If you're looking for authentic, delicious Mexican food in generous portions then look no further. Foget atmosphere, just eat and enjoy. I've had Mexican fare in the Oranges, Newark, Morristown, yada yada. This hole-in-the-wall is outstanding. I've dragged friends here and they've become steady customers. BYOB. Take-out available. they have a web site: picantethetasteofmexico.com read more

A fantastic find in the heart of downtown Springfield. Everything I've tried here has been flavorful, fresh, and bursting with great ingredients. I always enjoy the skirt steak enchiladas with mole sauce. The mole is intensely rich and dark, with notes of deep roasty pepper flavors and cocoa. Another favorite of mine the huitlacoche quesadillas--they're savory, mushroomy, and truly tasty. The pico de gallo is always very fresh with a splash of freshly-squeezed lime juice. Service is very friendly and prices are reasonable. Great for takeout or dining in. It's hard to find really good Mexican around this area, but Picante does it right! read more

I had the pork tacos which I could tel were good but because I had a cold, I couldn't fully appreciate the meal. My husband loves his burrito... it was huge! read more

We were pretty dissapointed with our experience here. We are mainly used to Mexican food as it is served in the South. What we found here- no free chips and salsa (maybe the first time ever in my life), a decent portion of steak on the fajita however extremely scant sides. Do fajitas not come with more than a tiny cup of pico on the side? Probably one of the least generous yet most expensive Mexican restaurants we've ever been to. read more

I visit this place frequently - the food is great and the owners lovely. But last night was epic fail! Cinco de mayo...comes every year you should be ready. The long wait for food I can deal with but what was most frustrating was the dazed and confused help. I totally get it - your kitchen was slammed. BUT there are small things you could do to make the situation better as opposed to standing (three of you) behind the counter spinning in your own confusion. 1. Tell the patrons the situation, set the expectations. many came in and sat at their table with 10-20 min wait before you even approached them. I saw 4-5 tables just leave. 2. Provide water. I was one of 2 tables that had to get up after 30 min just to ask for a glass of water. The rest just waited. And forget about refills. That thought never occurred to you. You had some lame excuse that there was no ice so hence you didn't offer water. You had full pitchers of water in your cooler, something is better than nothing. 3. Prepare the tables so when food does arrive we were ready to eat...we had to ask for utensils and napkins which took another few minutes to fetch all while our food sat waiting for us to dig in. 4. No chips and salsa - no problem you ran out...but figure something out. Run to the store and purchase more or better yet make up some quick cheese quesadillas and serve them to the patrons. And finally when you did have chips you totally blew off our table because we had food. Instead of apologizing and offering a fresh made chip and salsa. Use it to your advantage You have the ability to turn any situation into a positive experiences and you were completely incompetent last night. Bummer for you because you lost a lot of business last night with tables just walking out and we certainly will not be back anytime soon - incompetence leaves a very lasting impression. read more

Solid Mexican joint with a nice variety on the menu and flavorful food. We tried three different tacos - Carne Asada, Fish, and Al Pastor. The Al Pastor was the most unique and very good. Fish was a close second. Carne Asada was fine, but nothing to write home about. Overall, it's now our new favorite Mexican place in the area. read more

My husband and I went there last night and was welcomed by the owner Lido, he was very friendly and enthusiastic. We had the Chorizo nachos and they were very delicious.. .. order tjem ..just the right amount of cheese .. it had the right amount of heat... I was full by the end of that appetizer. My husband had the fajitas and I ordered the poblano barrito.. its was very good but couldn't eat anymore since I was already full from eating the appetizer. the owner Lido checked in on us and was very pleasant speaking with others in the resturant. Lido the owner stopped to talk to us for a few minutes since my husband wanted to compliment him on the food and we then were introduced to his wife Guadelupe. For those who had stated she seems like she has an attitude, well let me just say she does not!! She spoke to us as if we had been regulars at the place, just because people dont smile 24/7 you shouldn't judge a book by its cover.!!!! In my opinion she was just as pleasant. Lido said the next time we come back to try the desert well loan and behold my husband heard that he had Tres leches cake on the menu so he wanted to try it let's just say that is the best 1 by far that I have ever tasted. Home made an delicious!!!! Try it!!! We will absolutely be back!!! read more

So glad I found this place really great authentic fresh Mexican cuisine. I always order take out never had the time to actually dine in but the orders are always correct and just yummy! read more

Fresh, well prepared Mexican. Plenty of menu options, and more vegetarian options than many other similar places. Spinach enchiladas were packed with perfectly cooked spinach and beautifully presented, ranchera sauce very tasty. House made guacamole excellent and featured fresh cilantro. Decor vivid and festive. Will definitely go back. read more

Food is edible but its too pricey. They charged me 2.50 for a side of avocado that measured less than an ounce. It came in a disposable cup like the ones you ask for at chick-fila or five guys it was ridiculous for that price i can get a whole avocado!!! read more

Food is quickly but freshly prepared. Everything I have had on my 3 visits so far has exceeded expectations. Hopefully they are in Springfield for the long run. read more

i had their chicken tacos this time and they were delicious! i also got the taquetos again and they still r my favorite thing to get. this time it came with yellow rice and i loved that. everything was so yummy! love their new location as well. read more

I would give this less the 1 star if I could. A restaurant should tell you if they do not have the ingredients the menu states are in the selection. Especially if it is Avocado for the guacamole!! Waste of time and money!!! Got home with take out to find a less then expected wrap with rice. read more

This place is a hidden gem. Me and my fiance came here for the first time this past weekend. The food had that authentic taste and the Choriqueso was amazing. The great thing about this place is that it is a BYOB and you get a bang for your buck. The one negative thing i have to say is that the staff needs to be more people friendly. read more

I have lived in Jersey for 3 years now and this is the FIRST authentic Mexican restaurant I've encountered, and believe me, I've looked all over! I grew up in Laredo, TX and my roommate is from Southern California, so we have high expectations. I new immediately from the divey atmosphere and eclectic decor that the food would be great. We started off with the Chorizo Nachos - they were divine. I then ordered the Tacos de Alambre. Great sized portion and absolutely delicious. I asked for the hottest salsas in the house and the waitress provided me with both a salsa verde (tomatillo) and a smoke red salsa. They were perfect! I would recommend this to anyone looking for true Mexican cuisine in the area and I am definitely going back. read more

authentic and delicious. great fajitas and skirt steak. gracious hostess. we'll definitely be back!

My wife and I regularly order from here. Despite some of the recent reviews about the food dropping off, I have to say that I think they are still at the top of the their game. Dinner a week and a half ago was terrific, and lunch yesterday was even better. The guacamole is the only thing there I've not loved. The Al Pastor is out of this world. Best to eat out though. read more

Nondescripit little joint, very easy to miss. We'd been to a pricey gourmet Mexican place the earlier day so comparing it was but natural, although unfair. We ordered the guacomole followed by the fish tacos and the mole enchiladas. I have to say the food had a home-cooked healthy, fresh feel to it; the portions were generous. The service was not warm but efficient. I'd certainly recommend it as a affordable option. The food is above average with quite a few choices; for the price you cant go wrong. read more

As other posts mentioned, it's a total hole in the wall but the food was the best mexican I've had in years. The guac was really good, I had the tostadas and my husband had the poblano burrito. Everything was fresh and really really good. We've found our new favorite mexican place! read more

If you are looking for a large, cookie-cutter tex mex franchise, go someplace else. However, for those who prefer a warm, unpretentious and intimate space with great service and authentic mexican food, you have to visit Picante! Chile rellano was amazing as was the pico de gallo. My wife had the chicken burrito and thought it was great. Prices are very reasonable. Lots to choose from on the menu and we will definitely return. read more

Best Mexican in the Union Essex NJ area. It's best for pickup because it's small inside and not very elaborate or modern. Black bean soup is hearty and delicious. Mole enchiladas taste rich and authentic...can almost taste the complex flavors. Vegetable quesadillas are nice...not soggy like in some other restaurants in the area. Good choice for affordable, quick Mexican. read more

First time very good experience. Especially enjoyed the authenticity of the food. All the better was the owner's care and interest in us. Even ordered off menu. Go and you won't regret. read more

I have to say EAT HERE!! It's amazing! The best torta del Rey I've experienced. Great all around authentic Mexican joint outside of Chicago. Great service, family owned and operated with awesome dishes. read more

Disappointing. We ordered the "fresh guacamole" for ($9) and were not happy when some tasteless green goop was plopped down. Mostly, it tasted like refrigerator. The fish tacos were so-so, as was the burrito. The serving sizes were generous, and the service was attentive (though there was only us and one other couple, so the place wasn't exactly buzzing). read more

Not a fan. Love mexican food and this place doesn't compare to others for the price range.

I recently tried this place while getting NJ Lic renewal in springfield, and I have to say it is the best and most authentic food in the area, I loved it, it's a tiny place located in springfield only a few minutes away from my house thank god, i was driving out of the area to find great mexican food. You have to try it! is BYOB read more

Pretty good little place with above average Mexican for NJ. For me the test of a Mexican place is its guacamole, and Picante passed with flying colors. Burritos and fajitas were also pretty good. read more

We have been searching for a decent casual Mexican restaurant in NJ for several years and have met nothing but disappointment...until we tried Picante last night. We decided to try Picante after reading reviews on yelp, but went in with high skepticism given our track record. My wife is from Orange County, CA, and we are both used to very fresh, flavorful and not overly greasy Mexican. Picante could actually keep up with some of the places out west. The nachos appetizer was very basic, but done very well...flavors were good, ingredients fresh and the cheese tasty. Our kids ordered the Skirt Steak tacos which were very simple and fresh. I had the tacos de Alambre which were very excellent and deceivingly filling. The restaurant is pretty small and the decor is pretty plain, but if you want solid, tasty Mexican, its the only option in the area. Plus, its BYOB! read more

My fiance and I had another fantastic meal at Picante this week. I never write reviews online, but have been meaning to for months because Picante is a hidden gem. I grew up in the area, and am kicking myself for not discovering it sooner. We go at least once a month if not more, as Picante is by far our top choice of Mexican in the area. We love the simplicity and genuine feel of the restaurant. The vegetarian nachos are always a favorite starter dish. The kitchen has NO heavy hands with butter, oil, or salt--the flavors of the quality ingredients speak for themselvers. We do take out on occasion, which is great as well, even though we prefer to eat there. The owners are very friendly and accomodating, the service has always been great. I hope you enjoy! read more

I go here all the time and think its one of the best Mexican restaurants I have ever been to. The salsa verde is really amazing. Get the Picante enchiladas and you won't go wrong! read more

Had a terrible experience here tonight. First, it is stifling hot in there. I asked about the air situation and they said they can't do anything about it. What! This place expects to just never get the air fixed and stay in business. That is crazy! Second, it smells weird in there. Now this could be because there is no air circulating in there. Still, it just doesn't seem right to want to eat in a place that doesn't smell good. Third, I have never been to a Mexican restaurant where they don't offer chips and salsa. Yes, they have it on the menu, but you have to pay for it. Huh? Lastly, we were surprised the we received our bill. It is very expensive. I mean for the quality of the food, the hardly decorative ambiance and the dirty tables, the price just didn't match up for what we got. Turned out, my husband added up the prices on the check and they did in fact over charge us by $8.00. Sorry, but there were just too many negatives about this place to ever make me even think of going back. Stay away people! read more