El Talpense Mexican Restaurant

Great vegan Mexican food! A whole page of all vegan menu items, both veggie and soy meats. Friendly staff & tasty margaritas!

Birria tacos were the best I’ve ever had!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

I have a hunch that the older gentleman, possibly the owner, might be racist. While I enjoyed the food, his behavior has been consistently rude on multiple occasions. Reading some of the other reviews, it seems like he’s just a jerk. I sent my margarita back because it was watery, and he snatched it away from me in a very rude manner, rolling his eyes at me. Despite being a loyal customer, I’ve decided to end my patronage. The high prices of the food are simply too much to endure such treatment. Also almost $30 for a burrito and side of sour cream is crazy 😂

Recommended dishes: Super Burrito

It was good

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

TERRIBLE experience and incredibly unprofessional staff who think life-threatening food allergies are a joke, and throw temper tantrums if you ask for clarification..

My friend has a severe peanut allergy (anaphylactic), and she has been hospitalized due to cross-contamination at other restaurants. When she asked the waiter if peanuts were used in the kitchen, he was dismissive and vague, initially saying there were none, then mentioning there might be some in the mole sauce. He didn’t give a clear answer and even joked about the allergy, telling us to "relax" and that "no one has died here." He then brought our drinks and jokingly said they had peanuts in them, saying, "Here’s your peanut margarita." Who does that??

When my friend decided not to eat for safety reasons, HE THREW HER DISH in the trash in front of her and said, “fine, then don’t.” All we did was ask for clarification on an allergy!! A temper tantrum is completely unacceptable, especially from someone who may have been the manager. We wanted to be safe since we've gotten burned at other restaurants.

This was an eye-opening experience. Our soccer group has been coming here for years, but after this, we will NEVER return. The staff is rude, dismissive of serious allergies, and undoubtedly unprofessional. If you have any food allergies, I strongly advise you to AVOID this place.They think life-threatening allergies are a joke and they're in the food business.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Enchiladas are tasty. They have these giant margarita towrers that aren't great but do their trick.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Enchilada

I see all the great reviews, but I thought it was just okay. And I just got back from over a month in Mexico. I also think the prices are out of whack for the location, service and food quality. I spend a lot of time in this area, but I doubt I'll be back.

edit after hearing from the owner: dude, I do live in the area and I know how to value food quality and service against the cost, and I know Mexican food very well. remarking on the value of the meal has zero to do with my budget. a word of advice for you: don't disrespect your customers. now you're at 2 stars from me

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 2

Best blended margaritas in the East Bay!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Love this place!! Great food and amazing staff.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Just the Mexican restaurant that was needed in Lafayette!!! The food is great and the service I received during the wine festival was great! Raul was super attentive! 10/10!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Really enjoy the food and service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good enchiladas. Nice looking interior. Quite full on Sunday. Will definitely go back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Kids Enchilada Rice and Beans, Enchilada

Great food! Very substantial and tasty vegan menu

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Quite Friday, mid afternoon only 5 tables in use. Food good, waiter personable. Nicely hot, hot sauce. Flautas a little dry. I'd go back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

I moved from Texas to Berkeley worried about the quality of the Mexican food once I moved but, honestly, El Talpense knows what it's doing. The salsa that comes with the chips is delish and the super burritos with a mango agua fresca are my standard meal. Well worth it! Don't miss out on delicious and quality Mexican food right next to campus.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa, Super Burrito