El Talpense Mexican Restaurant

Doesn't disappoint.Quite the contrary...Extraordinary. Yes I said that. I am a pinball Rockstar.

This restaurant used to be my favorite but the service wasn't great the recent time we went. It was very busy and the chips are no longer refillable. Can't remember exactly how much the refills would be, but just unfortunate! Mangonadas have also been a hit or miss recently, depending on who makes it. It seems like overall the service and food is a hit or miss depending on how packed they are / who is making it. The recent few times we've visited, we've tried their burritos. The portions are massive but the meat quality (carne) was quite cheap/tough. Flavor was decent though, and I can definitely only eat half. Also, it is very hot in there as there's no AC, and the ceiling fans don't really do anything. If it's packed in there, I wouldn't recommend coming.

It wasn't packed with Cal students this time, so we decided to try it on Taco Tuesday. We were seated in a booth and given two menus. These weren't my favorite tacos, and I don't think I would return for Taco Tuesday because I feel these are dumbed-down versions for this specific day. I also think the tacos served between Wednesday and Monday are probably a little more hearty; that's just one man's opinion. I did see some tasty-looking dishes on my way to the restroom, so I wouldn't mind returning and trying some other dishes from their menu.BB

Para bailar La BambaSe necesita una poca de gracia...Service was great! We had a reservation set up as it was right after the UC Berkeley graduation. They had a table set up as we took up a big table. The servers were very attentive even with a large group and little ones. Ordered El Tio combination plate that came with a chicken flauta, shredded beef hard shell taco, chile relleno, carne asada, enchilada, salad, beans and rice. Yes food coma... Guacamole was just avocado, wish they would have thrown in some diced onions, cilantro and jalapeño just to add a little flavor. The windows were open so the interior felt fresh. Nothing like a sunny day in the Bay Area. The lights had a cover that looked like a piñata. If you're in the area and want to listen to La Bamba or other good songs while you eat give it a try it's right by the university. Street parking available just pay at a nearby kiosk or on the app.

Spacious Mexican restaurant right next to the Berkeley campus with a large variety of options. Came in for weekday lunch/dinner and it was pretty empty. I ordered the avocado tostada because I wasn't too hungry. It hit the spot though omg. The beef was so yummy, crispy tortilla, loaded with lettuce and plenty of avocado. The free chips and salsa were also really good. Overall simple yummy Mexican spot. I imagine it would get busy with students during peak hours, but was very chill when I went.

I was super excited when I found out this restaurant had a vegan menu! The enchiladas and the street taco were delicious, the service was excellent too, they very friendly, I'm going to keep coming back, I have to try the other options in the menu

Came just for the margaritas and they do not disappoint. Thank you to the staff and business owners for being hospitable. I would recommend the margarita pitcher to celebrate with friends or family. We were able to get six glasses out of the pitcher (but you might get more out of it if you're lucky!) Plenty of seating and great service.

I'm not often on the northside of the UC campus at lunchtime, but I'd like to record that the last time I was, I wound up here. Clean spacious restaurant; I was able to get a lunch combo plate with a tamale in it, which is what I like. Service a little odd - I thought the guy I approached at the front desk would take me to a table or at least hand me off to someone who would, but he didn't - but decent enough food.

Good service, excellent salsas & chips, larger than typical menu and largest vegan menu I've ever seen at a Mexican restaurant.

The food is amazing I had the queso Birria tacos my god so juicy so much taste. Horchata was super sweet loved it