El Topo Cantina

Stopped here on a whim, really knowing nothing about the restaurant and my daughter pulled up the reviews as we were in the restaurant to read the bad ones. I was floored by the unprofessional responses from the owners but we stayed to eat anyway. I will say I am a native Texan and reading the reviews at least revealed the owners are from the California area which is a regionally different taste experience than Texas (also different from New Mexico where I was born/raised and different still from food in Mexico itself). I'm very well seasoned in experiencing Mexican food in different places (from Africa, europe, New Zealand and everywhwre inbetween) and can say without a doubt you typically will only get the style you want in the place you had it originally, everywhere else is hit or miss. The food here at El Topo's was hot and in massive serving sizes. Their chips were fantastic, though the salsa, while house made, might as well have just been diced tomatoes. The potential flavors of the other ingredients were lost in the mix. I loved that the plates were broiled so the smothered quesadilla looked gorgeous. The flavor of the Verde sauce was lovely, but brought to life with a bit of salt. The chicken inside wasn't great, while tender it tasted like boiled chicken that had no seasoning at all and the sauce was not enough to make up for that. My daughter adored the shrimp tacos, but she is not Native to the United States so I cannot speak on them one way or another. The waitstaff were attentive and lovely. I primarily went 3 stars not because of the food but the attitudes of the owners on Google. It is possible to reply without being demeaning to the original responder. As business owners you should know Professionalism is worth its weight in gold and arguing with people online over their reviews only makes ypu and your establishment look bad, you had 4.1 stars which is better than most places can say. Remember that reviews, wether good or bad, are opinion based and don't take them so personally. Instead focus on what you love which is bringing your regional take on Mexican food to the valley. To assume an agenda on the part of a reviewer is also extremely unprofessional. What agenda could a local resident who doesn't own a restaurant have?????

Heard good things about this place. Was disappointed. Maybe the cooking has changed??? The chips and salsa were bomb! Then it went downhill from there… hard tortillas and tasteless rice and beans. If you’re a Mexican joint you have to be able to do the staples like tortillas, rice, and beans to perfection! Decor, music, and atmosphere were good but the food needs MAJOR help.

Pleasantly surprised!!! Never thought Montana would have had good Mexican good and this place was fantastic! The food was great, it was cute and great service. I got the asada burrito that was great. Partner got avocado enchilada and shrimp taco and they’re amazing! Great drinks. Super cute ambiance. We’d come back here!