for the prices. The Mahi Mahi was overdone and dry. The rice was cooked to mushyness and had no taste. The house ginger dressing was very good. The Margarita was flat. It needed alcohol. It was served in a water glass. That's a little too much like Mexico for my money. We agreed that we would not be going back. read more

El Topo Cantina - El Topo Cantina in Bigfork Montana. Open evenings for about five hours. - Mexican Near Me - Bigfork, Montana

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New Special last night - Huevos Rancheros, El Topo modified. Ordered Hot with Fresh Habaneros, topped off with house made guacamole and their signature El Topo Habanero Sauce. Never had better, even in Arizona. Large portion, but it was to good not to finish. Service is always fun, read more

First of all- never trust a local to give you a good recommendation of where to eat. This place is not authentic Mexican. More like an expensive Taco Bell. The chips and salsa were not complimentary- maybe it's because I'm from the east coast and the chips and salsa are free. The rice is awful not sure why but it isn't good. read more

Charges for chips and salsa... which is silly. Food is not the best. I had enchiladas and a margarita, which was below par.

El Topo has delicious food. I highly recommend their fish tacos and the pork quesadilla smothered (verde sauce) with black beans inside it. Their guacamole is so good especially topped with their own El Topo Chipotle Habanero sauce. Try their Ultimate margarita. I sometimes request it with Casa Amigos Reposado. read more

This place is fabulous! If you want good Mexican food you can't get any better in Big Fork! Three of us had the Kearny Asada fajitas which were tasty and well done! The tortillas seemed like they were made fresh today. The salsa is also well seasoned and delicious. By reading the yelp reviews it looks like they have missed the mark on multiple occasions however, not this time. If you are looking for fine dining this is not the place this is your average good quality Mexican food in a tourist town. We will be back! read more

Delicious! We will be back. The giant nachos, the chicken quesadillas, and the enchiladas were all wonderful. To the grumps: the chips are delicious and made in-house. It's $2, chill out. Also, I haven't been to Taco Bell in many years, but this is not Taco Bell. read more

Best margaritas in the valley! My favorite is the Rosarita (Grapefruit Margarita). Food and service is great. You can usually find the owner, Kenny working the bar. I love their chips and queso to start. They are really well known for the carne asada. They even have Vegan options. Stop in, hang out, enjoy the food and drinks! read more

El Topo Cantina - The Rosarite Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Bigfork, Montana

We loved this place 3 years ago, now sadly we have been disappointed twice. Homemade chips are gone and no longer complementary. If you are asked if you would like chips expect orange hard bagged style with a price. No greeting when you walk in and not bustling like they used to be. Always a turn over in staff and slow to serve. Wish they had the same chef that had such a flare for flavor, especially since they are so close to home and open seven days a week. read more

We recently had a terrible experience here. We came for dinner and the restaurant was too busy. Then we asked for a takeout menu and sat at an empty table not yet cleaned. We were asked to leave before ordering and went to another restaurant! An awful experience and never ate. read more

My wife and I were hungry for a burrito and stopped here for dinner . The place was packed at the bar but tables were pretty much empty. We both ordered burritos chicken and pork my wife ended up in the bathroom all night from her chicken burrito. Mine was tasteless and plain. They don't have what it takes for good Mexican food. They charge $2 extra for wet burritos and this may be where the taste lies Chips and salsa are brought to the table as any Mexican restaurant but here they charge you a hefty $4 for this where I've also never had to pay for it. They should tell you prior to bringing it the it cost more! The salsa was out of a jar and tasted sweet and not good Chips were the same cold bagged bulk chips. It would be easy to turn this into a authentic place by making a lot of the dishes home made with good recipes. I don't think we will return as this place does not meet the standards that are easily found. read more

Our favorite place! Food is great and the service is awesome. I recommend the carne asada fajitas and if you can handle some heat they will stick a habanero pepper on it. The staff and owners always make us feel welcome. read more

Didn't mind the wait for our table, but we did mind the waitress never taking our order....wait on the people that have been there longest. Not the ones who just sat down. read more

This is my favorite Mexican restaurant in the valley! I love their fish tacos, the fajitas and the Chile Verde is amazing. The staff is gracious, friendly and funny. The decor is eclectic and interesting! Check it out! read more

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This is the best Mexican restaurant in the valley. Best margaritas too. We have been coming here for years. I don't understand people that give one star because the service is slower than fast food. Number one you're in a small town. Be patient. Number two it's not fast food and it takes a minute to make good food. Walk in, relax, order a margarita, eat some chips and salsa and wait patiently for the best Mexican in the valley. Also the habanero hot sauce is amazing. I have several bottles at home. read more

What a pleasant surprise to find such a friendly and interesting Catina! Excellent food specially the shrimp tacos and a good margarita to boot, the staff is super friendly and efficient, we will for sure be back! read more

El Topo Cantina - Shrimp Taco with Mexican rice - Mexican Near Me - Bigfork, Montana

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Usually I try to investigate fully a restaurant before eating there, but after a day of site seeing we were in a rush to eat and arrive at El Topo Cantina with out doing or homework. El Topo Cantina was unfortunately a disappointment. The restaurant was clean and the decor is very nice. The service was good and attentive. When sitting we were asked if we wanted chips and salsa. We answered yes, but were not informed that there would be a charge associated with this. This begins the way in which the restaurant attempts to nickel and dime its diners. I feel if we had been told there was a charge for chips and salsa it would not have been such a negative but we never would have expected this and I have never encountered it at another Mexican or Tex-Mex style restaurant. The rest of the menu has many options but the value is questionable. At 5-7 dollars a piece, with no sides included, things such as tacos or enchiladas feel severely over priced. A side costs $2, meaning a normal Mexican plate you would find at another restaurant in the $12 range would run nearly $20 at El Topo Cantina. My sister was disappointed in her single Mahi Taco, while she said the flavor was ok, for the value it was not worth it. I ordered the Chile Verde with Pork Carnitas. This is presented on the menu as a speciality. At $15 it had black beans and 3 whole tortillas included. I hoped that for this cost it would be a substantive dinner. When it arrived it was not an entirely appealing presentation. The Pork Carnitas is not how it was expected. Usually a pulled or shredded pork dish, the pork was cut into cubes which was strange, and swimming in a huge bowl of Chile Verde presented as though it was a soup. The Verde was overall flavorless and the amount of pork included for $15 was insulting. The beans were generic but had melted cheese on top so you could at least taste that. My mother had a chicken quesadilla that she said "Tasted like a chicken Quesadilla" and for the price was probably the best value in our meal. Overall this restaurant seemed like a scam to try and hike up bills anyway they could. Unfortunately the quantity nor the quality of the food supported the prices that were asked. read more