Tepalcates

“First time here. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted and given free samples of the drinks. I...”

First time here. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted and given free samples of the drinks. I loved the passion fruit drink. I tried horchata for the first time too. It was good. Tasted perfect for the holidays. I ordered the fish tacos. The tilapia was good. Service was amazing. They were making sure I enjoyed the food and everything as I was eating. Small cozy place with really good service and good food. Can't ask for much better to be honest. Went a second time and got shrimp taco with no jalapenos and added lettuce. Very filling and good.

Russ Ventimiglia

Jan 2026

“I’m dying to go back and I haven’t even digested the food I ate there tonight.”

I’m dying to go back and I haven’t even digested the food I ate there tonight. Every single thing we tried was 10/10, even all the salsas and horchata. My favorite though was the cochinita pibil taco 💖 what a flavor bomb

Desirae Corcoran

Jan 2026

“The people working there are so helpful and my GOD the food is delicious!!”

The people working there are so helpful and my GOD the food is delicious!!! The quesabirria tacos, beans and agua frescas are beyond good.

Brandon Kendrick

Dec 2025

“Our friend recommended this spot to us and we were instantly greeted by the owner Jose.”

Our friend recommended this spot to us and we were instantly greeted by the owner Jose. He gave us samples of their juices and we ended with the guava and limeade mixed together. We had the beef nachos, octopus and suadero tacos as well as quesabirria. Everything was delicious and we will definitely be back!! Best Mexican food in the city

Johnny Nguyen

Dec 2025

“Stumbled upon this place looking out the window on the 77 bus one day and was shocked to see its 5...”

Stumbled upon this place looking out the window on the 77 bus one day and was shocked to see its 5 star rating but it truly lives up to the hype! This is a must in the west lakeview area- When you come to Tepalcates you are treated to a true experience. Make sure to tell the man taking your order that it is your first time eating there and he will give you the best special treatment with tasters of all his delicious frescas and you’ll get a walkthrough of all of his favorite dishes. Truly can’t go wrong with anything you order from here but our favorites are the brisket burrito and the octopus, birria, ribeye, chochinita, and pastor tacos. The guac is also amazing and there is plenty of seating!

Lauren Carder

Nov 2025

“The family runs the spot and know how to cook.”

The family runs the spot and know how to cook. Making a video on the eats. Came across making my way home and had Birria Ramen since it’s getting cold. Had an horchata but all drinks are fresh and good. Last had the impossible flan what they called it. All great, wi be back!

Dre Camera

Nov 2025

“I’ve had their tacos, quesabirria and burritos which are packed with flavor.”

I’ve had their tacos, quesabirria and burritos which are packed with flavor. They do a great job of seasoning the meat and all the ingredients are clearly fresh. They have 4 different salsa options. Last night I tried the birria ramen soup (picked it up) which is probably one of the best things I’ve ever eaten in my life. All the staff are very sweet and welcoming.

Kate Lambert

Nov 2025

“The owner seems like a really good person.”

The owner seems like a really good person. I ordered what he recommended. He gave me some samples of his juices. Every single one was delicious! Had the octopus, ribeye and a pulled pork tacos. Couldn't decide which I liked the most. Each one was absolutely delicious. The octopus was tender and very flavorful, same with the other 2. They make their chips fresh which were excellent as well. I will be back!

Sduk3406

Nov 2025

“Fantastic meal with exceptional service.”

Fantastic meal with exceptional service. Right when we walked in, we were greeted with samples of a variety of their drinks and a thorough overview of the menu. Everything was great but the octopus taco stole the show. I will definitely be back!

Liz Shane

Oct 2025

“Went here after applefest, food was so good had to leave a review.”

Went here after applefest, food was so good had to leave a review. Will definitely be back!! We ordered un taco de camarón, uno de al pastor, y uno de chorizo con agua fresca (lemonade & passion fruit). My man ordered un torta de asada. Shrimp taco was super good with salsa waitress recommended!!

Daisy Juarez

Oct 2025

“Best steak tacos I ever had in my life.”

Best steak tacos I ever had in my life. You can sense how they make everything with a passion to be the best. Great food. Birria was very good, chorizo is a must, suadero is great and we also tried the al pastor. Definetly get the horchata but you can honestly pick anything at random and get one of the best versions of that.

V Arguello

Oct 2025

“Tepalcates is a neighborhood favorite.”

Tepalcates is a neighborhood favorite! Jose has greeted me with his smile every single time I have dined here since its inception. His food is delicious as well as consistent and he is a constant presence in his restaurant. I have nothing but positive things to say about Tepalcates and Jose. The guava juice is the best. Don’t sleep on their nachos.

Mark Murillo

Sep 2025