Great food, pretty good prices. Like all other American Mexican food it's beans meat cheese. It don't matter what ya get, just looks a little different. The ingrediants are fresh.
(4)
Scott C.
Having lived many years in New Mexico I know great Mexican food. Hector and his crew have hit a home run with this wonderful restaurant right on the banks of the Columbia River. Come enjoy the patio on the river or the wonderful river views within the restaurant. Don't forget to ask for Angie's Salad, and don't forget to ask for Flora or Debbie's famous margarita's. Tell them Scott and Angie sent you.
(5)
Marina C.
Extremely friendly and prompt, courteous wait staff. The rice is the best of virtually any Mexican restaurant out there, very fluffy and properly done, and places which pay attention to their rice are always good. The salsa is superb and so are the chips, which is basically half the delight in the meal at an Americanized-style Mexican restaurant anyway. Glasses of iced tea are utterly huge, and that is a plus, especially in the summer. This restaurant is probably the best in the Kelso-Longview area, and if you're a Washingtonian the economic viability of a short trip across the river on a bridge with a spectacular view is rather obvious, heh. My friend insists it's the best Mexican restaurant she's eaten at, but I'd rate it the third, and only the top two manage five stars in my opinion--I'm picky about Mexican, but I can afford to be because a lot of it is really good. Everything is prepared exactly as you want it, and honestly the main complaint is that the wait staff is a bit too friendly, so you have three different people ask you if you want the same thing and that sort of thing going on. I'd encourage them to more strictly assign tables to avoid the slightly dizzying experience of having an endless parade of waiters/waitresses. But they were all very polite, so it wasn't genuinely irritating.
(4)
Gary W.
Good prices, good food, good service. We like it. Free wifi
(4)
Ken J.
Typical menu for the rather large chain. This is a HUGE restaurant for the size of the city. There is an awesome outdoor dining area with one of the most original and artistic walls that I have ever seen. You just have to see it to appreciate it. The service is good. The ambiance is good as well. Stop in and have an awesome Margarita and a good meal on the patio next to the mighty Columbia river.
(4)
Lindsay M.
This place is large enough for a group and they can always get you in. They are right on the river with a great view of the bridge. They also have a great patio. I have been here lots of times and all of their food is great. My very fave meal is the shrimp enchiladas. It has a creamy sauce that is to die for. If you order guacamole, they make it fir you at your table!
(5)
Brian R.
Great Mexican-American food with large portions. I shared the Camarones El Diabla with my wife and it was perfect for 2. This restaurant has a bar with video slot machines and a huge outdoor patio to eat on with a great view of the water. If you like HOT ask for the green salsa with your chips, make sure to get a cold beer with it.
(4)
Henry G.
If there is something this area has too much of it is Mexican restaurants. I swear it's like one for every 500 people here. That being said the El Tap is one place I will drive to another state to eat at. There is no more enjoyable dining experience than on a beautiful sunny day dining in the outdoor patio with friends. It has a fountain and a view of the river. The wait staff is attentive and friendly. Best of all the food is some of the tastiest in the region. Let me make your decision for you with two words CARNE ASADA. I'm seriously drooling just thinking about it.
(5)
Michael D.
Has a very large and robust menu. Visiting on business from out of town, better than 90% of the Mexican eateries I visit on a regular basis. Would recommend the verde burrito off the lunch menus.
(5)
N B.
I should never ever have ordered the crab enchiladas, I couldn't even swallow my first bite. Didn't say a anything, because I'm just not like that but.. The black beans were good and of course the salsa and chips. I don't like the canned stewed tomato taste but it works for them, I like the green Verde style salsa. Don't bother with the queso fundito.
(2)
Ron H.
Had lunch with my mom yesterday for the first time at this wonderful restaurant Our offered fresh guacamole was very good Great time and I would recommend
(4)
Rik J.
If you're in the Kelso/Longview Washington/Rainier Oregon area, there is no better Mexican food to be found than El Tapatio in downtown Rainier. Today was is my birthday, so my friend John McGregor came up from Gresham and took me to lunch, so I chose El Tapatio. We were seated immediately, and our waitress Erica was very courteous, fun, and friendly. The chips, salsa and refried beans were put on our table as soon as we were seated, the chips were so fresh that you could feel the heat coming off them when they were set down. Our glasses never dropped below half full, the meals were very filling and amazing! I chose the Super Burrito for lunch, and ate nearly every bite of it. El Tapatio has a way of marrying the flavors of each individual ingredient, weaving them into south of the border culinary masterpieces. I was very pleased (and very full) with my birthday lunch. The service is always amazing at El Tapatio, and the price is always spot on for the quality of food you're getting. The view right out on the mighty Columbia River is pretty great, even if you're looking at the Longview Fibre papermill across the border in Washington. I would strongly recommend El Tapatio to anybody.
(5)
Ashton M.
Absolutely worthless unless you are willing to wait 15 minutes for a seat at 8pm and the entire dinning room is empty. Then wait another 45 minutes for an extremely rude waitress to finally ask if you would like a drink. Oh and the best part, IF YOU ARENT A BELLIGERENT DRUNK you won't be welcomed AT ALL and the other customers who may happen to see you will harass you Bc you aren't a drunk like them. They don't deserve to run a business after allowing such things to happen.
(1)
Susie Q.
Hands down, some of the BEST Mexican food around. They even tailored to suit our vegan and vegetarian needs. Staff are so friendly and welcoming. Ambience is great. View is amazing. Food is splendid. We'll be back for sure! A great family experience.
(5)
Jennifer G.
This is a great place! The service, drinks and food were all top notch. Definitely will return!
This may be the best Mesican food I've ever eaten outside of Mexico! The service was excellent, with a friendly waitress who was very attentive without hovering. We ordered the guacamole made right at your table. The ingredients were fresh, and the end result was delicious. We had chili rellenos and enchiladas and were impressed with the way they were spiced. The outdoor area is right on the river. The interior restaurant is clean and bright. I can't wait to be in Rainier again and head straight to El Tapatio.
(5)
Lorrie L.
Funny the pic for this place is the sink in the restroom when its in a beautiful location! Food is good, Margaritas are tasty, service was friendly and fast. The fresh guacamole was Amazing! My husband doesn't even eat the stuff normally but he was eating lots if it today! Salsa is so-so and the chips are great... They came out warm and fresh. Comp bean dip was a bonus you don't see too often. I have to brag on their rice! It was so good- if you like celery seasoning at all...you will most likely love this stuff as much as I did! Nice decor and looked very clean!
(4)
Shane S.
Well, we thought we'd stop on a trip back from Washington on the ferry. Stopped in Rainier, since it was the closest city on Hwy 30. The food sucked... Chips were ok, the salsa was what it was... everything else was just nasty. Mine was salty and really not good. His was flavorless and really icky. Should have known... small town Mexican... thanks, but no thanks.
(1)
Amber F.
Love being able to sit outside on the deck in the summer. Fajitas for two was great!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : 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 : Yes 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.
Ice M.
Great food, pretty good prices. Like all other American Mexican food it's beans meat cheese. It don't matter what ya get, just looks a little different. The ingrediants are fresh.
(4)Scott C.
Having lived many years in New Mexico I know great Mexican food. Hector and his crew have hit a home run with this wonderful restaurant right on the banks of the Columbia River. Come enjoy the patio on the river or the wonderful river views within the restaurant. Don't forget to ask for Angie's Salad, and don't forget to ask for Flora or Debbie's famous margarita's. Tell them Scott and Angie sent you.
(5)Marina C.
Extremely friendly and prompt, courteous wait staff. The rice is the best of virtually any Mexican restaurant out there, very fluffy and properly done, and places which pay attention to their rice are always good. The salsa is superb and so are the chips, which is basically half the delight in the meal at an Americanized-style Mexican restaurant anyway. Glasses of iced tea are utterly huge, and that is a plus, especially in the summer. This restaurant is probably the best in the Kelso-Longview area, and if you're a Washingtonian the economic viability of a short trip across the river on a bridge with a spectacular view is rather obvious, heh. My friend insists it's the best Mexican restaurant she's eaten at, but I'd rate it the third, and only the top two manage five stars in my opinion--I'm picky about Mexican, but I can afford to be because a lot of it is really good. Everything is prepared exactly as you want it, and honestly the main complaint is that the wait staff is a bit too friendly, so you have three different people ask you if you want the same thing and that sort of thing going on. I'd encourage them to more strictly assign tables to avoid the slightly dizzying experience of having an endless parade of waiters/waitresses. But they were all very polite, so it wasn't genuinely irritating.
(4)Gary W.
Good prices, good food, good service. We like it. Free wifi
(4)Ken J.
Typical menu for the rather large chain. This is a HUGE restaurant for the size of the city. There is an awesome outdoor dining area with one of the most original and artistic walls that I have ever seen. You just have to see it to appreciate it. The service is good. The ambiance is good as well. Stop in and have an awesome Margarita and a good meal on the patio next to the mighty Columbia river.
(4)Lindsay M.
This place is large enough for a group and they can always get you in. They are right on the river with a great view of the bridge. They also have a great patio. I have been here lots of times and all of their food is great. My very fave meal is the shrimp enchiladas. It has a creamy sauce that is to die for. If you order guacamole, they make it fir you at your table!
(5)Brian R.
Great Mexican-American food with large portions. I shared the Camarones El Diabla with my wife and it was perfect for 2. This restaurant has a bar with video slot machines and a huge outdoor patio to eat on with a great view of the water. If you like HOT ask for the green salsa with your chips, make sure to get a cold beer with it.
(4)Henry G.
If there is something this area has too much of it is Mexican restaurants. I swear it's like one for every 500 people here. That being said the El Tap is one place I will drive to another state to eat at. There is no more enjoyable dining experience than on a beautiful sunny day dining in the outdoor patio with friends. It has a fountain and a view of the river. The wait staff is attentive and friendly. Best of all the food is some of the tastiest in the region. Let me make your decision for you with two words CARNE ASADA. I'm seriously drooling just thinking about it.
(5)Michael D.
Has a very large and robust menu. Visiting on business from out of town, better than 90% of the Mexican eateries I visit on a regular basis. Would recommend the verde burrito off the lunch menus.
(5)N B.
I should never ever have ordered the crab enchiladas, I couldn't even swallow my first bite. Didn't say a anything, because I'm just not like that but.. The black beans were good and of course the salsa and chips. I don't like the canned stewed tomato taste but it works for them, I like the green Verde style salsa. Don't bother with the queso fundito.
(2)Ron H.
Had lunch with my mom yesterday for the first time at this wonderful restaurant Our offered fresh guacamole was very good Great time and I would recommend
(4)Rik J.
If you're in the Kelso/Longview Washington/Rainier Oregon area, there is no better Mexican food to be found than El Tapatio in downtown Rainier. Today was is my birthday, so my friend John McGregor came up from Gresham and took me to lunch, so I chose El Tapatio. We were seated immediately, and our waitress Erica was very courteous, fun, and friendly. The chips, salsa and refried beans were put on our table as soon as we were seated, the chips were so fresh that you could feel the heat coming off them when they were set down. Our glasses never dropped below half full, the meals were very filling and amazing! I chose the Super Burrito for lunch, and ate nearly every bite of it. El Tapatio has a way of marrying the flavors of each individual ingredient, weaving them into south of the border culinary masterpieces. I was very pleased (and very full) with my birthday lunch. The service is always amazing at El Tapatio, and the price is always spot on for the quality of food you're getting. The view right out on the mighty Columbia River is pretty great, even if you're looking at the Longview Fibre papermill across the border in Washington. I would strongly recommend El Tapatio to anybody.
(5)Ashton M.
Absolutely worthless unless you are willing to wait 15 minutes for a seat at 8pm and the entire dinning room is empty. Then wait another 45 minutes for an extremely rude waitress to finally ask if you would like a drink. Oh and the best part, IF YOU ARENT A BELLIGERENT DRUNK you won't be welcomed AT ALL and the other customers who may happen to see you will harass you Bc you aren't a drunk like them. They don't deserve to run a business after allowing such things to happen.
(1)Susie Q.
Hands down, some of the BEST Mexican food around. They even tailored to suit our vegan and vegetarian needs. Staff are so friendly and welcoming. Ambience is great. View is amazing. Food is splendid. We'll be back for sure! A great family experience.
(5)Jennifer G.
This is a great place! The service, drinks and food were all top notch. Definitely will return!
(5)E M.
We have family in the area and this is one of our favorite restaurants to visit while we are in town. The services has always been great and the wait staff extremely friendly. The food is just above average which is great since there are not a lot of choices in the area. We love the décor because it allows us just for a minute to forget where we really are.
(4)Ari Y.
This may be the best Mesican food I've ever eaten outside of Mexico! The service was excellent, with a friendly waitress who was very attentive without hovering. We ordered the guacamole made right at your table. The ingredients were fresh, and the end result was delicious. We had chili rellenos and enchiladas and were impressed with the way they were spiced. The outdoor area is right on the river. The interior restaurant is clean and bright. I can't wait to be in Rainier again and head straight to El Tapatio.
(5)Lorrie L.
Funny the pic for this place is the sink in the restroom when its in a beautiful location! Food is good, Margaritas are tasty, service was friendly and fast. The fresh guacamole was Amazing! My husband doesn't even eat the stuff normally but he was eating lots if it today! Salsa is so-so and the chips are great... They came out warm and fresh. Comp bean dip was a bonus you don't see too often. I have to brag on their rice! It was so good- if you like celery seasoning at all...you will most likely love this stuff as much as I did! Nice decor and looked very clean!
(4)Shane S.
Well, we thought we'd stop on a trip back from Washington on the ferry. Stopped in Rainier, since it was the closest city on Hwy 30. The food sucked... Chips were ok, the salsa was what it was... everything else was just nasty. Mine was salty and really not good. His was flavorless and really icky. Should have known... small town Mexican... thanks, but no thanks.
(1)Amber F.
Love being able to sit outside on the deck in the summer. Fajitas for two was great!
(4)