Cactus Taqueria — Restaurant in Berkeley

I've been eating at Cactus Taquerias both in the Rockridge since that first opened many years ago, and North Berkeley when it opened. Sometimes I would park at Rockridge BART, grab a burrito And take it with me over to San Francisco for a Giants game. Took a friend and my sister to the Solano avenue Cactus, and they were both blown away last night. One had the Caesar salad and a taco, and my sister had tacos including a mushroom taco. She was less satisfied with the mushroom taco (she's a chef and said too much sauce which had the mushroom flavor) but loved the empanadillas. I had the Tostada camarón with pinto beans. I was the one who ordered the empanadillas for the first time and boy were they yummy. I hadn't been to Cactus for a couple of years so that's a nice treat. This is always one of my solid go-to places whether I've got guests or whatever and want a dying casual or pick up something for later They also have a nice little beer selection as well as sodas and agua frescas. Menu is pretty clear as what is vegetarian or and what is not and the staff is very helpful and will accommodate any dietary issue. Parking in the area can be a little tight, although not as tight as lower Solano avenue, and there's usually something within walking distance. There's also a bunch of other shops nearby and a...

The restaurants could be 5 stars if it weren’t for the combination of food prep staff lacking any regard (integrity) for the quality of the freshly cooked orders and the customers experience. They have the potential to deliver 4.5 starred food, minimally. However, the food prep staff let the food the cooks prepare (e.g., crispy tacos) sit there for 5+ minutes getting soggy and cooling off, usually until you nudge them, before calling your number. Sometimes all 3 food prep staff are making burritos and do not keep tabs on the this, but often two are idle and chatting. Last night I went in about 14 minutes before they closed to make a a small to-go order (2 crispy tacos; not ideal, I know, but they are STILL open). They were counting money, putting food away, etc. They were slow and very reluctant to acknowledge me. They took my order and money curtly and then my number was called in about 3 minutes. Because one can see them prepare these and put in deep fryer, I was aware that they take about 8 minutes or so. As I suspected, when I went out the car to eat, they were cool, just...

Honestly I’m very disappointed ☹️ in the service here I heard really great things so I decided to treat my staff to a small party. Now I called earlier to see if they did party trays. So the quoted me at $77 I thought it was cheap but okay. Then I had to makeup everything micro manage every step. The idea was I wanted a taco bar. Then My staff goes to get it the price was completely different which would of be fine if they included everything. The women on the phone should of told me she was unsure or that they don’t do parties. My in home care workers work very hard and this was a disappointment. I called two days in advance I was clear on what I wanted. I double tripled check but obviously my business was not that important. Will I order from them again no because party trays are not there strong suit. I just wished they told me earlier I could of took my business...