El Topo Cantina

Service was great. Atmosphere was great. Food was bland. Mahi taco was just ok. Mexican slaw tasted more like an Asian slaw and I’m pretty sure had soy sauce in it which seemed strange. Husband’s food was bland too and we’re pretty sure his meat was sautéed in soy sauce too…not generally an ingredient used in Mexican food. Don’t think we’ll be going back. I remember going here years ago and having a delicious meal so I don’t know what’s happened here since then. Also I’m scared to simply leave an honest review after reading some of the responses from the owners. Honestly that’s a big reason why I won’t be returning as well.

We ate here a couple years ago and it was horrible, but our party wanted to try it tonight, so we gave it another shot. Six people were seated at a small table right in the walkway out from the kitchen. Other tables were empty, but the waitress acted like she couldn’t touch any of the tables. We were there at 6pm, so it wasn’t closing. Our margaritas were served in smaller water glasses and we were charged $12 for them. Someone in our party ordered the ribs and they were served dry and looked like they had been sitting around all day. The beans and oriental tasting coleslaw served with them were questionable. The red enchilada sauce was thicker and looked reheated after sitting out, and the enchilada itself was slimy. Overall we all agreed that our food was bland and definitely not fresh

The food at El Topo Cantina is always fresh and beautifully presented. If you like a little extra spice try their homemade hot sauce or maybe jalapenos. I like to pair my dinner with a Clooney margarita… perfect. The staff all work well together and are happy to please their customers. It’s a nice feeling when the servers remember what you like for a beverage and food preference.

If I could give this place negative stars, I would. This is hands-down one of the most pathetic excuses for a restaurant I’ve ever stepped foot in. The food is so bland it feels like it was cooked by someone who’s only heard rumors about seasoning. Salt? Pepper? Flavor? Never met them…. The owner is a walking ego with absolutely nothing to back it up. Watching them “defend the menu” is hilarious considering the menu itself is hot garbage. You don’t defend mediocrity—you fix it. Or at least you would if you knew what you were doing. Spoiler: you don’t. The food tastes like it was cooked yesterday, forgotten about, reheated today, and then served with confidence. Reheated chicken shouldn’t be this offensive, yet somehow they managed it. Truly impressive in the worst possible way. The staf

How lucky are we to have El Topo in the Flathead Valley, the best Mexican Restaurant in Montana, and I have tried them all. The cantina is the most fun and friendly Cheers Bar where the locals all know each other and embrace the tourists who wander in looking for flavor and fun. The tortillas chips are the best, always fresh, salted just right, and my favorite entree is the enchiladas, just cheesy melting goodness complimented by the Margaritas which are just plain fabulous! Lindi (the owner) is witty, entertaining and caring along with her staff who are like family that have been there for years. All too often we do not take the time to appreciate the goodness around us and El Topo deserves appreciation…….