Love, love, love this Mexican restaurant! Have been coming here for years, and it is easily my favorite when I'm in the mood for Mexican. Staff is friendly, and food is freaking tasty!!!
(5)
Brian H.
Great food! Love going here with my family. Sometimes the service can be hit or miss, just make sure you have Antonio, he is the best. Mmmm, so good.
(4)
Roseanne M.
Very clean and the food is good. The only problem we had was the waiter was kinda short when we asked to be seated at a table and not a booth. There were 4 of us on a 6 top table. Didn't think that was a bad request. Mobility issues makes us more comfortable to sit in chairs not in booths. It was not busy and all of the tables were empty.
(4)
J K.
If you see solamente las personas gringas en un restaurante mexicano, should you go in? In the case of Tapatio, you should. This strip mall restaurant has some tasty salsa and delicious sangria. We had the Chile Verde and 2 Chile Relleno platter. The Chile Verde was tasty but mild... but nothing extra salsa couldnt fix. My chile relleno looked baked, not fried, but the flavor was still good. I wished it came with tortillas. We enjoyed the beans and rice, and the service tonight was fast and friendy. We will be back.
(4)
Carl T.
I'm really not sure if ate here or just rubbed it all over my face. They say to never judge a book by it cover. This is not the case with El Tapatio. The food tastes just like the building looks a bit run down, greasy and well just Okay. The service is fast and decent. They don't seem to friendly but they do attend. The food is standard Mexican Heat and fling fare. I don't think anything is "fresh" if it is I would be shocked. If you want some fast, salty gut-rot this is your place.
(3)
Linda H.
Usually this is a great spot. However, tonight it was not busy and service was terrible. Will rethink Saturday night here.
(3)
Clayton G.
The food is marginally O.K. but the staff treats you like they'd rather be doing anything else other than putting up with you and serving you. You tell them "Thank You" and they say nothing. It does not matter whether you speak to them in Spanish or English either. We've been there twice and it happened both times over 18 months. We'll never go back and urge others to do the same.
(2)
Katie G.
I hate to have to give this horrible review because my husband and I used to love coming here. We don't live in the area anymore and we're close by in that neighborhood running errands and decided to stop by for dinner. After we were seated and drink orders taken /food orders put in was about within a 10 minute window, totally normal. But then the waiting started. Now keep in mind, the restaurant was probably only about 1/3 filled with customers and I counted at least half a dozen employees walking around . 45 minutes later we not only didn't have our food but a couple that were seated 30 minutes after us orderd and got there food within 10-15 minutes of that order. We were starting to get really irradiated and super hungry. I flagged a waitress down to find out what had happened to our order. When the waitress came back she sheepishly said that not only had our order not been put in but somehow they also gave our food to another table ! Seriously? She then informs us that that it will be right out. In the blink of an eye here comes our food with no apologie . And to top it off the food looked absolutely gross like they had just thrown it together. By this time neither one of us wanted it and informed the manager of our discuss and that we were leaving . She seemed irritated and said in a bitchy tone " fine no charge ." We left and went to restaurant close to our house. So disappointing since this use to be a staple for us but after last night will never be back.
(1)
Mike Y.
This place is great I'm 31 and have been coming since I was 16 and the food is always great
(5)
Seneca P.
I was there twice in January, both times the service was horrible, waited 20 minutes for the waiter to come take our drink order. We couldn't figure out why it took so long since it was mid week, and only about 7 tables had people, they had two food servers, The waiter finally came to take the drink order, then vanished for about another 10 minutes, never saw him come out from the back. He brought our drinks and left not asking if we were ready to place our food order and went to the back, didn't see him for about another 15 minutes then he came and took the order I asked him why it was taking so long to place our order he told us he was busy.. busy? he had two other tables to wait on how busy could he be, about 25 minutes later he brings our food order out, I had the #9 and my guest had the number #5 both were cold, we ended up sending it back, when he brought it back out it was warm, not hot, but warm. We ate what we could and paid, We wont be returning to this place. It used to be good but has been going down hill the past few months. I can see why the place wasn't full... with those two serving food, you'd have to take your won feed in to tide you over till your dinners came.
(1)
Jerald G.
Great (& hot) salsa! Good chips, very good chile rellenos, tacos, and enchiladas. Rice and beans are standard. The staff is really nice. My favorite Mexican restaurant in the metro area!
(4)
Pete H.
In the rather bland area that is Milwaukee, there aren't a lot of options. While El Tapatio is probably not going to win any culinary awards, I've enjoyed several meals here over a few years. Food has always been consistent and pretty good. If they have a fault, its that they are somewhat small in portions (than the norm for a Mex place). I like that they bring a small thing of beans with the chips and salsa, too. When I'm hungry in this area, I'll keep coming back.
(3)
Misty L.
We have been going here for many years! Excellent food and the staff is very friendly!
(5)
Ken B.
Ever since El Indio changed their chef their food hasn't been as good as it should've been, so we were lacking in a good replacement Mexican-wise. This place may be it. Service was a bit slow, but they looked understaffed at the time, so that's forgivable. The food is very good; I had the carne asada burrito and some jalapeño poppers and I was very satisfied. So... yeah, I think this place will do as a replacement to El Indio. :)
(4)
Jacky R.
Very disappointed with the food. Advertising that it's authentic Mexican food ?? Really, it's not even close to authentic Mexican food. Ordered a large Horchata, was very surprise by the color of the horchata. A dark brown color. For dinner I had ordered the chicken enchilada plate. Again, disappointed with the taste, the beans tasted like it came out of a can and the chicken meat was too dark..... Never again will be going there again. Giving it two stars just because the service was great, but the food was way off.... I would not recommend this place at all....
(2)
Alisa G.
This used to be my go-to Mexican joint. The service is great, and you'll never have an empty water glass, but the food is unexceptional, and if you're ordering cocktails, your bill will be inflated in a hurry. If you're looking for standard Mexican fair with a quick turn-around time, you'll be happy, but if you're looking for great flavor and unique menu items, keep looking. When my bill started to encroach on $40 for two entrees and two drinks, I stopped going. I'm still searching for a replacement.
(3)
Sally U.
Whenever I'm visiting I make it a point to go to El Tapatio. The refried beans are better than most other places & the Camarones a la Crema are delicious.
(5)
Stevi Jo M.
Super clean seating area and well lite unlike their other location. And just like the other location great prices on decent food.
(4)
Ryan C.
Good food, friendly service, and a classic atmosphere. We have been going here for about 10 years now and have never been disappointed. Warning though! portions are pretty big. I have had a few dinners just with the appetizers alone :)
(4)
John P H.
Mediocre mexican food at best. Friendly staff , noisy we had tortilla soup. The broth was nothing like the rich chicken broth described in the menu , tacos the equivalent if Taco Bell but cost a lot more, even the quesadilla is poor and the salsa well you guessed it -- pretty sad
(1)
Brianne C.
Good food for the price. Enchiladas are full of yummy meat and cheese and sauce and the margaritas are powerful. The salsa you get when you first sit down is a little spicy (you can request milder salsa) but it has great flavor. Great bottomless fresh chips. Pollo a la crema is really good. Will go back to try more.
(4)
Nonya B.
Good food, great service for a reasonable price. We have been here a dozen times in the past 3 years and have not had a bad experience yet.
(5)
Marla M.
My husband and I love this restaurant. We usually visit it about twice a month. We found it by a coupon in the neighborhood coupon magazine, and we keep going back because of the service and food. My husbands favorite dish is the bacon wrapped shrimp fajitas. He just drools as he eats, it is so good. I love their chicken dishes and their refried beans. Everything comes very hot including the Salsa. A good Mexican restaurant always has good hot salsa and this one is excellent. They have several margarita options, including a blackberry margarita. They are all so good it is hard to decide.
(5)
Cameron P.
The food is pretty average, and it's extremely over-priced. Also, our server made some rude sexist comment when I told him my girlfriend and I would be splitting the tab. I had to defend myself, and it felt pretty uncomfortable. As if the depressing atmosphere in the restaurant wasn't enough... And I don't think restaurants should play trashy shows with half of the words bleeped out on their TVs. I don't want to watch midgets wrestling while I eat!
(1)
Mike G.
This is just Americanized Mexican food! Tastes just like all the other out of the can rice and beans joints! Don't waste your money thinking you are going to be getting Mexican food! The service is FANTASTIC each time I have been (3) and the place is VERY clean, but it is just like Tacho's, ElTapito and the like! Put it on a plate and through it in a Salamander and you are done....No thank you....sorry!
(2)
Cindy Q.
Your glass will never be empty here. This family owned restaurant assigns water and chip detail to abuelo who never EVER lets your water glass go less than an inch from the top. This is our typical work lunch gathering place. It's tucked in next to a Tattoo parlor and a Daycare center off McLoughlin in Oak Grove. I haven't been to the other El Tapatios around town, so I don't know how it compares. My recommendations are anything with shrimp. They have a great shrimp cocktail, camarones al mojo de ajo, and a shrimp salad. Very extensive menu for such a small place. I assume the margaritas are so so. It's been a long time since I've been there for the dinner or cocktail hour, but if I can't remember them I either drank way too many or they weren't that memorable. Overall a solid hit for a typical mexican dish.
(4)
Keith B.
been here several times but why go back when there is a panderia a couple miles away with better,fresher and less expensive food.had the fajitas wich were very oily and over cooked vegies and chicken and over priced.service was fine but i tried the dishes of serval others i was with and they were MEH too.the value for qaulity and quantity are just not there.
(2)
Atterly C.
Everything appears to be made to order as it takes a while to get your food. They have decent service and a broad menu to serve anyones tastes. I found out last time they're some kind of chain or franchise which probably explains the fairly generic American take on Mexican cuisine. Large portions and reasonable prices make this a great take out option when you don't want to get cleaned up and sit down somewhere. With that said I wouldn't recommend their combination appetizer platter as it falls a bit short on quantity and quality for the price.
(4)
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Address :15192 SE McLoughlin Blvd
Portland, OR, 97267
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
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 Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : 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.
Taylor H.
Love, love, love this Mexican restaurant! Have been coming here for years, and it is easily my favorite when I'm in the mood for Mexican. Staff is friendly, and food is freaking tasty!!!
(5)Brian H.
Great food! Love going here with my family. Sometimes the service can be hit or miss, just make sure you have Antonio, he is the best. Mmmm, so good.
(4)Roseanne M.
Very clean and the food is good. The only problem we had was the waiter was kinda short when we asked to be seated at a table and not a booth. There were 4 of us on a 6 top table. Didn't think that was a bad request. Mobility issues makes us more comfortable to sit in chairs not in booths. It was not busy and all of the tables were empty.
(4)J K.
If you see solamente las personas gringas en un restaurante mexicano, should you go in? In the case of Tapatio, you should. This strip mall restaurant has some tasty salsa and delicious sangria. We had the Chile Verde and 2 Chile Relleno platter. The Chile Verde was tasty but mild... but nothing extra salsa couldnt fix. My chile relleno looked baked, not fried, but the flavor was still good. I wished it came with tortillas. We enjoyed the beans and rice, and the service tonight was fast and friendy. We will be back.
(4)Carl T.
I'm really not sure if ate here or just rubbed it all over my face. They say to never judge a book by it cover. This is not the case with El Tapatio. The food tastes just like the building looks a bit run down, greasy and well just Okay. The service is fast and decent. They don't seem to friendly but they do attend. The food is standard Mexican Heat and fling fare. I don't think anything is "fresh" if it is I would be shocked. If you want some fast, salty gut-rot this is your place.
(3)Linda H.
Usually this is a great spot. However, tonight it was not busy and service was terrible. Will rethink Saturday night here.
(3)Clayton G.
The food is marginally O.K. but the staff treats you like they'd rather be doing anything else other than putting up with you and serving you. You tell them "Thank You" and they say nothing. It does not matter whether you speak to them in Spanish or English either. We've been there twice and it happened both times over 18 months. We'll never go back and urge others to do the same.
(2)Katie G.
I hate to have to give this horrible review because my husband and I used to love coming here. We don't live in the area anymore and we're close by in that neighborhood running errands and decided to stop by for dinner. After we were seated and drink orders taken /food orders put in was about within a 10 minute window, totally normal. But then the waiting started. Now keep in mind, the restaurant was probably only about 1/3 filled with customers and I counted at least half a dozen employees walking around . 45 minutes later we not only didn't have our food but a couple that were seated 30 minutes after us orderd and got there food within 10-15 minutes of that order. We were starting to get really irradiated and super hungry. I flagged a waitress down to find out what had happened to our order. When the waitress came back she sheepishly said that not only had our order not been put in but somehow they also gave our food to another table ! Seriously? She then informs us that that it will be right out. In the blink of an eye here comes our food with no apologie . And to top it off the food looked absolutely gross like they had just thrown it together. By this time neither one of us wanted it and informed the manager of our discuss and that we were leaving . She seemed irritated and said in a bitchy tone " fine no charge ." We left and went to restaurant close to our house. So disappointing since this use to be a staple for us but after last night will never be back.
(1)Mike Y.
This place is great I'm 31 and have been coming since I was 16 and the food is always great
(5)Seneca P.
I was there twice in January, both times the service was horrible, waited 20 minutes for the waiter to come take our drink order. We couldn't figure out why it took so long since it was mid week, and only about 7 tables had people, they had two food servers, The waiter finally came to take the drink order, then vanished for about another 10 minutes, never saw him come out from the back. He brought our drinks and left not asking if we were ready to place our food order and went to the back, didn't see him for about another 15 minutes then he came and took the order I asked him why it was taking so long to place our order he told us he was busy.. busy? he had two other tables to wait on how busy could he be, about 25 minutes later he brings our food order out, I had the #9 and my guest had the number #5 both were cold, we ended up sending it back, when he brought it back out it was warm, not hot, but warm. We ate what we could and paid, We wont be returning to this place. It used to be good but has been going down hill the past few months. I can see why the place wasn't full... with those two serving food, you'd have to take your won feed in to tide you over till your dinners came.
(1)Jerald G.
Great (& hot) salsa! Good chips, very good chile rellenos, tacos, and enchiladas. Rice and beans are standard. The staff is really nice. My favorite Mexican restaurant in the metro area!
(4)Pete H.
In the rather bland area that is Milwaukee, there aren't a lot of options. While El Tapatio is probably not going to win any culinary awards, I've enjoyed several meals here over a few years. Food has always been consistent and pretty good. If they have a fault, its that they are somewhat small in portions (than the norm for a Mex place). I like that they bring a small thing of beans with the chips and salsa, too. When I'm hungry in this area, I'll keep coming back.
(3)Misty L.
We have been going here for many years! Excellent food and the staff is very friendly!
(5)Ken B.
Ever since El Indio changed their chef their food hasn't been as good as it should've been, so we were lacking in a good replacement Mexican-wise. This place may be it. Service was a bit slow, but they looked understaffed at the time, so that's forgivable. The food is very good; I had the carne asada burrito and some jalapeño poppers and I was very satisfied. So... yeah, I think this place will do as a replacement to El Indio. :)
(4)Jacky R.
Very disappointed with the food. Advertising that it's authentic Mexican food ?? Really, it's not even close to authentic Mexican food. Ordered a large Horchata, was very surprise by the color of the horchata. A dark brown color. For dinner I had ordered the chicken enchilada plate. Again, disappointed with the taste, the beans tasted like it came out of a can and the chicken meat was too dark..... Never again will be going there again. Giving it two stars just because the service was great, but the food was way off.... I would not recommend this place at all....
(2)Alisa G.
This used to be my go-to Mexican joint. The service is great, and you'll never have an empty water glass, but the food is unexceptional, and if you're ordering cocktails, your bill will be inflated in a hurry. If you're looking for standard Mexican fair with a quick turn-around time, you'll be happy, but if you're looking for great flavor and unique menu items, keep looking. When my bill started to encroach on $40 for two entrees and two drinks, I stopped going. I'm still searching for a replacement.
(3)Sally U.
Whenever I'm visiting I make it a point to go to El Tapatio. The refried beans are better than most other places & the Camarones a la Crema are delicious.
(5)Stevi Jo M.
Super clean seating area and well lite unlike their other location. And just like the other location great prices on decent food.
(4)Ryan C.
Good food, friendly service, and a classic atmosphere. We have been going here for about 10 years now and have never been disappointed. Warning though! portions are pretty big. I have had a few dinners just with the appetizers alone :)
(4)John P H.
Mediocre mexican food at best. Friendly staff , noisy we had tortilla soup. The broth was nothing like the rich chicken broth described in the menu , tacos the equivalent if Taco Bell but cost a lot more, even the quesadilla is poor and the salsa well you guessed it -- pretty sad
(1)Brianne C.
Good food for the price. Enchiladas are full of yummy meat and cheese and sauce and the margaritas are powerful. The salsa you get when you first sit down is a little spicy (you can request milder salsa) but it has great flavor. Great bottomless fresh chips. Pollo a la crema is really good. Will go back to try more.
(4)Nonya B.
Good food, great service for a reasonable price. We have been here a dozen times in the past 3 years and have not had a bad experience yet.
(5)Marla M.
My husband and I love this restaurant. We usually visit it about twice a month. We found it by a coupon in the neighborhood coupon magazine, and we keep going back because of the service and food. My husbands favorite dish is the bacon wrapped shrimp fajitas. He just drools as he eats, it is so good. I love their chicken dishes and their refried beans. Everything comes very hot including the Salsa. A good Mexican restaurant always has good hot salsa and this one is excellent. They have several margarita options, including a blackberry margarita. They are all so good it is hard to decide.
(5)Cameron P.
The food is pretty average, and it's extremely over-priced. Also, our server made some rude sexist comment when I told him my girlfriend and I would be splitting the tab. I had to defend myself, and it felt pretty uncomfortable. As if the depressing atmosphere in the restaurant wasn't enough... And I don't think restaurants should play trashy shows with half of the words bleeped out on their TVs. I don't want to watch midgets wrestling while I eat!
(1)Mike G.
This is just Americanized Mexican food! Tastes just like all the other out of the can rice and beans joints! Don't waste your money thinking you are going to be getting Mexican food! The service is FANTASTIC each time I have been (3) and the place is VERY clean, but it is just like Tacho's, ElTapito and the like! Put it on a plate and through it in a Salamander and you are done....No thank you....sorry!
(2)Cindy Q.
Your glass will never be empty here. This family owned restaurant assigns water and chip detail to abuelo who never EVER lets your water glass go less than an inch from the top. This is our typical work lunch gathering place. It's tucked in next to a Tattoo parlor and a Daycare center off McLoughlin in Oak Grove. I haven't been to the other El Tapatios around town, so I don't know how it compares. My recommendations are anything with shrimp. They have a great shrimp cocktail, camarones al mojo de ajo, and a shrimp salad. Very extensive menu for such a small place. I assume the margaritas are so so. It's been a long time since I've been there for the dinner or cocktail hour, but if I can't remember them I either drank way too many or they weren't that memorable. Overall a solid hit for a typical mexican dish.
(4)Keith B.
been here several times but why go back when there is a panderia a couple miles away with better,fresher and less expensive food.had the fajitas wich were very oily and over cooked vegies and chicken and over priced.service was fine but i tried the dishes of serval others i was with and they were MEH too.the value for qaulity and quantity are just not there.
(2)Atterly C.
Everything appears to be made to order as it takes a while to get your food. They have decent service and a broad menu to serve anyones tastes. I found out last time they're some kind of chain or franchise which probably explains the fairly generic American take on Mexican cuisine. Large portions and reasonable prices make this a great take out option when you don't want to get cleaned up and sit down somewhere. With that said I wouldn't recommend their combination appetizer platter as it falls a bit short on quantity and quality for the price.
(4)