Average food, slightly overpriced. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere, with the dining room broken into several smaller areas creating a more intimate feel. Service was prompt and very friendly. Our food arrived quickly and tasted fine. Drinks were tasty too!! They have a nice variety of domestic and Mexican beers.
(3)
Caitlin W.
This place is good for what it is. Cheese smothered huge plates of Americanized Mexican food, lots of warm chips and margaritas. It's not gourmet or authentic but sometimes it's exactly what I crave. I almost always get the enchiladas suiza and my boyfriend likes the massive carne asada burrito. I also like sitting out on the plaza and people watching when the weather is nice. It is a bit expensive. The last time I was there they charged me $3 for a side of sour cream which I thought was outrageous.
(4)
Robert R.
The food was perfectly flavored and the service was way too fast. Anyone who says the food is bland doesn't know what authentic Mexican food is. If you want Americanized Mexican go to chipotle or Baja. If you want delicious real Mexican food this is a great place.
(5)
Jando S.
Having dined at Chapala, I was generally uninspired by their high prices but occasionally decent food. The restaurant is actually quite nice but I find their service is very rushed most of the time. I decided to try their delivery, which resulted in many (lost count) messy deliveries in which the lids were closed well and the sauce is all over the bag. Their phone manners aren't neither the greatest, nor is their food. Go for the other Chapalas location on West 29th.
(1)
Johnny C.
Horrible food, and bad service! Went for lunch at the Oakway location. Ordered Fajitas and tostada. Not hard to do correctly.....but man it was BAD. The tostada was was old and stale and the chicken was TOUGH. When we told the waitress she simply said, "oh". When my wife was eating the Fajitas the waitress asked if she would like more tortillas, since they only gave her 3-4 to start she said yes. Then whren the bill came the charged us $1.75 for extra tortillas. Never have been charged for more tortillas when eating fajitas. The tortillas were store bought and stiff. WE HAVE SWORN TO NEVER EAT HERE AGAIN!!!!
(1)
Bailey E.
My boyfriend and I go to Chapala's at Oakway regularly, and we are always impressed with the service. Even when it is relatively busy, it is the fastest service we have ever received in a sit-down restaurant. We usually share the chicken fajitas. I'll admit that the chicken could be a bit more moist, but everything else about it is tasty. I also recommend the deep-fried ice cream with chocolate for any deep-fried ice cream fans out there. Mmmm!
(4)
Stephanie B.
Really, the only benefit of this restaurant is its location during the summer months. Fun to get a drink and soak up the sun, other than that nothing to write about. There service for the most part is quick and they are attentive to the kids for the most part, but there prices are outrageous for food that is not even edible. If you are looking for a good mexican restaurant , look how many stars the reviewers have given this restaurant. It is not a coincidence.
(2)
Blair C.
Sounds like the other reviewer had a bad experiance. I have eaten at Chapalas and I have always found it a nice alternative to a divey Mexican joint, with a clean open and modern atmosphere. Food isnt the best Mexican ever but it has always been pretty good to me.
(4)
Jeff Z.
The chips were blah (tasted like they came from a bag, rather than fresh made) and the salsa tasted like tomato paste. Service? After the food came, we were pretty much ignored. The food was better than taco bell, but for anyone who has been to Mexico or San Diego, it would not make the grade. It *is* nice sitting on the patio, outside, though, strangely, there were no space heaters (except for two placed 100 feet away, by the mall owners, I assume). So, if you've never had Mexican food, you would enjoy Chapalas. Those of you who have lived in New Mexico or the Southwest would be better off going somewhere else.
(2)
Joey H.
Service here is on point! Chips were refilled by "the flash" I seriously just finished my last bite and a new basket was pushed into my fat face -- Awesomeness. Three combo item plates are huge and was able to split it with the wife. It was a hair more expensive than other places in town but the service and portion sizes were good. Crowds can get a little busy in the oakway center during peak hours and parking can be a poop shoot.
(5)
Kelsie V.
Friend's birthday dinner on a Saturday eve. Pretty good time, service, and food. I would recommend. Standouts - $5 generous Margos! Large dinner portions - I took mine home and ate it a couple days later. I had a Pork Enchilada type item on the Specials Menu. Solid service for a party of 8. It was packed out and they even sang HBD to my friend, with a sombrero. Boy, would I get sick of singing HBD. I think I heard three Happy Birthdays. The bad part - parking in the Oakway Mall, it was jam packed busy and hard to get around with constructions and such.
(4)
Katherine C.
More often than not I found myself at Chapalas not for its food, but for the margaritas! If you're in the area, this is my #1 recommendation for a great margarita. Or if you're feeling fancy, order the restaurant's special submarine margarita (submarine margaritas include a corona half-submerged in the glass)! The service here is always great and on certain nights this location will have a mariachi band providing live music and entertainment.
(4)
Chad J.
Mexican dishes that are pieces of art arriving at your table with a nice ambiance. The food is very flavorful with large portions that are freshly made.
(5)
Vanessa R.
I find myself here frequently. I think their food is fine. It's not blow me away fantastic though. I like their seafood flautas. They keep the chips and salsa coming the entire time you're there. I tend to take home most of my dinners. The portions are huge. While I don't think they have the best food, they do have very good service (re: constant stream of chips and salsa). They are usually able to seat you right away unless you are waiting for an outside seat on a nice day. They make a good margarita as well.
(3)
Jane C.
Classic American-Mexican food that is always consistent. Great service, clean and open atmosphere, and most of all... Clean bathrooms that smell wonderful!
(5)
Ciera C.
I love Mexican food, so I know what I'm talking about when I say Chapala is awesome. I worked with the owners sister and they hand crafted all the items on the menu, including the shredded beef (my personal favorite). For a combination meal of three items for less than 12 dollars, I'm sold! Also I love their chips and salsa Also also their chicken steak fajitas are delicious! One more also their submarine drinks (margarita with a mini corona shoved into it) are a great start to any lunch/night (...breakfast...?)
(5)
Jerry H.
Chips and salsa are good but forget the rest! If you want some good Mexican Food, run, don't walk away from here! I cannot fathom why anyone would ever eat this stuff especially at these prices. I came for a party and it was a table full of bland, out of the can stuff. Most of the staff seemed nice except our waiter. Many people thanked me for coming, cheers to these nice folks hence the only star.
(1)
Andrea R.
Some of the best Mexican food in Eugene! Menu has lots to choose from, which is why I can never make up my mind on what to order. This last time I decided to get the Carne Asada y Mas. The carne asada was so full of flavor and tasted almost as good as the kind my family makes! The serving proportions were huge! My plate also had rice, beans and a cheese enchilada! All which were very good! Due to the large serving, I had another meal for the next day. I also liked the fact that the rice didn't have peas, carrots and corn. I hate when Mexican restaurants use fillers in their corn! Let's talk about service . . . Both times I've been here the waiters have been beyond nice and so accommodating. Food has always come out so fast! Restaurant is extremely clean and offers a nice big patio area to sit at.
(4)
nisa c.
Blah blah yuck! Anyone can throw cheese on a tortilla then call it a quesadilla. This place has no soul. Only good thing was the chips and salsa. A salesgirl next door said it was good but she must have a very limited experience of what good good is.
(2)
Rick F.
Let me preface this review by saying it is very, very hard to displease me where food is concerned. I'm also not a stickler for good wait service - I'm just very easy going and relaxed. With that said, Chapala went above and beyond to disappoint after we placed up our take-out order. Upon arriving at the establishment, we were greeted by one of the many teenagers who appear to run the place in the evenings. The teenage girl who brought our order had to be reminded several times before she recalled which order was ours. The front area was overcrowded with folks waiting to be seated, so we made a mad dash for the exit once we got our order. Big mistake. A few big items were missing from our order, and as I said in the preface I don't mind bad food, but missing food pisses me off. The food we did receive was incredibly small portioned, unlike we have received from the Chapala on 29th. What little food we ended up with tasted pretty good, but that's not enough to save this lame duck restaurant from a single star review.
(1)
Bobbi H.
I'd give Chapala no stars if there was such a box. It's incongrous how they were ever voted Best Mexican in Eugene. I have to say Eugenian's have never had a clue when it comes to what constitutes good Mexican food. After moving up from Sand Diego 36 years ago I've yet to find a good place for Mexican. That is except for a rather dingy place called El Super Burrito at 2566 Willamette where I like their Chili Relleno Tacos, and they're under $5 bucks for 2. Chapala's Chili Rellenos are pathetic, and the sauce is worse. Ca-ca! Their Rellenos are nothing more than an egg omelet with a chili stuck inside. In 36 years the only good Relleno is the ones I make at home. There isn't a cook in town that knows you have to whip the egg whites separately before folding them into a light batter. Where do they get off charging exorbitant prices for a meal you can get in the freezer section at your grocery store and microwave at home.
(1)
Nora N.
Love Chapalas! Just had dinner there tonight with my father (he loves the chili verde) and our friend Star (she loves the bean soup) I love the pollo crema. Of course the caddie margaritas are excellent. Too bad my 'fan' the Berrys on yelp will never be invited!
(4)
Mary H.
The first time I was here I was unimpressed. Came here a second time for lunch on a Saturday around two. I got veggie enchiladas and sent them back. They had large chunks of raw carrots and small, overcooked pieces of squash. They were supposed to come garnished with Monterey Jack but came with cheddar instead. The waiter was nowhere to be found when I wanted to send the plate back, I had to ask the hostess where he went. When the waiter did come by I asked if there was supposed to be cheese inside and he said he didn't know. He also said if I got another one that it would be exactly the same. Since this was my second time here I decided to just send it back and not get anything else. Fool me once, shame on them. Fool me twice, shame on me. I am giving them two stars because my boyfriend said his food was good and they did take my entree off the bill.
(2)
Chrystal O.
This place can be so hit and miss. I've dined in and loved it every time, the portion is huge and service is fast. Take out is a serious issue. The service is slow, portions are small and there usually an issue with the order. I still love Chapala! I'll just choose to dine in. Their nachos, seafood enchiladas and any combo plate are amazing.
(3)
Madison O.
WORST MEXICAN FOOD I HAVE EVER TASTED! Being an avid cook and hailing from San Francisco, CA I have experienced my fair share of Mexican food. We ordered a tostada salad and chicken carnitas. Everything was bland and underseasoned. The beans were chalky. The service was ok.
(1)
Jana K.
One of my favorite mexican food places in Eugene.. Their chips and salsa are homemade and I absolutely love the salsa its the best in Eugene hands down! Chicken fajitas are my favorite. Service is quick and friendly. Food comes out fast! A little more spendy but worth it. There is also outside seating which is so nice on a beautiful day!
(5)
Mia P.
Best tortilla soup i've ever had! On my list for top Mexican restaurants in Eugene!
(5)
Lauren L.
Do you ever find yourself asking "I want some good Mexican food" ??? Me too. You're honestly out of luck in Eugene...period. So Chapalas is just another average Mexican restaurant, and i've just...given up. I know this is shallow, but I judge these types of restaurants from the get-go based on their chips and salsa. Yeah, i'm one of those people. Their chips and salsa taste like it's from the bag, and they've heated them up in the microwave. Meh. I ate the fajitaaaaaas, and it was aiiiiiiiiite.
(2)
Dr Tim L L.
Bummer. This used to be an excellent place to eat with a great table salsa. But when they expanded to 2 locations, the taste and quality just went downhill. I have been back a couple of times but remain disappointed,
(2)
Anna L.
Chapala is definitely one of those "typical" big Mexican restaurants you find. A lot of seating, standard chips and salsa, standard HUGE menu with tons of options. That being said, Chapala is one of the best Mexican restaurants I have been to within that "category". While I cannot reasonably compare Chapala to some of the fancier, artistic Mexican restaurants I experienced in Southern California....Chapala is good and satisfies that craving we are all aware of. I was introduced to the restaurant last year. I was happy to find tofu on the menu, and the marinade was awesome! My second experience? At a March of Dimes chef's auction event. Chapala prepared their seafood taquitos with some kind of excellent cream sauce. My most recent experience was a few days ago, when I had the seafood (fish, shrimp and scallop melody with veggies) enchiladas with an awesome, flavorful cheese sauce. The refried beans & Mexican rice were typical. The guacamole was very good. The chips & salsa were very good, nothing special, but tasty. The service was awesome. They were very quick, and extremely polite/friendly. They even came after us with the boxed food we left behind. Yay! I am a FAN.
(4)
Nicole B.
I can't believe I forgot to write a review for this place. I thought I did it. People need to know, seriously how bad this restaurant is! I am serious, it's pretty bad. Don't go! So maybe they'll realize that they need to get it together! Anyway, we started off with the jalapeno queso. Which is supposedly roasted. But let me tell you, it not only looked like canned jalapenos but tasted like canned jalapenos! The chile rellenos was terrible! They pretty much made it omlette style with canned chiles. We didn't finish our food. Everything tasted canned. Even the refried beans. I know, I am in Eugene, and not in California or in Mexico. I would rather just go to plaza latina and eat there!
(1)
Kearney T.
Okay Chapalas, you have gone downhill!! I used to LOVE your Chili Rellenos but it to be NO MORE! The reason I went here is cause my 90 year old grandma asked me to go (when she asks she doesn't ASK, she TELLS :) ) and so not being able to say no to her OR free food, even though I smiled and said "great dinner! thank you SSSSOOOOOO much grandma" the food SUCKED! Okay I LOVE the taste of chilis and cheese (who wouldn't?!) but all I could taste was cheese, eggs and a TINY bit of chili flavor. I like mine FIERY HOT but this was lacking in every sence. :( Now for the waiter, when my son and I got there my mom and grandma were already seated so I don't know about the wait, but AS WE WERE SITTING DOWN, the waiter was taking drink orders. So my son being very indecisive took FOREVER to pick Orange juice, so the waiter came back and had to go back and put THAT drink order in. After he got back I decided I wanted a Strawberry Lemonade, so I did feel for the guy but heres the thing: HE HARDLY SPOKE ANY ENGLISH! Okay I know I'm going into a mexican resturant, but when you have to have the manager come and help translate that's a tad annoying! All in all everything tasted like it came out of a can, I could have (and have) done better at home!
(2)
Anna K.
Chapalas is a Eugene staple, and rightly so. Anyone who knows good Mexican food knows that you can find it at Chapalas. The salsa is out of this world, the service is fantastic, and you couldn't ask for better tortillas. My personal favorite dish is "Arroz con pollo." I have traveled to Mexico many times and still rank Chapalas' Arroz Con Pollo as my Number 1. The fun atmosphere is just another great reason to go there, and the fun family vibes make it perfect for a birthday party or dinner party type of thing....I had my birthday lunch there last week and they sang to me! Do yourself a favor and go to Chapalas, you won't regret it!
(5)
Mike S.
My family has been going here for years... I usually am stuffed before my plate gets to the table... Great chips and salsa, which usually says a ton about a Mexican restaurant.
(4)
Lindsay T.
Huge portions make up for the slight lack in flavor. I usually get the tostada, which is average for Mexican food, but above average for Eugene. Being from the OK/TX area, it's hard to find really good Mexican food. The salsa is average as well. They do make excellent piña coladas.
(3)
Richard M.
Not bad for Mexican food so far from the border. Great beers,good tequila, and a surprisingly good vegetarian offerings. The food tasted clean and fresh. The menu had a large selection of burritos, enchiladas,chili rellenos,carne asada, carnitas salads, salsa, chips, guacamole. Living in the Southern California I've had better but it was a nice atmosphere and good clean food. The service was OK, he was trying really hard but nine (9) people who are starving isn't an easy party to deal with.
(3)
Ken R.
I ate (not dined) at the Oakway location yesterday for lunch. The service was good (very few customers...humm?) and the food arrived very quickly. We both had beef fajitas and the words that come to mind are "tasteless, dull, bland, mediocre" oh, and disappointing--very disappointing. Fajitas are usually seasoned and these tasted like ordinary strips of beef (tough to chew, also). We were surprised our dish arrived with NO guacamole. Huh? Fajitas with NO guacamole? Really?? I requested guacamole and a generous serving was delivered in about 60 seconds! The next surprise was AFTER I paid the bill, as I was walking out the door, our waitress ran up to me and said she forgot to add the guacamole to the bill and I owed another $3.25 to what I felt was an already overpriced (and poor) meal. I don't care if seasoned fajitas and guacamole are not "authentic" they are what I expect from a Mexican restaurant and Chapalas was a huge disappointment.
(1)
Cory A.
Not sure why all the hate here on Yelp for Chapalas. One of the few "mexican" places left in town I actually like. The mucho combo is a ton of great food for not much money, easily feeds 2 for under $20. The one on 68 w 29th was the original and I think a little better, but the one at Oakway is newer and more convenient. I dunno what everyone is expecting, the food is good, the prices are reasonable, the service is usually outstanding, and I like their salsa. Then again, we usually get pretty basic stuff, its hard to mess up nachos :). I happen to love their chile rellenos.
(5)
Emmy G.
They raised their prices in the last few years, now there are other Mexican places to go with just as good food and lower prices. The food is good, I have never had to wait more than 5 or 6 min for food, which I am not sure is a good or bad thing.
(3)
Michael L.
Lunch on the back patio, food was okay (el pollo fundito), beer was good (dos xx amber ale), ambiance was nice. Very pleasant waitstaff. Enjoyed the visit.
(4)
Dan H.
Food here is about as far from flavorful as you can get - generally a dismal experience in faux-Mexican dining. It's always a bad sign when you find green beans, lima beans, and corn in the rice or vegetarian dishes; somewhere in the kitchen is a large bag of frozen Jolly Green Giant veggies! Entrees typically arrive quickly, and hot, but often overcooked. While many regional varieties of Mexican food are mild as far as spice goes, this restaurant pushes bland to the limit. Service is good, and waitstaff friendly and helpful. Margaritas are acceptable, but this is a restaurant of last resort. The only positive note is the option of outside dining in the courtyard.
(1)
James B.
We had lunch there today 5/19/12 and it was a loser. the bowl of taco soup was flavorless, the chips and salsa were acceptable. Will not be back for a second chance. At least the weather was nice.
(1)
Lance E.
Coming from The Bay Area of California, Im accustomed to Authentic Mexican Food. Chapalas falls just short of that,but the food wasnt bad. Chips were good, the salsa was lifeless. I ordered a chicken chimichanga, and 2 cheese enchiladas...1 with mole' sauce the other with standard enchilada sauce guajillo. Both came with mole sauce, but I didnt send it back. The mole sauce was not made by hand, and had a "manufactured" flavor to it. The beans were quite salty,yet edible. The rice was very good,not drowning in tomato. Our waiter was OK, he was simply lacking any sort of personality. I have yet to find the little hole in the wall Mexican restaurant, where other latinos go to eat....Thats where the authentic mexican food is usually hand-crafted,created,with love,passion,desire.
(2)
Peggy Sue K.
I just recently ate here for the first time. Shame on me for not checking Yelp first for I would have been warned, but the the place is always crazy busy in the summer. It doesn't really matter what entree I ordered, the thing that I couldn't believe was the refried beans. Beans? More like brown sauce and flavorless to boot. They were runny. Beans aren't expensive, what's with that? Their prices are way too high for what they are serving.
(1)
Andria M.
Chapalas has been the Mexican stand-by restaurant for me and my family for years. I prefer the location on 29th for many reasons. The setting is more intimate and I've always experienced better service. I've watched prices go up and up over the years and really enjoy the smaller burrito places in town (Mucho Gusto, Fina, Burrito Boy) better. It is nice sitting outside in the Oakway Courtyard. My low review today is based on today's lunch experience. For one, their lunch menu is expensive. I came with a coupon I'd clipped from the newspaper a while back. The coupon had no expiration and was good Mon-Thur for a buy one get one free lunch or dinner. I assumed it was good at both Chapala locations since the coupon didn't specify. Our server was nice and had to check with the manager about whether he could accept the coupon. Turns out it's only good at the 29th Street location even though it didn't state that. I was miffed they didn't at least give us some sort of discount. Not good for business. The food is your basic Mexican restaurant food. I do appreciate that the meat is never fatty or grisly. The rancho beans are REALLY salty. The chips and salsa are free and plentiful. Will I be back? Probably - in a long while. But only to the other location.
(2)
R T.
I've been to both the Oakway site, and the one on 29th. Probably 30 times combined. Chapala makes the best salsa. When I'm doing chicken enchiladas, I make it a point to stop in to buy a quick pint of their salsa. When you sit down to your table at Chapala, a bowl of chips and a carafe or two of salsa are quickly delivered. It's really, really good salsa. Food is always delivered quickly, and the waitstaff is always willing to bring extra salsa to go along with the entree. I am again mentioning how good the salsa is. The chimichanga's come with two good heaps of sour cream and fresh guacamole, as well as some shredded lettuce and a slice of tomato. You can order a chimichanga along with other items on a combination plate that comes with refried beans and rice. The combination menu is where I'd reccomend one start, as their specific dishes can, and have missed. Bad menu items: The fish tacos - no cream sauce on them. Were probably stored frozen. Three amigos (chili colorado, chili verde, chili relleno) - they give you 5 tortillas on the side to fill with the verde, and colorado, which in turn is all spread out over a large plate. The sauce isn't concentrated... Pollo Fundido - Rolled crispy flour tortillas stuffed with jack cheese, and topped with cream cheese and melted AMERICAN CHEESE. That's where you should stop if you're thinking about ordering this dish.
(4)
Della H.
Went today and tried the new, lighter menu. Had yummy grilled cilantro-lime chicken breasts with a really nice chopped salad with avocado. Was a nice change from the heavier, cheese and sauce covered items. Chapala's is our families favorite for Mexican.
(4)
Kim D.
Excellent family resturant and great location!
(4)
Randy E.
Over priced, weak mexican good. Great location, can't wait until another restaurant gets the location, both of them.
(1)
Brian E.
In a word? EWW-hoo-hoo! Okay, that's three words, and I try to be positive whenever possible. So let me say this: I am POSITIVE that Chapala's food is wretched. I've been unfortunate enough to eat there several times, courtesy of well-meaning friends who invited me, and there is just no way around the fact that the food is simply bad. It isn't spoiled or anything...but it tastes very much like something that came in a big can labeled "Old El Paso." Step in the front door and take a look around - the dearth of Latino diners tells you everything you need to know. So why even two stars? Well, everything else is commendable. The people are nice, friendly, and flexible. The service is attentive and quick; both restaurants (they have another location on 29th) are clean and reasonably comely, and the prices, while not cheap, are reasonable for the environment. Still, the food is an embarrassment. If your idea of Mexican food is Taco Bell or El Torito, Chapala's will be right up your alley...but if you've ever actually been to Mexico, you'll leave shaking your head, and maybe scrubbing your tongue. Whither Dos Aguilas? Now THAT was a Mexican place to brag about.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Jen F.
Average food, slightly overpriced. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere, with the dining room broken into several smaller areas creating a more intimate feel. Service was prompt and very friendly. Our food arrived quickly and tasted fine. Drinks were tasty too!! They have a nice variety of domestic and Mexican beers.
(3)Caitlin W.
This place is good for what it is. Cheese smothered huge plates of Americanized Mexican food, lots of warm chips and margaritas. It's not gourmet or authentic but sometimes it's exactly what I crave. I almost always get the enchiladas suiza and my boyfriend likes the massive carne asada burrito. I also like sitting out on the plaza and people watching when the weather is nice. It is a bit expensive. The last time I was there they charged me $3 for a side of sour cream which I thought was outrageous.
(4)Robert R.
The food was perfectly flavored and the service was way too fast. Anyone who says the food is bland doesn't know what authentic Mexican food is. If you want Americanized Mexican go to chipotle or Baja. If you want delicious real Mexican food this is a great place.
(5)Jando S.
Having dined at Chapala, I was generally uninspired by their high prices but occasionally decent food. The restaurant is actually quite nice but I find their service is very rushed most of the time. I decided to try their delivery, which resulted in many (lost count) messy deliveries in which the lids were closed well and the sauce is all over the bag. Their phone manners aren't neither the greatest, nor is their food. Go for the other Chapalas location on West 29th.
(1)Johnny C.
Horrible food, and bad service! Went for lunch at the Oakway location. Ordered Fajitas and tostada. Not hard to do correctly.....but man it was BAD. The tostada was was old and stale and the chicken was TOUGH. When we told the waitress she simply said, "oh". When my wife was eating the Fajitas the waitress asked if she would like more tortillas, since they only gave her 3-4 to start she said yes. Then whren the bill came the charged us $1.75 for extra tortillas. Never have been charged for more tortillas when eating fajitas. The tortillas were store bought and stiff. WE HAVE SWORN TO NEVER EAT HERE AGAIN!!!!
(1)Bailey E.
My boyfriend and I go to Chapala's at Oakway regularly, and we are always impressed with the service. Even when it is relatively busy, it is the fastest service we have ever received in a sit-down restaurant. We usually share the chicken fajitas. I'll admit that the chicken could be a bit more moist, but everything else about it is tasty. I also recommend the deep-fried ice cream with chocolate for any deep-fried ice cream fans out there. Mmmm!
(4)Stephanie B.
Really, the only benefit of this restaurant is its location during the summer months. Fun to get a drink and soak up the sun, other than that nothing to write about. There service for the most part is quick and they are attentive to the kids for the most part, but there prices are outrageous for food that is not even edible. If you are looking for a good mexican restaurant , look how many stars the reviewers have given this restaurant. It is not a coincidence.
(2)Blair C.
Sounds like the other reviewer had a bad experiance. I have eaten at Chapalas and I have always found it a nice alternative to a divey Mexican joint, with a clean open and modern atmosphere. Food isnt the best Mexican ever but it has always been pretty good to me.
(4)Jeff Z.
The chips were blah (tasted like they came from a bag, rather than fresh made) and the salsa tasted like tomato paste. Service? After the food came, we were pretty much ignored. The food was better than taco bell, but for anyone who has been to Mexico or San Diego, it would not make the grade. It *is* nice sitting on the patio, outside, though, strangely, there were no space heaters (except for two placed 100 feet away, by the mall owners, I assume). So, if you've never had Mexican food, you would enjoy Chapalas. Those of you who have lived in New Mexico or the Southwest would be better off going somewhere else.
(2)Joey H.
Service here is on point! Chips were refilled by "the flash" I seriously just finished my last bite and a new basket was pushed into my fat face -- Awesomeness. Three combo item plates are huge and was able to split it with the wife. It was a hair more expensive than other places in town but the service and portion sizes were good. Crowds can get a little busy in the oakway center during peak hours and parking can be a poop shoot.
(5)Kelsie V.
Friend's birthday dinner on a Saturday eve. Pretty good time, service, and food. I would recommend. Standouts - $5 generous Margos! Large dinner portions - I took mine home and ate it a couple days later. I had a Pork Enchilada type item on the Specials Menu. Solid service for a party of 8. It was packed out and they even sang HBD to my friend, with a sombrero. Boy, would I get sick of singing HBD. I think I heard three Happy Birthdays. The bad part - parking in the Oakway Mall, it was jam packed busy and hard to get around with constructions and such.
(4)Katherine C.
More often than not I found myself at Chapalas not for its food, but for the margaritas! If you're in the area, this is my #1 recommendation for a great margarita. Or if you're feeling fancy, order the restaurant's special submarine margarita (submarine margaritas include a corona half-submerged in the glass)! The service here is always great and on certain nights this location will have a mariachi band providing live music and entertainment.
(4)Chad J.
Mexican dishes that are pieces of art arriving at your table with a nice ambiance. The food is very flavorful with large portions that are freshly made.
(5)Vanessa R.
I find myself here frequently. I think their food is fine. It's not blow me away fantastic though. I like their seafood flautas. They keep the chips and salsa coming the entire time you're there. I tend to take home most of my dinners. The portions are huge. While I don't think they have the best food, they do have very good service (re: constant stream of chips and salsa). They are usually able to seat you right away unless you are waiting for an outside seat on a nice day. They make a good margarita as well.
(3)Jane C.
Classic American-Mexican food that is always consistent. Great service, clean and open atmosphere, and most of all... Clean bathrooms that smell wonderful!
(5)Ciera C.
I love Mexican food, so I know what I'm talking about when I say Chapala is awesome. I worked with the owners sister and they hand crafted all the items on the menu, including the shredded beef (my personal favorite). For a combination meal of three items for less than 12 dollars, I'm sold! Also I love their chips and salsa Also also their chicken steak fajitas are delicious! One more also their submarine drinks (margarita with a mini corona shoved into it) are a great start to any lunch/night (...breakfast...?)
(5)Jerry H.
Chips and salsa are good but forget the rest! If you want some good Mexican Food, run, don't walk away from here! I cannot fathom why anyone would ever eat this stuff especially at these prices. I came for a party and it was a table full of bland, out of the can stuff. Most of the staff seemed nice except our waiter. Many people thanked me for coming, cheers to these nice folks hence the only star.
(1)Andrea R.
Some of the best Mexican food in Eugene! Menu has lots to choose from, which is why I can never make up my mind on what to order. This last time I decided to get the Carne Asada y Mas. The carne asada was so full of flavor and tasted almost as good as the kind my family makes! The serving proportions were huge! My plate also had rice, beans and a cheese enchilada! All which were very good! Due to the large serving, I had another meal for the next day. I also liked the fact that the rice didn't have peas, carrots and corn. I hate when Mexican restaurants use fillers in their corn! Let's talk about service . . . Both times I've been here the waiters have been beyond nice and so accommodating. Food has always come out so fast! Restaurant is extremely clean and offers a nice big patio area to sit at.
(4)nisa c.
Blah blah yuck! Anyone can throw cheese on a tortilla then call it a quesadilla. This place has no soul. Only good thing was the chips and salsa. A salesgirl next door said it was good but she must have a very limited experience of what good good is.
(2)Rick F.
Let me preface this review by saying it is very, very hard to displease me where food is concerned. I'm also not a stickler for good wait service - I'm just very easy going and relaxed. With that said, Chapala went above and beyond to disappoint after we placed up our take-out order. Upon arriving at the establishment, we were greeted by one of the many teenagers who appear to run the place in the evenings. The teenage girl who brought our order had to be reminded several times before she recalled which order was ours. The front area was overcrowded with folks waiting to be seated, so we made a mad dash for the exit once we got our order. Big mistake. A few big items were missing from our order, and as I said in the preface I don't mind bad food, but missing food pisses me off. The food we did receive was incredibly small portioned, unlike we have received from the Chapala on 29th. What little food we ended up with tasted pretty good, but that's not enough to save this lame duck restaurant from a single star review.
(1)Bobbi H.
I'd give Chapala no stars if there was such a box. It's incongrous how they were ever voted Best Mexican in Eugene. I have to say Eugenian's have never had a clue when it comes to what constitutes good Mexican food. After moving up from Sand Diego 36 years ago I've yet to find a good place for Mexican. That is except for a rather dingy place called El Super Burrito at 2566 Willamette where I like their Chili Relleno Tacos, and they're under $5 bucks for 2. Chapala's Chili Rellenos are pathetic, and the sauce is worse. Ca-ca! Their Rellenos are nothing more than an egg omelet with a chili stuck inside. In 36 years the only good Relleno is the ones I make at home. There isn't a cook in town that knows you have to whip the egg whites separately before folding them into a light batter. Where do they get off charging exorbitant prices for a meal you can get in the freezer section at your grocery store and microwave at home.
(1)Nora N.
Love Chapalas! Just had dinner there tonight with my father (he loves the chili verde) and our friend Star (she loves the bean soup) I love the pollo crema. Of course the caddie margaritas are excellent. Too bad my 'fan' the Berrys on yelp will never be invited!
(4)Mary H.
The first time I was here I was unimpressed. Came here a second time for lunch on a Saturday around two. I got veggie enchiladas and sent them back. They had large chunks of raw carrots and small, overcooked pieces of squash. They were supposed to come garnished with Monterey Jack but came with cheddar instead. The waiter was nowhere to be found when I wanted to send the plate back, I had to ask the hostess where he went. When the waiter did come by I asked if there was supposed to be cheese inside and he said he didn't know. He also said if I got another one that it would be exactly the same. Since this was my second time here I decided to just send it back and not get anything else. Fool me once, shame on them. Fool me twice, shame on me. I am giving them two stars because my boyfriend said his food was good and they did take my entree off the bill.
(2)Chrystal O.
This place can be so hit and miss. I've dined in and loved it every time, the portion is huge and service is fast. Take out is a serious issue. The service is slow, portions are small and there usually an issue with the order. I still love Chapala! I'll just choose to dine in. Their nachos, seafood enchiladas and any combo plate are amazing.
(3)Madison O.
WORST MEXICAN FOOD I HAVE EVER TASTED! Being an avid cook and hailing from San Francisco, CA I have experienced my fair share of Mexican food. We ordered a tostada salad and chicken carnitas. Everything was bland and underseasoned. The beans were chalky. The service was ok.
(1)Jana K.
One of my favorite mexican food places in Eugene.. Their chips and salsa are homemade and I absolutely love the salsa its the best in Eugene hands down! Chicken fajitas are my favorite. Service is quick and friendly. Food comes out fast! A little more spendy but worth it. There is also outside seating which is so nice on a beautiful day!
(5)Mia P.
Best tortilla soup i've ever had! On my list for top Mexican restaurants in Eugene!
(5)Lauren L.
Do you ever find yourself asking "I want some good Mexican food" ??? Me too. You're honestly out of luck in Eugene...period. So Chapalas is just another average Mexican restaurant, and i've just...given up. I know this is shallow, but I judge these types of restaurants from the get-go based on their chips and salsa. Yeah, i'm one of those people. Their chips and salsa taste like it's from the bag, and they've heated them up in the microwave. Meh. I ate the fajitaaaaaas, and it was aiiiiiiiiite.
(2)Dr Tim L L.
Bummer. This used to be an excellent place to eat with a great table salsa. But when they expanded to 2 locations, the taste and quality just went downhill. I have been back a couple of times but remain disappointed,
(2)Anna L.
Chapala is definitely one of those "typical" big Mexican restaurants you find. A lot of seating, standard chips and salsa, standard HUGE menu with tons of options. That being said, Chapala is one of the best Mexican restaurants I have been to within that "category". While I cannot reasonably compare Chapala to some of the fancier, artistic Mexican restaurants I experienced in Southern California....Chapala is good and satisfies that craving we are all aware of. I was introduced to the restaurant last year. I was happy to find tofu on the menu, and the marinade was awesome! My second experience? At a March of Dimes chef's auction event. Chapala prepared their seafood taquitos with some kind of excellent cream sauce. My most recent experience was a few days ago, when I had the seafood (fish, shrimp and scallop melody with veggies) enchiladas with an awesome, flavorful cheese sauce. The refried beans & Mexican rice were typical. The guacamole was very good. The chips & salsa were very good, nothing special, but tasty. The service was awesome. They were very quick, and extremely polite/friendly. They even came after us with the boxed food we left behind. Yay! I am a FAN.
(4)Nicole B.
I can't believe I forgot to write a review for this place. I thought I did it. People need to know, seriously how bad this restaurant is! I am serious, it's pretty bad. Don't go! So maybe they'll realize that they need to get it together! Anyway, we started off with the jalapeno queso. Which is supposedly roasted. But let me tell you, it not only looked like canned jalapenos but tasted like canned jalapenos! The chile rellenos was terrible! They pretty much made it omlette style with canned chiles. We didn't finish our food. Everything tasted canned. Even the refried beans. I know, I am in Eugene, and not in California or in Mexico. I would rather just go to plaza latina and eat there!
(1)Kearney T.
Okay Chapalas, you have gone downhill!! I used to LOVE your Chili Rellenos but it to be NO MORE! The reason I went here is cause my 90 year old grandma asked me to go (when she asks she doesn't ASK, she TELLS :) ) and so not being able to say no to her OR free food, even though I smiled and said "great dinner! thank you SSSSOOOOOO much grandma" the food SUCKED! Okay I LOVE the taste of chilis and cheese (who wouldn't?!) but all I could taste was cheese, eggs and a TINY bit of chili flavor. I like mine FIERY HOT but this was lacking in every sence. :( Now for the waiter, when my son and I got there my mom and grandma were already seated so I don't know about the wait, but AS WE WERE SITTING DOWN, the waiter was taking drink orders. So my son being very indecisive took FOREVER to pick Orange juice, so the waiter came back and had to go back and put THAT drink order in. After he got back I decided I wanted a Strawberry Lemonade, so I did feel for the guy but heres the thing: HE HARDLY SPOKE ANY ENGLISH! Okay I know I'm going into a mexican resturant, but when you have to have the manager come and help translate that's a tad annoying! All in all everything tasted like it came out of a can, I could have (and have) done better at home!
(2)Anna K.
Chapalas is a Eugene staple, and rightly so. Anyone who knows good Mexican food knows that you can find it at Chapalas. The salsa is out of this world, the service is fantastic, and you couldn't ask for better tortillas. My personal favorite dish is "Arroz con pollo." I have traveled to Mexico many times and still rank Chapalas' Arroz Con Pollo as my Number 1. The fun atmosphere is just another great reason to go there, and the fun family vibes make it perfect for a birthday party or dinner party type of thing....I had my birthday lunch there last week and they sang to me! Do yourself a favor and go to Chapalas, you won't regret it!
(5)Mike S.
My family has been going here for years... I usually am stuffed before my plate gets to the table... Great chips and salsa, which usually says a ton about a Mexican restaurant.
(4)Lindsay T.
Huge portions make up for the slight lack in flavor. I usually get the tostada, which is average for Mexican food, but above average for Eugene. Being from the OK/TX area, it's hard to find really good Mexican food. The salsa is average as well. They do make excellent piña coladas.
(3)Richard M.
Not bad for Mexican food so far from the border. Great beers,good tequila, and a surprisingly good vegetarian offerings. The food tasted clean and fresh. The menu had a large selection of burritos, enchiladas,chili rellenos,carne asada, carnitas salads, salsa, chips, guacamole. Living in the Southern California I've had better but it was a nice atmosphere and good clean food. The service was OK, he was trying really hard but nine (9) people who are starving isn't an easy party to deal with.
(3)Ken R.
I ate (not dined) at the Oakway location yesterday for lunch. The service was good (very few customers...humm?) and the food arrived very quickly. We both had beef fajitas and the words that come to mind are "tasteless, dull, bland, mediocre" oh, and disappointing--very disappointing. Fajitas are usually seasoned and these tasted like ordinary strips of beef (tough to chew, also). We were surprised our dish arrived with NO guacamole. Huh? Fajitas with NO guacamole? Really?? I requested guacamole and a generous serving was delivered in about 60 seconds! The next surprise was AFTER I paid the bill, as I was walking out the door, our waitress ran up to me and said she forgot to add the guacamole to the bill and I owed another $3.25 to what I felt was an already overpriced (and poor) meal. I don't care if seasoned fajitas and guacamole are not "authentic" they are what I expect from a Mexican restaurant and Chapalas was a huge disappointment.
(1)Cory A.
Not sure why all the hate here on Yelp for Chapalas. One of the few "mexican" places left in town I actually like. The mucho combo is a ton of great food for not much money, easily feeds 2 for under $20. The one on 68 w 29th was the original and I think a little better, but the one at Oakway is newer and more convenient. I dunno what everyone is expecting, the food is good, the prices are reasonable, the service is usually outstanding, and I like their salsa. Then again, we usually get pretty basic stuff, its hard to mess up nachos :). I happen to love their chile rellenos.
(5)Emmy G.
They raised their prices in the last few years, now there are other Mexican places to go with just as good food and lower prices. The food is good, I have never had to wait more than 5 or 6 min for food, which I am not sure is a good or bad thing.
(3)Michael L.
Lunch on the back patio, food was okay (el pollo fundito), beer was good (dos xx amber ale), ambiance was nice. Very pleasant waitstaff. Enjoyed the visit.
(4)Dan H.
Food here is about as far from flavorful as you can get - generally a dismal experience in faux-Mexican dining. It's always a bad sign when you find green beans, lima beans, and corn in the rice or vegetarian dishes; somewhere in the kitchen is a large bag of frozen Jolly Green Giant veggies! Entrees typically arrive quickly, and hot, but often overcooked. While many regional varieties of Mexican food are mild as far as spice goes, this restaurant pushes bland to the limit. Service is good, and waitstaff friendly and helpful. Margaritas are acceptable, but this is a restaurant of last resort. The only positive note is the option of outside dining in the courtyard.
(1)James B.
We had lunch there today 5/19/12 and it was a loser. the bowl of taco soup was flavorless, the chips and salsa were acceptable. Will not be back for a second chance. At least the weather was nice.
(1)Lance E.
Coming from The Bay Area of California, Im accustomed to Authentic Mexican Food. Chapalas falls just short of that,but the food wasnt bad. Chips were good, the salsa was lifeless. I ordered a chicken chimichanga, and 2 cheese enchiladas...1 with mole' sauce the other with standard enchilada sauce guajillo. Both came with mole sauce, but I didnt send it back. The mole sauce was not made by hand, and had a "manufactured" flavor to it. The beans were quite salty,yet edible. The rice was very good,not drowning in tomato. Our waiter was OK, he was simply lacking any sort of personality. I have yet to find the little hole in the wall Mexican restaurant, where other latinos go to eat....Thats where the authentic mexican food is usually hand-crafted,created,with love,passion,desire.
(2)Peggy Sue K.
I just recently ate here for the first time. Shame on me for not checking Yelp first for I would have been warned, but the the place is always crazy busy in the summer. It doesn't really matter what entree I ordered, the thing that I couldn't believe was the refried beans. Beans? More like brown sauce and flavorless to boot. They were runny. Beans aren't expensive, what's with that? Their prices are way too high for what they are serving.
(1)Andria M.
Chapalas has been the Mexican stand-by restaurant for me and my family for years. I prefer the location on 29th for many reasons. The setting is more intimate and I've always experienced better service. I've watched prices go up and up over the years and really enjoy the smaller burrito places in town (Mucho Gusto, Fina, Burrito Boy) better. It is nice sitting outside in the Oakway Courtyard. My low review today is based on today's lunch experience. For one, their lunch menu is expensive. I came with a coupon I'd clipped from the newspaper a while back. The coupon had no expiration and was good Mon-Thur for a buy one get one free lunch or dinner. I assumed it was good at both Chapala locations since the coupon didn't specify. Our server was nice and had to check with the manager about whether he could accept the coupon. Turns out it's only good at the 29th Street location even though it didn't state that. I was miffed they didn't at least give us some sort of discount. Not good for business. The food is your basic Mexican restaurant food. I do appreciate that the meat is never fatty or grisly. The rancho beans are REALLY salty. The chips and salsa are free and plentiful. Will I be back? Probably - in a long while. But only to the other location.
(2)R T.
I've been to both the Oakway site, and the one on 29th. Probably 30 times combined. Chapala makes the best salsa. When I'm doing chicken enchiladas, I make it a point to stop in to buy a quick pint of their salsa. When you sit down to your table at Chapala, a bowl of chips and a carafe or two of salsa are quickly delivered. It's really, really good salsa. Food is always delivered quickly, and the waitstaff is always willing to bring extra salsa to go along with the entree. I am again mentioning how good the salsa is. The chimichanga's come with two good heaps of sour cream and fresh guacamole, as well as some shredded lettuce and a slice of tomato. You can order a chimichanga along with other items on a combination plate that comes with refried beans and rice. The combination menu is where I'd reccomend one start, as their specific dishes can, and have missed. Bad menu items: The fish tacos - no cream sauce on them. Were probably stored frozen. Three amigos (chili colorado, chili verde, chili relleno) - they give you 5 tortillas on the side to fill with the verde, and colorado, which in turn is all spread out over a large plate. The sauce isn't concentrated... Pollo Fundido - Rolled crispy flour tortillas stuffed with jack cheese, and topped with cream cheese and melted AMERICAN CHEESE. That's where you should stop if you're thinking about ordering this dish.
(4)Della H.
Went today and tried the new, lighter menu. Had yummy grilled cilantro-lime chicken breasts with a really nice chopped salad with avocado. Was a nice change from the heavier, cheese and sauce covered items. Chapala's is our families favorite for Mexican.
(4)Kim D.
Excellent family resturant and great location!
(4)Randy E.
Over priced, weak mexican good. Great location, can't wait until another restaurant gets the location, both of them.
(1)Brian E.
In a word? EWW-hoo-hoo! Okay, that's three words, and I try to be positive whenever possible. So let me say this: I am POSITIVE that Chapala's food is wretched. I've been unfortunate enough to eat there several times, courtesy of well-meaning friends who invited me, and there is just no way around the fact that the food is simply bad. It isn't spoiled or anything...but it tastes very much like something that came in a big can labeled "Old El Paso." Step in the front door and take a look around - the dearth of Latino diners tells you everything you need to know. So why even two stars? Well, everything else is commendable. The people are nice, friendly, and flexible. The service is attentive and quick; both restaurants (they have another location on 29th) are clean and reasonably comely, and the prices, while not cheap, are reasonable for the environment. Still, the food is an embarrassment. If your idea of Mexican food is Taco Bell or El Torito, Chapala's will be right up your alley...but if you've ever actually been to Mexico, you'll leave shaking your head, and maybe scrubbing your tongue. Whither Dos Aguilas? Now THAT was a Mexican place to brag about.
(2)