El Talpense Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Lafayette

Taking some time away from work. It’s time to get my food critic on. In the heart of downtown Lafayette lies this gem of a restaurant. Faint Latin instrumental music can be heard in the background, while enjoying either spacious indoor or dog friendly outdoor seating. The outside is complete with beautiful flower beds and colorful paper art blowing in the breeze.

The food is incredible. The menu is abundant with items that will blow your hair back. The first time I was here my girlfriend and I went big, with the Molcajetes and Carne Asada. We clinked a couple of Coronas and let the cooks take us away to a little Mexican paradise right here in Lafayette. Service was fast and friendly. Complimentary chips and 3 kinds of salsa for anyone’s taste (I remember asking for more chips twice, and it was no problem). The lunch special menu from 11-3 is great for the pocketbook with no loss in quality of food. Also, a free parking lot right next door!

Taco Tuesdays after 4, mimosas on the weekends for cheap, and events like live mariachi music for cinco de mayo make this place a community staple in my eyes.

I have found my new...

I went to the Berkeley location every week during college, so I was thrilled to see them open a location in Lafayette. They did increase their prices at this location, but it doesn’t have a brutally long wait like the Berkeley location, and for $19 the burrito is literally the size of my arm (I am unable to finish it in 1 sitting most times). Personally, I find this much better than places that try to lure you in by listing something at $13 then saying “oh but it’s $2 more for Guac, and $3 more for Steak” ultimately leading to you getting less food for the same price even though the initial price tag was lower.

I’ve only been to the Lafayette location 3 times this far, but service was amazing every time. Staff even gave me a free double shot of tequila on my birthday.

Overall, it’s the best Mexican food nearby and I’ve only had positive experience with the staff. Plus the margarita pitchers/towers a great precursor to a night out at...

We were excited to eat here for lunch he 1st time. The food was okay and the drinks were good. I will give it another try. Service wasn’t great but it was crowded (after the art and wine fest). I found it odd that for a table of 4, they automatically included a gratuity (18%). Luckily I noticed, because when it came time to sign the bill had a spot for gratuity (with suggestions for 18, 20 or more). Note, it did not specify for “additional gratuity). Probably by design as most probably don’t check. I know my friend didn’t notice and would have done another 18% on top had I not noticed. Also, someone at the table asked for extra cheese. They changed us $3.50 for that which was a surprise given it was never communicated....