After passing this place 5 days a week on our way home from work we decided we would stop to check it out for dinner on a Monday night. It was pretty busy, the line was back to the door when we got there. It seemed to take a while but I think that was due to the large party in front of us that seemed to grow to be twice the size it originally was by the time we got to the front of the line. The prices are a bit high but I'm realizing this is just a Bay Area thing and I need to get used to it. I ordered a chicken burrito which I thought came with rice and beans on the side. My fiancé got a steak burrito and we got some guacamole with chip to share. The guacamole was good- not to sure it worth the $8 though. The burritos came out wrapped in foil on a plate- no rice and beans on the side but there was some inside the burrito so I'm guessing I just misread the menu. We also got drinks- the margarita wasn't my favorite, a little too tart for me, which was disappointing since I love margaritas normally. I debated between 3 and 4 stars due to the fact that there isn't table service, the line took a long time, I wouldn't order the margarita again, and you need to pay $5 for chips and salsa. I did like the outdoor seating, I like that people can bring their dogs with them, their homemade chips are pretty good, the staff seemed friendly. It's worth a stop, but not the best spot in town. read more

Picante can be classified more as "healthy" than "traditional" Mexican food...lots of stuff for vegetarians and vegans (which says a lot) and their salsas and margaritas are exceptional. They make their tortillas on site and are VERY accommodating with special dietary requests. Have had only had some problems with the chips and guac appetizer: chips are chewy and the guac has a underlying layer of lettuce (sneaky!!). Not that they aren't tasty, just that you have to gnaw on it a bit more... Overall, have had great experiences with the plates, burritos, and tortilla soup. The rajas are good, as are the carne asada and polo asada. The chocolate cake is amazing...and you can't go wrong with their huge salads. This place is very, very child friendly...as I rediscovered after getting "shot" by a kid today during lunch. I'm "dead" but it was worth it; my burrito and corona were damn tasty. read more

We used Picante Catering for our wedding. After interviewing some major pain-in-the-butt caterers, we fell in love with the food and the staff at Picante Catering. Months later we are still hearing rave reviews from our friends and family. Everyone says it is the best food they've ever had at a wedding. Basically you can pay an arm and a leg for rubbery chicken breasts at a standard caterer or go for a good deal on delicious Mexican food from Picante. I can't recommend them highly enough. We go to the restaurant all the time now and love it too. For the wedding we had enchiladas, tamales, salad, rice and beans, with flautas, empanadas and chips and salsa as appetizers. The food was excellent and Carrie (the catering manager) and her staff were incredible. I know I'm biased, but I wish everyone used Picante as their wedding caterer! read more

This place was me and my wife's favorite Mexican food spot before getting pregnant, but we appreciate it even more now that we have a 15 month old. It is so baby and kid friendly! There is enough music and noise (and other kids) that the sound of your child's screams are lost before they bother anyone. The food is organic and healthy, tasty and delicious, comes super fast, and is just darn great. Get the sopa azteca, the chips and guac, the enchiladas verde, and anything else that looks good, 'cause it will be! read more

Great food, great environment, SUPER KID FRIENDLY. Lots of other families there with their kids in different stages of melt-downs too so yours will hardly be noticed! Food is very good, very fresh and the service beyond fast. You order at the counter and they deliver to your table. DON'T be scared off by the line when you enter the door. I've walked in and had my food in less than 20 minutes even though the line was too the door upon entry. They have lots of seating, booths, tables, and bar seating and also have a front and back patio are, but I haven't had a chance to check those out yet. A couple of cool features: - you can watch them hand making fresh tortillas (if you want a free sample bring along a cure kid to watch with you) - salsa's in mini fridges - keeps them fresh and cold. read more

I come here regularly after work or with friends on the weekend, and I have never been disappointed. Imagine a Mexican restaurant that uses fresh local ingredients, prepares everything from scratch, with a service of lightening speed by smiling workers. This is the reason I keep coming back here. Corn tortillas made right in front of your eyes are also non-GMO corn. Black beans served here are so flavorful because they are cooked in a seasoned broth. Some of my favorites are: (1) Manchamantele: chicken cooked in a home made mole sauce. (Did you know almost all Mexican restaurants use pre-made mole sauce?) (2) Chile Verde: pork cooked in a tangy tomatillo sauce. I rarely eat pork, unless it's prepared like this. (3) Sea Food Soup: The broth uses fish bones to give a rich flavor. (4) cafe de olla: a spiced coffee made here is addictive. I come back here over and over because of their quality ingredients, the layers of flavors in their food, and pleasant experiences which all dining should be. read more

This place has the best salsas, chips and corn tortillas. It's really easy to order up front and sit where you like. Very easy place to meet people! Best order is wet burrito w green sauce. If you like spicy food, you have to try their roasted chilis. Love their vegan options as well! (A vegan dessert and horchata would be nice too) read more

I love this restaurant! The best part is tortillas, which are so fresh and taste fantastic, they remind me so much of Latin America. The black beans are also especially yummy and the veggie Picadillo de Legumbre tacos. Excellent. If you want super spicy food, this might not be the place for you, but if you want some yummy, good quality Mexican fare, I highly recommend this place. read more

After a few years away, returned for lunch and found Picante has gotten better. We enjoyed everything we ordered. Sopa Azteca, chile verde plate, and pork tamales. The tortillas with the chile were thick corn tortillas that were soft, warm, and pliable with good corn flavor without being gritty. The soup was a generous serving, nicely spiced, and comes with additional stuff with which to garnish (including dried oregano) - we thought we needed some additional chips for it. The pork in the tamales was chunked, not shredded as I prefer but was nevertheless very good. The masa of the tamales was of a medium thickness and not as sweet as some people make it. The tamales came with an interesting salsa sour cream sauce in a small ramekin and rice and beans (excellent with the black beans). The chile verde sauce was excellent. They grill the pork before stewing in the sauce which adds some very interesting smoke flavor. The pork was tender and moist although somewhat fatty (which was easily pulled off). Tried the refried beans and they too were very good. The updated table ID system is slick and easy to use. Good selection of beer. Looks like they might now have a full bar. Two parking lots means that it is easier to park. One parking lot is across the street and you enter from 6th, the other is on the same side as 6th and you enter from the side street. read more

Good value for the amount of food, but not great. I got the fish tostada--there were only 3 little pieces of fish, and they weren't amazing. Like I said, the food is good--not heavy--but I'd rather get less and have it amaze me. Tacubaya is still king in my mind. read more

Real. "celebration of real Mexican cuisine, not of those imposters that are poured out of cans..." Fresh. Proper. Only problem, grilled beef has gassy torchy aroma, no beef crust. Please refer to Nathan Myhrvold illustration of grilling meat. Maybe a Searzall in the future? Beef 2/10 read more

Never been impressed with this place, except when they sent me a coupon for a free $15 meal when I moved to the neighborhood. I took them up on the offer, but there's nothing to write home about flavor-wise. They have a decent number of vegan/veg options, which is nice, but it would be even nicer if they didn't all taste so bland. Cocktails are very weak. read more

This place was fast! It is so good the food is fresh and authentic. When you come in, you order at the register and it is brought to you. There is a full bar and great beer on tap. The agua frescos are delightful. My chile relleno was perfect, and served with beans, rice, tortillas and pickled veggies. The guacamole and chips were outstanding. My husband got the tacos al pastor; he said they were very flavorful and delicious. It even has outdoor seating. Can't wait to return! read more

Picante - YUM! - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

As far as the food goes, Picante is fantastic. I have never been disappointed. I'm even willing to wait in the line that goes out the door on a lot of nights. If I could eat their manchamanteles tacos every night, I would. BUT....I am seriously disappointed with their catering department. Since my fiance and I love Picante so much, we wanted them to cater our wedding. What better food to have at our wedding than our favorite food! Although Carrie was very nice, she didn't seem to hear us when we said we didn't want a taco bar and kept bringing it up. Not a big deal. The big deal was she promised to send me an estimate of Picante's services which we have never received. I have e-mailed and called (a few weeks after the original meeting) and have received no response. So we've given up and moved on to other caterers...very disappointing. Bottom line: GREAT food. Not so great catering department. read more

This place is a bummer. The cashier rushed me through my order, I asked for sour cream and they gave me guacamole. I paid over $10 for two chick tacos (with NOTHING on them or with them) and a green salad with no dressing. They do not give togo utensils and the food is bland read more

Picante - $10 + for this -___- - Mexican Near Me - Berkeley, California

We've been going to Picante's for the last 20 years and it keeps getting better all the time. Our favorite dishes are the flautas, served with rice or beans and guacamole. The vegetarian tostadas are also wonderful. The cashiers that take your order as well as all the servers are very pleasant and efficient. On sunny days you can sit outside and watch the birds! read more

Tucked away in West Berkeley, this little taco in the wall was sooo good! Not only is it a fun atmosphere, it's spacious and has fast service (you order and seat yourself, heh). There is a variety of veggie options as well. I aslo had a new take on a burrito: potatoes!! The legumbre burrito is a veggie's delight full of taters and carrots (not invasive or crunchy), beans, the works etc...Their guac isn't bad either. You can also get beer, sangria and margaritas there- by the glass or pitcher. They cater as well if you're having a party or just a hankering for a life time supply of taquitos. read more

I live in the Mission. Mexican food abounds. What I've found lacking in Mexican places in the Mission, and in general, is decent black beans. I'm Cuban. I'm picky when it comes to my frijoles negros. Picante seems to have discovered what other Mexican places forget. You must season your beans. Cooking them until they are no longer little hard rocks is also key. Picante does both. Not my mother's, but whose are? The carnitas I had were bland. Carnitas should be cooked until all the fat is fully rendered resulting in crisp, flavorful strands of meat that melt in your mouth. Picante's were undercooked and fatty. The corn tortillas were not your standard, dry packaged variety. They were plump and moist. I particularly enjoyed the salsa roja squirting copious amounts in my mixture of pork, beans and rice. This may have been to compensate for the bland pork. They also have a decent selection of beers. Mostly Mexican brews but a few others are in the mix. The atmosphere was a mixture of singletons, families and college students. It's a vast dining room so you can shield yourself from what you consider the most offensive. I'd like to return to experiment with more of their menu to fully judge the food and see if it can earn an extra star. read more

Went to Picante tonight on 6th in Berkeley, very disappointing experience. They are still serving outside in a parking lot tent area. You order and wait there to "dine in". Service was below par. Food arrives in a bag, like take away, everything boxed up, so impersonal. Our food took forever to get. I ordered a drink (came in a can, no glass provided). Ordered soup, not given a spoon. Had to ask. They were make *extreme* noise moving chairs, tables and dragging a trash across the ground right where people were eating. Seriously? I would desribe this "service" clearing tables disruptive and rude and shocking. Meanwhile, food costs the same there, pricey. The soup was awful, no flavor, came in tall container, hard to eat from. Very disappointing. They are still wearing masks, I had to order from a kiosk. Customer service is in the dumpster people. This restautant, case in point. How long are they going to be using this "remodel" excuse? I looked inside restaurant as we drove away, looks like nothing is happening and this is just an excuse to continue the covid paranoia. Never going back. Sad, this was a staple for us. No more. read more

Don't come here if you're vegan. Fast food customer service and quality for moderate restaurant prices. The vegetarian menu is okay (about 1/3 the size of the regular menu) but the vegan menu is about 1/4 of the vegetarian menu. Super limited choices with only limited ingredient plates. Burnt chips, $1.55 for 2tbs guacamole, and overcooked tamales to the point of being too hard to chew. This was my last 2 dining experiences here. I could be equally satisfied for a third the cost at taco bell. read more

Ditto to christine a.'s review of nachos. They are the chevy trucks of nachos. Their homemade chips hold up to a big load of cheese, sour cream,guac and the works, and still come out crucnchy and tasty. Everything else is pretty good too, though not if your looking for a big taqueria style burrito... read more

I went here for the first time on October 4th. I ordered the vegetarian tostada ($9.50) and a Modelo ($5). I actually I asked for a Negra Modelo, and that is what my receipt says but I received a regular Modelo. I didn't notice until I sat down. Luckily I like both. Anyways, the tostada was colorful and super, super fresh and amazing. Would go back for sure. Very popular location. People in Berkeley know good food. Interior and exterior seating. I sat at a booth inside. Friendly staff. read more

Disclaimer: I might be a little easy to impress right now because I am deprived of good Mexican food where I currently live. I came here for dinner with my family based on a fellow foodie's recommendation. It's definitely a great location for big groups because it's a large space with a fun atmosphere (although, if you come during a busy time with a large group, it'll take some work to find a spot since it gets crowded). I was a little worried when I got there because a sign politely requests that you place your order at the counter before grabbing a table. Um, hell naw. I'm not leaving nothing to chance when I'm starving. Two people in our party went out to scout for a space for us while the others stood in line to order. There's a huge menu up on the wall behind the cashiers but there are also color-coded menus (2 pages, back to back) for Lunch/Dinner, Brunch, Kids, and Vegetarians. What a great idea although something about it reminded me of the public library. Hmm. Anyways, as I stood in line I noticed there was a little mini-fridge off to the side with 3 levels of sauces that customers help themselves to and bring back to the table. Another great organizational idea! Gotta love places that make eating so efficient! Our food came in less time than it took us to stand in line to order (it's obviously a popular place). My 5-star rating is based on my order alone: the Chile Verde plate. My pork chunks were juicy and slightly fatty (just *slightly* okay?! don't be afraid), and the sauce was delicious. Rice was not dried out. Corn tortillas were flavorful and soft. Each of our plates came out with a serrano pepper on our beans, which was a nice touch. In between stuffing my face with my food and moaning with pleasure, I eyed everyone else's plate at my table and asked for a report. The Pescado burrito (tilapia with mango-jalapeno sauce) was so-so, not much flavor. The Carnitas plate was good but everyone agreed my Chile Verde was much better. The Vegetarian Soup with Tortilla Strips was good, as was the Carne Asada Super Burrito (you can "Super Burrito" your order which adds guacamole, cheese, and crema). BUT MY ORDER WAS DEFINITELY THE WINNER! Despite going during the dinner rush (Wednesday @ 7pm), we found street parking and there is also a lot across the street. Overall, a fun, festive, and efficient place to eat. It really hit the spot for me! read more

The manager contacted me and apologized for the over charge, but did not offer a refund. He explained the registers were set up correctly to apply the discount, so he's not sure how that mistake could have happened. He mentioned that he brought up food quality issues with the chef and to let them know if I was dissatisfied with my meal next time. Came back a second time with my friends and had a so-so experience. This place is still crowded with kids, but we secluded ourselves to the patio which was a bit less chaotic. They have heat lamps outside. Food was so-so again and for the price I expected a bit more flavor/ fresher ingredients. Sadly, there aren't many decent Mexican places in the area so I may come back here if I'm desperate. read more

After a tiring day of swimming at Lake Anza, my friend and I were hungry and decided to come here after she recommended they were good. I don't really care for this place. I hadn't ate since the day before, so I was expecting the portions to be larger. I ordered the chicken in red mole sauce tacos and they were the street kind that I could've got at the taco truck for $1.25 each. Not at Picante. You get 3 paltry ones with a smidge of beans. I also hate the fact, that when you eat there, they don't give you any chips and salsa; you actually have to pay almost $3 for them and you only get one serving. Have you ever heard of something so ludicrous. That was a huge turn-off, too. Overall, I wouldn't come back. Decent taste, put price point is high and honestly, I've just had better Mexican. read more

Fast. Fresh. Interesting, diverse menu choices. Rockin efficiency. Great margaritas. Only downside I guess is that they are so efficient you almost feel like you're 1 of 482,234 customers that day. (Well, you probably were, but man is that service fast!) Great patio. Great community vibe with so many people in and out. read more

I'm sorry ppl that live in Berkeley, but this is something that has gotta be said. everyone gives it a good ranking because they don't know how things should taste. Picante is NOT good, I would rather go to the city or a specific taco truck and get good food. I've tried many of the the dishes here and it's always a miss. I've eaten here 10x over the years due to ppl and friends liking it. The food sucks and is lacking the flavor and punch that it should have.. It's just mediocre food in a good location ... nothing else for miles around! I admit, it's good for families ... i guess, but I wouldn't take mine. I have higher expectations. read more

I admit that the decor makes this place look more like Chipotle's (the mexi-disaster owned by McDonalds - and not Old McDonald the cool guy with the farm). BUT the food was really good. Mole, mole, mole. I am a sucker for Mole. Maybe it's the chocolate monster that lives inside of me but I just love the flavor and Picante does a good sauce. They even have a "red mole" sauce (Machmanas) which I had never had before and it was magically delicious. +Good Organic corn tortillas. +Good Niman Ranch beef and pork. +Salsas? eh. not great and not really hot either. I would have loved a bottle of Pete's or Tapatio to spice things up a bit. +And good prices. So close your eyes to hide the decor, sit down in a giant booth and enjoy. read more

CONSISTENT MEXICAN FOOD IN A LOUD AND CROWDED SETTING This is one of my regular places to eat in Berkeley. I like many things on their extensive menu especially their enchiladas and nachos. The service is always friendly and efficient; It was nice to see a manager checking in with diners. I would not classify them as "cheap eats" but the prices are reasonable considering the quality of the food. You can tell a lot of care goes into the preparation of the dishes. Manchamanteles Tostada This time I ordered the manchamanteles (chicken in red mole) tostada and I was pleased. It came on a crispy corn tortilla piled high with beans, cheese, carrots, radishes, lettuce, and chicken in a rich red mole sauce. Mexican Coffee I also ordered their Mexican coffee and my taste buds were tantalized by the cinnamon, clove, brown sugar, and orange zest. Their food is consistent but it is usually noisy and crowded. read more

mmmmmmm good guacamole... Unfortunately they are stingy with it. Which means that you end up paying nearly $9 (including tax) for a rice, bean and cheese burrito. No meat. No bueno. read more

Picante is one of those mexican restaurants that has almost everything right but there is just something missing. The food is clean, fresh, and of quality but it lacks that extra punch or kick I typically want in my mexican food. The restaurant ambiance and decor is colorful and fun. Dining there is comfortable and relaxing. Fresh tortillas are being made right before your eyes. There is something about watching that process that makes you feel more homely. On to the food: 1) Guac and chips- My favorite appetizer. It's fresh and zesty. Something I almost always order. 2) Mole enchilada- I felt the chicken was a bit dry, but overall flavor was satisfactory. Lacks that elusive xfactor. 3) Tacos (carne asada and carnitas)- most disappointing. I've had numerous tacos that were better. Prob the main reason why I can't rate picante higher. Overall I really do think Picante is a great place. I love the vibe and the food is adequate. I always enjoy my meal here, but I just don't expect that spectacular authentic mexican flavor profile. read more

I was wary when I saw the three star average, but decided to check it out anyway. The experience was a definite "meh". The nachos were fine. Good chips, good cheese, didn't skimp on toppings, but I will never in my life crave to eat these nachos again. The [standard] margarita was of such poor quality that I couldn't drink it. If you're starving, this will definitely do in a pinch. But if you're considering other options, try them first. read more

My best friend treated me to a birthday lunch today. My first time here and I am in love with Picante. I ordered the pollo asado tostada. It consisted of pinto beans, flat corn tortilla, moist chicken slices, other veggies with tons of lettuce and side of vinaigrette. TASTY! Between my best friend and I we shared a nachos appetizer that was to die for. The nachos were made of corn tortilla strips topped with cheese, cheese, cheese and more cheese. Oh and it was also topped with pinto beans, salsa and jalapenos. Mmmmm. The portions at Picante are very large. The best part (I like best) is you do not have to interact with the wait staff. I don't mind getting my own water, I don't mind getting my own utensils and I also don't mind getting my to-go box. I guess this is how they keep their prices so low. No complaints from me. I had a wonderful birthday lunch with great company and great food. I will definitely come back again. read more

Consistent, tasty food. Not exciting. Unless you get a booth, the seats are uncomfortable. I like the patio but it's little. The atmosphere's noisy and often annoying. But... they're open until 10 pm, even on Mondays. In Berkeley, that's worth a star right there. read more

Really could improve. I've tried their burritos. Fresh ingredients, but weird flavor on the rice, and generally just not authentic. Tostada salad with Chicken looked, smelled and tasted great - but made me feel terrible for two days. The latest experiment - Fish Tacos. Bland as all hell, but edible. So I guess the moral is - there's a reason I keep returning (maybe lack of other alternatives) but I can't justify what that reason is. read more

NUTRITIONIST APPROVED! yes, the rare 5 stars from me. oh my stars this place is yummy. i've been coming here for years but hadn't been in a while and went with a co-worker today. I had chicken tostada salad with black beans. It was a heaping plate for $8 and the chicken was AWESOMELY spiced and deliciously moist. wonderful flavor. The salsa was excellent and the beans were good. All this with romaine, jicima, radish and cabbage atop a crispy corn tortilla. I topped it with smoky mild chipotle sauce. They use organic meats and I think produce too. everything is all really delicious. I've also had the sopa azteca (basically chicken tortilla soup w avocado) which was nourishing and delicious. I guess the ambiance could use some work - it's a little high school cafeteria, but they have outdoor seating and the food arrives fast. yay! yay! yay! read more

I do not like paying $10.59 for a chile relleno plate with overcooked beans and dry, flavorless rice. The chile relleno was ok and made using a poblano chile, which is more than I can say for some places that always open a can and stuff an Ortega anaheim. But the sauce covering the chile was awful. It was slightly sweet and traditional relleno sauce should be strictly tomato based with the teeniest hint of oregano. I was REALLY unimpressed. I guess the salsas were alright also, but when I'm paying $10.59 to stand in line I'd like them to come in something other than a ketchup-style squeeze bottle. Come on Picante, come on. Unrelated to food, but something that definitely negatively effected my experience was that I felt really bad for their wait-staff and that poor tortillera as they are overburdened by obnoxious bourgey suburbanites. In sum: Overcooked, dry, bland and overpriced food in a restaurant that caters to people who have no idea what Mexican food is or should be. The only thing that saves them from one star are their tortillas. Advice to yelpers: Order a stack of their homemade (really--you can watch an overworked woman pressing them to prove it) corn tortillas, grab a beer and head outside to their nice patio. read more

I'm addicted with their Tostada Salad. I tried it with their Grilled Chicken, Carne Asada, or Carnitas. The Carne Asada version is great, but they are stingy with the meat. The Grilled Chicken was okay, but it makes me think that Chipotle's Chicken Burrito Bowl is way better of a deal when it comes to cost. I would stick to their Carnitas, since it has a good amount of shredded pork meat. Plus, it tastes good with their combination of black beans, corn tortillas, lettuce, and cheese. It's a great lunch place, although I wouldn't eat there everyday. :-) read more

I got sick after eating there. Felt real bad for two days, projectile vomiting, never again. After my picante lunch, I had supper at a friends house, no one got ill. Same breakfast everyday, so I know it was Picante.. read more

Been a picante customer for years. The menu has grown as have prices. No longer a $$ value. Take out for 4 yesterday was $80.00+ with half filled soup and warm, fishy smelling ceviche...yuck I will stick to Gordos....quality and value... Joe Z read more