Mexican cuisine is wonderful comfort food, often associated with meaningful family moments, celebrations and nights out with friends. In Eugene - Springfield there are many Mexican restaurants to choose including national and regional chains, Americanized spots and authentic eateries - from sit down restaurants to food trucks. This round-up is just a few favorite and well-deserved highlights.

People sitting outside on a rooftop deck around a fire with cocktails.

Drinks and Tacos at Carlita's Rooftop patio at sunset.

Carlita's Rooftop Restaurant

For the ultra urban feel, enjoy delicious Mexican food and cocktails on the snazzy rooftop deck at The Gordon Hotel. Carlita's Mexican restaurant is upstairs in the middle of the Market District and serves up favorite dishes like ceviche, tacos, tostadas and tortilla chips with queso, salsa or black beans. Their La Margarita De Carlita is offered in flavors of strawberry, passion fruit, mango or blackberry.

Chapala Mexican Restaurant

For over thirty years, this family owned restaurant is also a family favorite with the locals. Known for their friendly atmosphere, comfortable environment and always good and dependable menu, Chapala now has two locations. The Oakway Center Chapala features an outdoor patio and upscale vibes, while the original Willamette and W 29th Ave location in South Eugene offers a full bar and lots of booths. Warm up with tortilla soup on those chilly winter days, or choose a popular dish like the La Bandera, a trio of enchiladas, or their Fajitas Chapala with their house made fajita sauce, served sizzling hot.

Chulas Restaurant in Eugene by Melanie Griffin

The brightly painted Chula's Restaurant is a University District wateringhole.

Chula's Restaurant and Cantina

You can rely on Chula's for great Mexican food for dine-in and takeout. Try out their margarita pitchers when you bring a group with you during happy hour on a sunny day and sit out on the patio. Their homemade flour tortillas are the perfect touch to their family recipes. Chula's is close to the University of Oregon campus, making it an ideal addition to a campus tour or pre-game hangout.

Gluten-free tacos and chips at Tacovore by Rebecca Adelman

Gluten-free tacos and chips at Tacovore

Tacovore

Tacovore is that perfect taco destination with a festive feel. Order tacos at the counter, then find a seat in their cantina which spills over into sidewalk seating and a courtyard. Great for groups of friends or even a date night, the cool and casual atmosphere gets lively as the restaurant fills up. The menu includes an array of gourmet tacos, tortas, starters, sides, salads and beer, wine, cocktails and margaritas. Conveniently located in the Whiteaker neighborhood close to breweries, wine tasting rooms, distilleries and bars.

Nelson's in the Whit

Also in the Whiteaker neighborhood is the mouthwatering Nelson’s in the Whit, as well as their next-door food cart Nelson’s Taqueria (a must-stop for a breakfast burrito). Look for the neon red sign on your walk down Blair Boulevard, and you’ll spot Nelson’s! Order a mojito with a big plate of nachos for a delicious dinner. They also have a fun mocktail menu. Built around authentic Mexican food with Latin fusion, Nelson's is an inclusive, safe space that welcomes everyone. Outdoor seating on the deck and patio is also available.

1960 Cocina

1960 Cocina presents dishes inspired by the Jalisco and Zacatecas regions of Mexico using Oregon's locally sourced ingredients. The result is phenomenal cuisine and delicious cocktails.

El Buen Sabor Mexican Restaurant
: Johanna Roseberg

Fresh and delicious Mexican dishes are served up at El Buen Sabor.

El Buen Sabor

El Buen Sabor is brings Oaxacan cuisine to Eugene. Their gorditas crunch with every bite and each ingredient comes to the forefront with flavor. As one of their many vegan options, you can order vegan gorditas instead. Not just a lunch or dinner spot, try their breakfast blanda with scrambled eggs.

Xicha Brewing

Xicha Brewing is a Latin American brewery pouring their own craft beer and serving Latinx fare in their casual South Eugene restaurant.

Dos Hermanos Taqueria

Dos Hermanos Taqueria is really good, fast food with swift service and a drive-thru. Their menu is full of fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes. Try carne asada fries, one of their most popular dishes.

Enchiladas at Ranchito Grill

Ranchito Grill 

Springfield

Consistent and beloved, Ranchito Grill is the perfect spot for Mexican comfort food. The atmosphere is colorful and high energy, with uplifting quotes scattered on the walls. Enjoy their traditional cocktails and good vibes.

Tacovore Margaritas

Divine Tacovore Margaritas served in jelly jars with plenty of salt on the rims.

Margaritas

Salt on the rim? rocks? Do you want a fruity flavor or the top shelf tequila? Some of your best bets for that memorable margarita can be found in some unusual places alongside traditional Mexican restaurants. Here are some fun places to seek out a fun and flirty margarita:

  • Izaka Meiji Co. - this hip Japanese fusion restaurant has an outstanding bar which offers their Lava Salt Margarita, blanco tequila, lime shrub with lava salt rim
  • Cafe Soriah - the ultimate date night destination dishing up romantic Mediterranean plates also features their Soriah Margarita with 100% agave tequila, fresh lime and orange juices with a jalapeno.
  • barTini bistro - they are all about craft cocktails, so its no surprise their margarita is really good!
  • 1960 Cocina - try fun flavors such as grapefruit, cucumber lime and hibiscus margaritas with Tres Generaciones Tequila.
  • Tacovore - you may think you are there for the tacos, but the margaritas will win your heart - choose from blackberry, strawberry, hibiscus mint or cilantro jalapeno.

 

More Food & Drink