Picante - Feedback

The restaurant has undergone a stylish remodeling, creating a more upscale dining atmosphere. You still place your order at the register, but the quality of the... read more The restaurant has undergone a stylish remodeling, creating a more upscale dining atmosphere. You still place your order at the register, but the quality of the food remains outstanding—some of the finest Mexican cuisine in the East Bay. They also provide a convenient option for curbside pickup if you call ahead. As for parking, it can be tricky on busy nights, but there are two lots available, along with street parking.

The huevos rancheros were not traditional at all. The sauce was a disappointing take on dark chili, and the eggs were overcooked. This restaurant should reconsi... read more The huevos rancheros were not traditional at all. The sauce was a disappointing take on dark chili, and the eggs were overcooked. This restaurant should reconsider its roots. On a positive note, the manager was courteous and offered to refund me for the dish.

This place has a great vibe. Since the pandemic, they've implemented some changes: now you wait in line and order at the counter instead of being seated. They s... read more This place has a great vibe. Since the pandemic, they've implemented some changes: now you wait in line and order at the counter instead of being seated. They still clear your table for you, though. The food is delicious, and they have a full bar. The large patio doors really bring the outdoors in. The staff is friendly, and the restaurant is very clean.

The dining room in picante is back, and much more open and with more natural light than before. The food is excellent as usual and the tortilla chips are the be... read more The dining room in picante is back, and much more open and with more natural light than before. The food is excellent as usual and the tortilla chips are the best out there. Still the standard for excellent Mexican food.

Cool, little Mexican restaurant. They did a great job designing this place. The food was pretty good and it wasn't that busy. It looked like they had a full bar... read more Cool, little Mexican restaurant. They did a great job designing this place. The food was pretty good and it wasn't that busy. It looked like they had a full bar, but quote me on that. Found this place because traffic was pretty bad.

Very overpriced Bland Berkeley chicken breast mexikales restaurant . They are still in lockdown mode because they obviously earn more money than they previously... read more Very overpriced Bland Berkeley chicken breast mexikales restaurant . They are still in lockdown mode because they obviously earn more money than they previously with their normal dining room. Now you can sit outside in the cold and serve slightly warm dishes for extremely high prices. Trust me you're much better with a taco truck. Staff are very nice, but probably overworked and underpaid.

While the restaurant is updated, they have a system of kiosk order and delivery to a tent setup in a parking lot. Skeptical at first, but it was great. The food... read more While the restaurant is updated, they have a system of kiosk order and delivery to a tent setup in a parking lot. Skeptical at first, but it was great. The food was fantastic. Everything was clean and comfortable.

They are there before they were closed and informed that they would not serve us. For a long time customer of when they were open inside before they basically b... read more They are there before they were closed and informed that they would not serve us. For a long time customer of when they were open inside before they basically became a glorified food truck that apparently closed before their specified hours. I'm not a customer anymore. Edit: I appreciate the owner's answer, Jim. I was quite disappointed when we were looking forward to Picante again. We'll have to give them a shot soon.

Heard of many people that it is very good and this place is popular among locals however, unfortunately the food I received was not the best quality and service... read more Heard of many people that it is very good and this place is popular among locals however, unfortunately the food I received was not the best quality and service either most likely because it renews its restaurant.

Iconic east bay establishment. I have been going here for 20+ years since I was a toddler. As a child me and my brother would watch the woman making fresh torti... read more Iconic east bay establishment. I have been going here for 20+ years since I was a toddler. As a child me and my brother would watch the woman making fresh tortillas and they would always give us small ones. Try the their verde enchiladas and their Mexican angel food cake.

This place is a family favorite. I remember when the kids were much younger and they would watch the fresh tortillas being made. They would then run to the tabl... read more This place is a family favorite. I remember when the kids were much younger and they would watch the fresh tortillas being made. They would then run to the table with fresh samples. Now we come back for their favorite beans and rice, my wife with the floutas, and my carnitas plate. Did I mention the awesome roasted peppers hot sauce?

This place cranks out literally hundreds of meals every day yet the quality of the food is top notch. I recommend the enchiladas verde buy its all good. The mar... read more This place cranks out literally hundreds of meals every day yet the quality of the food is top notch. I recommend the enchiladas verde buy its all good. The margaritas are also good but you can't get them to go. The is also curb side pickup for to go orders.

Okay so I eat tons of Picante but today’s lunch blew me away...enchiladas mole was on point. The mole was so good and chicken inside super moist and just a hint... read more Okay so I eat tons of Picante but today’s lunch blew me away...enchiladas mole was on point. The mole was so good and chicken inside super moist and just a hint of mole.

Love this spot it's on point!! The food the drinks the service ALL GOOD!! read more Love this spot it's on point!! The food the drinks the service ALL GOOD!!

While visiting the bay area on vacation, Picante was recommended to us by our local friends. It was easily the best, freshest Mexican I have ever had. I got the... read more While visiting the bay area on vacation, Picante was recommended to us by our local friends. It was easily the best, freshest Mexican I have ever had. I got the Conchita Pibil plate, and it was excellent. My boyfriend got the steak plate, and it was some of the best steak I have ever tasted. The employees were friendly and the food was out in no time. We'll definitely come back when we get back that way!

Faster service and quality for moderate high restaurant prices. the vegetarian menu is in order about 1 3 the size of the regular menu, but the vegan menu is ab... read more Faster service and quality for moderate high restaurant prices. the vegetarian menu is in order about 1 3 the size of the regular menu, but the vegan menu is about 1 4 of the vegetarian menu. super limited selection with limited inlay plates. burnt chips, 1.55 for 2tbs guacamole, and overcooked tamales to the point too hard to chew. that were my last 2 culinary experiences here.

I really enjoy the stratified aromen and the story behind, how long it takes to cook the bean, I don't mind the running gear only for their plant-based menu read more I really enjoy the stratified aromen and the story behind, how long it takes to cook the bean, I don't mind the running gear only for their plant-based menu

They have selected a special veg menu with vegan options read more They have selected a special veg menu with vegan options

Beautiful interior and ample outdoor seating. They have a separate vegetarian menu. Huge portions! Handmade corn tortillas machine press with flour tortillas al... read more Beautiful interior and ample outdoor seating. They have a separate vegetarian menu. Huge portions! Handmade corn tortillas machine press with flour tortillas also available. Re fried beans have lard : Very fresh salads. Not cheap, but reasonable for what you get.

Separate vegan and veggie menus make it very clear what is safe to order. You order and pay at the front and they deliver it to the table, so take time to look... read more Separate vegan and veggie menus make it very clear what is safe to order. You order and pay at the front and they deliver it to the table, so take time to look at the veg menus before you get in line. I had a veggie tostada, which was very large and tasty. My vegan husband had a butternut squash and poblano tamale which was nice as well. We had a guacamole as well with home made chips. Be sure to grab some of the home made salsas from the cart before you sit down. Lots of indoor and outdoor seating. Tasty, reasonably priced, great for meat eaters and veggies alike. Updated from previous review on Thursday July 21, 2011

Fast food customer service and quality for moderate/high restaurant prices. The vegetarian menu is okay (about 1/3 the size of the regular menu) but the vegan m... read more Fast food customer service and quality for moderate/high 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.

Beautiful interior and ample outdoor seating. They have a separate vegetarian menu. Huge portions! Handmade corn tortillas machine press)with flour tortillas al... read more Beautiful interior and ample outdoor seating. They have a separate vegetarian menu. Huge portions! Handmade corn tortillas machine press)with flour tortillas also available. Re-fried beans have lard : Very fresh salads. Not cheap, but reasonable for what you get.

Picante is a fantastic choice for plant-based diners. Their rice is prepared without chicken broth! It’s a great place to enjoy a meal with friends. The updated... read more Picante is a fantastic choice for plant-based diners. Their rice is prepared without chicken broth! It’s a great place to enjoy a meal with friends. The updated menu offers even more delicious options since my last visit in 2019.

I truly appreciate the complex flavors and the story behind the lengthy cooking process of the beans at Picante. I don’t mind making the drive just to enjoy the... read more I truly appreciate the complex flavors and the story behind the lengthy cooking process of the beans at Picante. I don’t mind making the drive just to enjoy their plant-based menu.

They offer a dedicated vegetarian menu with clearly marked vegan options. read more They offer a dedicated vegetarian menu with clearly marked vegan options.

Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $20–30 read more Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $20–30

We've known this place for many years, and don't know what happened to it after the renovations. Last time, it was very loud and the food was soso. Today we gav... read more We've known this place for many years, and don't know what happened to it after the renovations. Last time, it was very loud and the food was soso. Today we gave it another try and ordered Huevos Rancheros. The lousiest plate everrrr. Couple of tortillas, two eggs buried under salsa and a scoop of black beans. Oh, and a scratch of crumbled queso. That's it! I know that we're spoiled when going to Puerto Vallarta but comooooonnn. No avocado, rice, jalapeños, pico de gallo or even a little chopped lettuce?? At $35.00 with 1[one] coke?? Kiss my business goodbye Picante ! Food: 2 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 3

One of my favorite restaurants in the Berkeley area. Should up 15 minutes before closing and the staff was more than happy to sit us. Food came out fast and we... read more One of my favorite restaurants in the Berkeley area. Should up 15 minutes before closing and the staff was more than happy to sit us. Food came out fast and we were out by closing. The guacamole is legendary! Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $10–20 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Vegetarian offerings: Vegetarian menu or section