El Tapatio, Cottage Grove

[oregoncook]

Anyone tried it? Apparently, after many years and $ of renovation, this opened last December and is pretty close to I-5. From photos and articles, it looks like it's definitely worth a try on a trip between Roseburg area and Eugene.

[momwaite]

I had dinner dinner at El Tapatio in Cottage Grove, OR with seven of my family and we were very satisfied. The food was good and the service was also very good.

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El Tapatio
229 W Marine Dr Ste A, Astoria, OR 97103

[JDBear]

It's not my favorite in CG. In my opinion, Torero's, which you go by on the way to El Tapatio, has better food.

Not great, but better. Have yet to find what I would consider to be great Mexican food in Oregon.

Edit: cannot get it to remove the link to the restaurant in Astoria, which I have never tried.

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El Tapatio
229 W Marine Dr Ste A, Astoria, OR 97103

[syrahgirl]

JDBear, if you're ever in Astoria, go to Rio Cafe, in Seaside Stand and Guadalajara Taco Shop both have excellent, authentic Mexican Food. El Mariachi Loco in Gearhart also is very good. :)

[oregoncook]

JDB, Look at the recent thread Great Mexican Food in Salem. If you're ever up that way, it sounds like Salem is the town. My limited experience so far leans that way, too.

But have you tried Tino's in Roseburg? And bbqboy says there are some good taco trucks in Medford/Ashland.

[Amecameca]

Thanks for the compliment on my Salem Mexican post, oregoncook. The lamb tacos at Plaza Morelia and the goat at Los Temos is worth the drive. Those are two great places for sure.

But I wanted to comment on this thread that when in Cottage Grove, it's gotta be Big Stuff Barbeque. I'm originally from Texas and I think I can say with some authority that it's some of the best BBQ you can find in Oregon. The two brothers who own the joint and make the que really take pride in their work. You can see and smell the meat smoker cooking away on the side of the building. The meat is fresh (not cooked days ago and warmed up like the meat at most Oregon BBQ places). I'm surprised no one has posted on Chowhound about Big Stuff for five years. It's still as good as ever. Whenever I find myself anywhere close to Cottage Grove I make sure I stop. If you're in a hurry you can get your que by the pound to go. Your car will smell great for days. What's good? Everything. They will be happy to give you meat samples if you ask. They're super friendly here. Check it out.

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Los Temos
7000 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97305

Big Stuff Barbecue
733 E Main St, Cottage Grove, OR 97424

[JDBear]

No argument there. None at all. Big Stuff is really excellent. I work in Cottage Grove and get to drive by that place every day on the way home.

[oregoncook]

Just a bump-up: I assume no one's tried it?
Thanks.

[Tripper]

If you try it...or have other suggestions for something close to I-5 and Cottage Grove would please post? Looking for a lunch stop...thanks

[oregoncook]

I finally tried El Tapatio for a fairly light lunch. I think it's good-looking. It's not right off I-5, but Cottage Grove is situated between exits. I was a bit disappointed in the food. But I thought it was okay to fairly good and they pleasantly put together a tostada not exactly on the menu. Around Cottage Grove, I'd say they're a whole lot better than the easily accessible chains. Tripper, I'd suggest giving it a try for yourself.
OC