Craving some Mexican food for my last meal in the bay so we stopped by Picante at the recommendation of friends! I got the tostado with shrimp diablos. The shrimp was fresh and sauce tasty without being too spicy. The corn tortilla was sturdy enough to withstand the moisture from the beans, veggies, and sauce so it still had a little crunch throughout! Veggies were fresh as well. The carne asada burrito was yummy and balanced with its ingredients. Tortilla was chewy but still able to encase all the ingredients. The pozole was on the salty side but I enjoyed the intense pork flavors as well as the large Mexican corn pieces! Bottles of salsa are self served and kept in the back in the fridge. The chipotle one was indeed tasty, savory and only with a hint of spice. Lots of seating indoor and outdoor; they have a while take out area as well! Staff were friendly! read more

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Picante is a large, clean and modern looking Mexican restaurant located in an industrial area in Berkeley. I came here with a bunch of coworkers and the one visiting from Houston was elated to come here. I'm ashamed that despite being a Cal alum back in the day, I've never heard of this place. The restaurant is huge, with patio and indoor seating. You order and pay first at the counter, which also sports a full bar. Food comes out pretty quick from a hidden kitchen. Overall, very solid lunch for me, so 4 stars. Standouts: 1. I love their nachos - extra thick and very crunchy compared to most places. The chip is sturdy enough to hold all the salsa you want. The salsa also sticks very well - must be surface tension, LOL. 2. Speaking of salsa, the salsa verde with tomatillo is excellent. My coworker joked that he wanted to smuggle a few bottles in his luggage. 3. For drinks, the Horchata is excellent - rice-based drink that's bot overly sweet and has nice aromatic herb aroma. 4. My main entree was the Enchilada Mole Poblano chicken. Huge dish and they really lay on the sauce. Great flavors overall in the mole. Shredded chicken filling a wee bit on the dry side. 5. One cool feature is that they have a separate food stand next to the main restaurant for take-out orders. The prices are actually very reasonable, and I can see how the restaurant has thrived for decades. We were lucky to find street parking but I did some free parking lots a short walk away. read more

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Loved this place! The vibe is fantastic, and the masks and artwork on the walls give it such a beautiful, authentic feel. We came during off-peak hours, so it was calm and relaxed -- perfect for really taking it all in. The staff were incredible, attentive without being overbearing, and just made the whole experience even better. I tried the super burrito, and while it wasn't the best I've ever had, it was still solid and definitely worth ordering. Highly recommend if you're looking for great atmosphere and great service. read more

Picante - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Decent tacos with a nice al dente bite to the tortilla. There's a modern look to the restaurant and a designated area to grab a bottle of salsa. Overall, the tacos were on the pricier side, you could probably find a better deal for tacos for the same quality else where. read more

Picante - Salsa bar - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Used to go here regularly when I lived nearby. So it's been years since I've visited, but it still is great. I love the improvements to the dining area- it is much more open and light than previously. The loaded nachos are amazing. The bar has a ton of great options, and the pork tamales were lovely. Looking forward to returning! read more

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The vegetables were not fresh on my tostada, it was very disappointing, considering how good Picante used to be. Not worth $24 for one plate. read more

Symptomatic celiac here, and I don't know where these reviews claiming that the gluten-free items are free of cross-contamination are coming from. I went here on a whim with a friend after a trip to the winery around the corner - she wanted dinner and it was the nearest place - and I decided to risk it because I didn't have four hours to research restaurants to find a place that would be safe for me. The gf items are clearly marked on the menu, but I got glutened badly. That was three days ago, and I'm still wrecked. I'm sure it's fine for more mildly gluten-intolerant folks, but celiacs should absolutely not eat here. The tacos weren't even very good. Fine for the price I guess, if they don't make you sick, but they were bland and super dry (probably kept under a heat lamp for a long time, it seemed like). There were lots of tables inside if you're not gluten-intolerant and you're looking for an affordable place to grab a bite and sit down and chat with your crew, though. read more

Honestly it was pretty solid, personally I thought this place was better than La Mission nearby but also way pricier. Idk what it is but the ambience is great, maybe it is newly remodeled and the food was delicious except the portions were off, there is way too many beans in my Plato and so little rice. Also the green sauce from the tomatillos was like too sour! I actually enjoyed the meat though, it is so easy to make chicken dry yet their chicken was moist! Except the soggy tortilla was not very tasty (enchilada). The watermelon Agua Fresca was just as yummy! Nothing to say about service, but when the cashier took my order she didn't seem like she was very attentive. She basically crunched up the menu I was holding when I handed it back to her and seemed distracted. read more

Picante - carnitas tostada - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Picante has been removing negative reviews by telling Yelp that reviewers listed the wrong restaurant name. Dishonest. No longer consistently good, yet overpriced. read more

We ordered from Picante for the first time for lunch, the food was delivered by Uber Eats. We ordered two things for lunch. A steak bowl and nachos with no meat, just refried beans. For these two items, no drinks we paid $67. We were shocked by the charge for 2 people to eat Mexican food. The food was average. We won't order from here again, because we can't afford it. When we attempted to review the receipt for accuracy , the app gave a message saying it would be available for 24 hours? It's unclear if the business or the app made an error or what the issue may be. Nonetheless the cost alone will keep us away. read more

Picante - Nachos - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I love their burritos and nachos! The food is always satisfying, and I really appreciate the convenience of being able to drive up and grab something quickly. Definitely one of my favorite Mexican food spots in Berkeley and a place I keep coming back to! read more

It is a nicely remodeled space. Its very large now, and has dining on two sides. The space is a bit cool but it was also winter. The tables were clean, and there is plenty of seating. There is a parking lot on the corner but street parking is available right out front. When you enter the restaurant you pay and find a table. Staff bring your food and drinks to you. Staff seemed nice. We dined on chicken enchiladas and fish tacos. Salsa is available in the frig near the door, and you can help yourself. The food was just okay but we're also not big fans of tex-mex style cooking. read more

I work nearby this restaurant and often pick up a bowl for lunch. Last week I ordered a chicken bowl, and when I got back to my office I realized it was pork instead of chicken. I called them and they asked me to come back for a replacement. It took about five minutes, and they were very kind about it. I don't like wasting food, so they told me I could keep the original bowl. I brought it home and my daughter was very happy to eat it. Both meals ended up being great. They also gave me an agua fresca to make up for the short wait, which I really appreciated. Mistakes can happen anywhere, and what matters is how they're handled here...they take care of you. Many thanks for the quick repair. read more

Excellent food, great ambience, reasonable prices. Looks like it was completely remodeled. Has a nice patio area too! We'll be back!!

Gorgeous atmosphere, scrumptiously delicious food and beverages and perfect service- what more could you ask for?! Plus at a reasonable price point. Picante delivers!! Well ordering to pickup is extremely efficient and accurate as well. But sitting in the gorgeous and comfy dining room or spacious outdoor patio is quite the treat read more

We had a good Mexican lunch and experienced great restaurant design. It creates a harmonious experience for both the palate and the senses. It honors Mexican culinary heritage while enhancing the meal. Not only did they satisfy my taco needs, but more-so, you can tell the care and consideration given to the restaurant redesign (been a fan since the 80's). Thank you, Picante! read more

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It's basically a neighborhood Chipotle but with a full bar and worse food. I wouldn't come back here.

I don't eat a lot of Mexican food in the Bay Area, but my boss took us here for lunch, and I decided to go a little crazy and get a burrito which I almost never do. I got the Manchamenteles burrito and omg. My mind was actually blown. The meat was marinated and seasoned so well. I've never had manchamenteles before, but now I'm questioning why I hadn't had it until now. The sauces in the bottles with the burrito were also awesome. I kept switching off on which sauce I wanted. Service was also really quick which was nice and they were very attentive. I'm getting that burrito again. read more

I randomly stopped by this Mexican restaurant for a weekday lunch and was pleasantly surprised by how big and clean the space is--there's a beautiful, spacious indoor dining room and a nicely decorated outdoor patio with great vibes. You walk in and order at the counter, they hand you a buzzer, and the food comes out quickly, brought right to your table. The servers were very sweet and attentive, even for a quick lunch stop. The food itself was pretty good for the price. I especially enjoyed the shrimp cocktail--its presentation was a little different but still really good, and they're very generous with the shrimp. The drinks were also great, and I loved their agua fresca options, especially the cantaloupe. Overall, this place is pretty solid, and I'll likely be back again for another quick lunch. read more

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Been frequenting here from childhood. The grilled chicken is actually delicious. Very family friendly atmosphere and great food. They offer large party size trays as well. I have been to a few parties where picante was provided for lunch and it was awesome as everyone loves this place. Friendly servers as well. read more

The food is absolutely delicious! The appetizer I enjoy the most is Sikil Pa'k and chips it is basically, pumpkin seed dip. The entrée I would recommend is, the fish tacos. They are so flavorful with the mango salsa. The service is excellent. I have always encountered friendly employees. The ambiance I can't really speak about, I took my food to go. I went to the beach to enjoy a nice evening picnic & watch the sunset. read more

Picante - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I haven't been here for probably 15 years. It's changed a lot. Used to be a small place with a patio, no parking. Now it's huge and sleek with two parking lots and a separate To Go building. Prices have increased of course too. I had the battered shrimp burrito, way too much beans and not enough mango-jicama salsa. Order at the counter and they bring the food to you, do not really any service. The restaurant was beautifully renovated, lots of outside patio space with twinkly lights. If I came again, I know how to modify the shrimp burrito more to my taste. read more

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Having lived in the Mission for 5 years, I know good Mexican food. Picante is legit. The space is freshly remodeled and the service is very friendly and accommodating. The prices are reasonable and the food is really good... I mean really good. Their chips and salsa are out of this world. I got a carne asada plate w refried beans. I would seriously just go back for the chips! read more

Been going to Pocatello for years. Recently the prices have gone way up and the portion sizes are down. While the carnitas burrito was tasty and the meat flavorful, it really only had about 4 bites of meat in the whole thing. read more

Picante - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

Great Environment , Sooo Clean,Great Customer Service,actually it was kinda surprising for me see a Gringo Cashier Trying his Best to Speak that He doesn't know but ( Great 4 you Man ) Thanks a Million for the Chips that was very Good.. Me and my Bestie got a Sopa Azteka,,Ummm Deliciosa and Azada Nachos Sooooo GooD we really Enjoyed it,,my friend Looooove the Margarita with DON JULIO SIMPLE THE BEST. read more

Picante - Mis Carne Azada Nachos con Whole Black Frijoles. - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Shared a Friday lunch after a while to catch up. Great dining fare; had a carne asada taco, rice and black beans. Dining buddy had a grilled chicken salad. Food was delicious and came out promptly. Had so much food, we had to box the remainder for another meal later. Nice to see alot of folks and groups indulging on the outdoor patio. It was a beautiful sunny day. Will be back soon to sample other entrees. Complimentary chips with a sampling of pico de gallo. Selected Picante as they have an offstreet parking lot @ the end of the block & non-metered parking on the local streets. read more

Picante - Menu on the wall where you order - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

It's been while since my last visit and boy has it changed. In a good way, it has a clean, fresh look. Since today is a holiday, it was hard to decide on their brunch or regular menu items. So I went with a tried and comfortable choice, carnitas burrito and pineapple aqua Fresca. Order at the counter and food delivered to your table. My burrito came with chips and salsa. Without the salsa my meaty burrito was on the drier side. Pineapple aqua Fresca was refreshing. This visit was long overdue. I definitely like to try their brunch item on my next visit. read more

Picante - Carnitas burrito - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

I am a regular here and have been for decades. A few days ago I placed an online order to be picked up curbside. My steak plate came with no steak at all and instead all I got was 2 servings of black beans and some rice. I did also submit a comment through the toast tab thing online stating this. read more

I haven't been to Picante in Berkeley in years and dare I say, I can't wait to be back asap? Finding spots that have a more open indoor/outdoor concept to bring the baby, while staying consistent to their food, flavor, and portion sizes are hard to find in the East Bay sometimes. I'm a bit surprised by the other reviews for this spot because our meal and service was nothing less than stellar. The new renovations to this spot are beautiful. They still operate by register ordering, including beverages/bar service. We ordered margaritas, but would love to explore other speciality drinks next time like their piña colada. To start we had chips, guacamole, and an array of their salsas including a pumpkin seed dip and mango-jicama salsa. Chips were crispy and super sturdy, guacamole fresh and hearty, salsas all so flavorful. My main dish was a burrito bowl with manchamantales chicken (chicken in a grilled pineapple-chile sauce) served "super" with the works..sour cream, guac, cheese, over pinto beans and rice. For the portions, pricing, and palate pleasing taste, this alone has me coming back. Other dishes our party ordered: the manchamantales chicken plate served with rice, beans, and delicious tortillas, the grilled skirt steak plate, and the shrimp diablos plate (this dish is served with white rice and squash, diablos sauce isn't too spicy but packs a punch). For dessert we had the Straus soft serve with chocolate and caramel sauce. We got married on a Straus dairy farm, so anytime we see it on the menu, it's ordered! Lovely people. Lovely atmosphere. Baby friendly, dog-friendly. I noticed there is a kiddos menu and vegetarian/vegan menu as well. One huge plus is that Picante also has a take out menu available for curbside pickup, grab & go, or doorstep delivery. Anywhere that can help a new mom out and bring food to the car door, is a WIN in my book. Stay tuned for the next review when I try it! If you know of other spots besides Masa that do this, open to any and all new parent foodie suggestions! read more

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First of all, they removed my favorite dish from the menu. And then they remove my favorite salsa. Mango salsa is no longer available. Last time I went in two days ago, I couldn't get a waitress to stop at my table and take care of our needs. Once they bring the food out and put it in front of you., that's it. After that, they have no desire to serve you. I had to stand up and wave my arms over my head and raise my voice in order to get service. That really sucks. The ambience and charm of this place is gone. Before Covid, it had all kinds of good vibes. The ambience and the feel and the service was outstanding. Now it just sucks. And the food is marginal. Whoever took over, this restaurant really has their heads of their butt read more

Picante is a cute spot with okay food. I will admit that I haven't tried most of their menu so I can't vouch for all the dishes. The staff are great and were so helpful when I had a large birthday party here a few years ago. Today I just ordered a super burrito for pick up, which cost about $19. It seems kind of steep for a burrito, but it's also walking distance from my home so I just did it for convenience. Honestly it was not stellar, but not bad either. I had a craving for a burrito and I got one, but I wouldn't take a date here if I wanted to impress them. The burrito also came with a small bag of chips, which were overly salted and some pieces tasted stale while others did not. Very average experience. From what I recall, the items I've had in the past that I enjoyed were the flan, mango margarita, and pina colada. read more

The place looks amazing since the renovations were completed. I enjoy going to Picante, the staff is nice and helpful and the food is good. I do feel like the food could be a little more original instead of the basics. The place calls for it. read more

Ex East Bay resident who dropped into one of my old go to spots for good Mexi. The configuration has changed a bit, but the food was delicious. I had the carnitas tostada and my son had a couple carnitas tacos. Carnitas was cooked perfectly. Braised and juicy with hints of orange and cinnamon perhaps ? They still have the self serve hot sauces (nice)!! Will definitely stop in next time I'm in town. read more

Guacamole and chips, great. Beer so cold. But my plate was so simple. Carne asada. Good carne, but just beans, carne and rice. Non a single spring onion or jalapeño roast it, no salsa. The true anyone and a mean anyone can do that plate at home. Not worth to pay big prices for that kind a dish. Like the new place. Very nice. read more

Wow, I can't believe I hadn't tried Picante sooner! Don't be like me, and head over for a dish! I came on a Sunday afternoon, the back doors were open on this nice day. Plenty of seating inside and outside on the patio. Order first at the counter and then find a table. We ordered the tostada salad, nachos, and burrito. All vegetarian! The food came out quickly. I asked for several sides of salsa Verde, and had no issue. I heard they used to have a salsa bar, and I hope they plan to bring it back. Service was very friendly. Tables are cleared quickly for the next customers. Will definitely be back and try other dishes! read more

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A family favorite for years! Great menu options, fresh ingredients, friendly staff. I'm a little bit disappointed with the change in ambiance after the renovations: it feels more modern and less homey, but that's just based on my own nostalgia, and I understand some people might prefer this style. Regardless, the food remains the same, and Picante will always be a top restaurant. I never get sick of the tostada salad, and I could eat their chips for days (seriously - nobody makes chips like these)! read more

Used to be my go to every two weeks. Now no more morita salsa my all time fav, smallest rice and beans portion I've ever gotten despite the increased prices. This is really bumming me out. The old picante felt like home. People were still very nice though. read more

I just went to the newly remodeled Picante restaurant last night. It took them 4 years to remodel the inside. Amazing nice. Feel like a pretty cool restaurants. Food is very good also. They redo the outside seating in the patio also. Will upload photos to show. 1) inside, decor is nice 2) clean and modern look 3) Food is also very very good as usual 4) super nice employees working there. 5) saw their new outdoor pickup food area also, very nice. read more

Picante - Inside Decor on wall - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

I known Picante since 1984 and to me this is the best Mexican restaurant in the bay area , 100% recommended .

I only had the nachos with carne asada added. Visually it's most impressive. I like the idea you won't leave the table hungry. I took a while to finish this and I think it's better to eat it when it's still warm. After a while it seemed that it looked better than it tasted. I literally have not been here in several years. My previous impression was that you didn't get enough to eat. That wasn't the case this night. They had renovated this place a year ago according to the woman who took our order. I must say they did an impressive job of remodeling. Seems like a complete do over. I like the interior and it's most airy. There are tables outside too. I should give it another chance and try something differs next time. read more

Picante - Nachos with carne asada added. - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California