I just had one of the best foods I can remember. It's up there with a $50 steak I had about 25 years ago. (That was a ribeye with maple bacon butter, difference cuisine, but also very good.) What was this miraculous sensory experience, you ask? Well, I'll tell you: it was the huarache at El Nopalito. The handmade tortilla was delicious and the perfect texture with a little crisp on the outside and tenderness within. That tenderness was accentuated by the umami explosion of creamy refried pinto beans stuffed into the huarache. All the toppings were excellent, include beautiful cilantro chiffonade, cotija, and then all the salsas. I also enjoyed their fish taco and al pastor taco, both were excellent. The fish taco especially was super fresh, all the salsa was fresh, and the meat in the al pastor had fantastic flavor, color, and texture. Now, I know I've only eaten a few things on their menu, so maybe I just got lucky. But I will be happy to go back and find out! The space is beautiful, clean, casual, and service was prompt. Our server was friendly and attentive and greeted us as we walked in. I am beyond excited to go back and eat the entire menu. Not at all once. It might take me another three visits. read more

I've been wanting to try El Nopalito for a while, and finally got the chance yesterday. It was so good! Plenty of seating inside, easy to order, lots of good options on the menu. The staff was friendly and food came out quickly. We tried the chips and guacamole, the potato appetizer (which had the most delicious green sauce Ito dip in), the tacos were delicious, and the sandwich my fiend had also looked incredible. It was a nice place for lunch with a friend or to even just grab a tasty margarita. I'll definitely be back, and looking forward to trying more items! read more

El Nopalito - Mexican Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

Stopped by El Nopalito for a late lunch yesterday, I ordered the fish taco and the carnitas taco as well as the house margarita. Everything was phenomenal! The margarita was not too sweet and perfectly strong. I could tell the house tequila was quality. They actually had a pretty extensive tequila and mescal collection as well as Mexican gin available too. The tacos. The tacos were perfect The carnitas was nice and crispy on the edges and still perfectly tender and it came on a warm soft corn tortilla with the traditional garnish of onions and cilantro. The fish taco came with a HUGE piece of fish, a very yummy chipotle sauce, cabbage and mango salsa. The fish was perfectly cooked- the breading was not gooey and the fish was still tender and flaky on the inside. I didn't get a chance to try any salsas (I was honestly too excited to even think to ask and had finished most of both tacos before I even thought about salsa). Service was quick and friendly- the chef even came out to make sure I was loving the food. The restaurant itself had a wife variety of seating options including indoor, outdoor, tall tables, short tables, booths and bar seating. The music was festive and everything looked really clean. I will definitely be back soon to explore other menu items. Great job El Nopalito! read more

El Nopalito - Carnitas taco, fish taco, margarita - Mexican Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

The food is amazing I definitely enjoyed it and the service was very good. I would probably eat here again. Thank you for the complementary chicharrones! read more

We have walked by this place since this location opened just two months ago. We kept saying we needed to try it. Well, tonight we did. We got done with a meeting downtown a little earlier than planned, so we stopped in for dinner on our walk home. EXCELLENT all around! Food. Service. Atmosphere. We started with an order of chips and guac and they were wonderful. The chips were fresh and the guac had just the right amount of seasoning. We split a Tinga de Pollo quesadilla and the sauce on the chicken was perfect. My wife had the fish taco and very much enjoyed it. I had the carnitas taco and loved it (next time, I may ask for some jalapeños to spice it up). The pork was smoked and cooked perfectly. This time, we just had water, but their house margaritas are beckoning to us, so I know there will be a return trip! read more

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They have a very limited menu. I wish they had wait service. More of a lunch spot than a dinner place.

Food was good, service is limited because you need to walk up to order and they bring it to your table. I would prefer full service since the queue still requests a full tip. Bathrooms are no longer available inside the restaurant. You need to go to the building hallway and use that restroom now. read more

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Very delicious tacos. Indoor service, order at the counter, bus your table. It gives Tacovore a run for the money food-wise but is just a step behind in terms of atmosphere. It's super clean with friendly service and is still a real gem. read more

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Sunday lunch with friends since they heard many positive reviews on their food. I ordered two tacos: one with fish and one with braised pork. The fish was crispy but one of the two strips was warm while the other was hot, weird. Maybe one was old? Flavor was good with the mango salsa on top. It could have been better with 2 tortillas per taco since the filling leaks into the taco and it falls apart so easily. The pork was succulent and the pickled onions gave it an extra crunch which was pleasant. Again, two tortillas would have been better. Friends had the salad with beets and goat cheese, looked delicious and she enjoyed it. The enchilada with zucchini blossom was nice but looked sparse. And the daily Special which was a dish with shrimp in acidity (like ceviche) and avocados, cucumbers, onions and edible flowers. Looked super nice but holy moly was that dish spicy! Chips and guacamole for $8 is outrageous to me. Overall, pleasant experience. You order at the counter and they bring it to you. Parking in the back, thru the alley, if there is no street parking on Willamette. read more

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El Nopalito has evolved from its food truck origin and moved into the vacant spot from Claim 52. I'm pleased to say that it's just as delicious as a dine-in restaurant! The two garages were opened to allow for a nice breeze. Tables were set with flowers, silverware, and napkins. There is a self-serve salsa and water station. It's half-service, so you order at the front and have your items brought out. The Tingo de Pollo Quesadilla is a star on the menu, the marinated chicken is paired with small slices of caramelized onion, cheese, and sour cream. It feels like eating a big chicken taco in the best way. The street tacos are delicious, particularly of the lime is used. Every salsa is great in its own way! Overall, an excellent spot that is sure to be successful. Give it a try! read more

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Great quality, I have celiac and it's nice to have a safe place to eat a quesadilla since they make their corn tortillas fresh!

El Nopalito isn't just a restaurant; it's a f-ing obsession. This place has quickly become the absolute highlight of the month for my better half and me. It channels the Eugene vibe effortlessly, but let's be real--most places in town don't even come close to touching this level of quality. We all have our go-to spots, but El Nopalito is damn special because they have the balls to dedicate a menu specifically to the southern region of Mexico, and my god, does it pay off. The Cochinita Pibil? It's pure, unadulterated lust on a plate. It is mouth-watering, tender, and downright beautiful. Do yourself a favor and pair it with their house-made southern hibiscus margarita, but swap that tequila for mezcal. It is smoky, sexy, and hits you right in the soul. The fact that every single dish is made from scratch by a local family makes it taste even better--you can taste the love and the hustle in every bite. If you're planning a stop here, get ready. This is, without a doubt, the best service'd Mexican cuisine Eugene has to offer. read more

Very delicious meal. The menu was not what I was expecting when I walked in but I'm glad I gave it a try. A little spendy but healthier than most Mexican lunches and definitely high quality ingredients. read more

El Nopalito - Grilled Cesar and Carnitas taco - Mexican Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

My mom saw a tik tok that said this was the best Mexican restaurant in Eugene so we decided to try it. There's a few other food trucks in this area too. Small menu but good options. Definitely more of an authentic Mexican spot. The food was very fresh and high quality not greasy at all. My mom loved the huarache. And the carnitas taco was amazing. Would recommend! read more

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I'm so happy El Nopalito has gone from a food cart to a brick-and-mortar restaurant! If my meal there was any indication, they'll do well. The food was so delicious, tasty and so fresh. I had a salad with arugula, goat cheese, toasted pepitas, beets and pear with a vinaigrette dressing and a fish taco. Next time I might get two tacos since they're on the smaller side, but a taco + salad was filling. The staff are all friendly and service was quick. It's bright and clean, it can get a little loud when it's full of people but there is plenty of seating. Order at the counter and they bring you your food. Next time I go, I will try the house-made augua fresca, horchata, or the seasonal margaritas. read more

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What a perfect meal & evening! This was my first visit with a friend who lives in Eugene and everything was delicious! The margaritas are some of the best I've ever had and I live in California! The space is beautiful! Love supporting this family as they moved from a food truck to a brick and mortar location! I will be back! read more

El Nopalito - Huaraches and margaritas - Mexican Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

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Best fish tacos I have ever had!! Light, fresh and flavorful! Mango salsa was amazing too. We will be back!

I really enjoyed the food. I can see why people like this place. I'll probably go elsewhere for my future micheladas, tacos, and Mexican food. read more

El Nopalito - quesabirria!!! It was good. Three stars!! - Mexican Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

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Best fish tacos I've ever had... like ever! The mango salsa in top adds the perfect flavor. read more

Yummy food made from scratch. Hauraches, fish taco, papas were perfect. Good prices.

5 stars for the new restaurant that just opened. Tacos were delicious. I had a fish taco and a carnitas taco. I enjoyed the red and green salsa. Nice atmosphere and friendly service. I definitely plan to return to try out more of the menu. read more

El Nopalito - Fish Taco and Carnitas Taco - Mexican Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

New location at 1203 Willamette! Incredible food and margaritas. Today was their first official day open to the public. Guacamole, Caesar Salad, Wings, Tacos, Huaraches all are 10/10. So good!! Family owned and operated. Nice casual counter service and comfortable environment. Modern decor and modern but still traditional cuisine from Mexico City. read more

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The service was very kind and quick, but both my husband and I had pretty mid food here. I had the Al Pastor taco and the Fish taco. Both came on almost raw corn tortillas, and the Al Pastor was pretty tough and flavorless. The battered fish was crispy on the outside but still had raw batter inside. My husband had chilliquilles and I would say those were pretty underwhelming as well, very salty. read more

I have been wanting to go here for a long time and finally went last night. We ordered the Papas Rusticas, Cesar la Casa, and an Al Pastor, Cartina and Asada tacos. The sauce on the Rustica would taste good anything! I enjoyed the salad and each of the tacos were great. Will be back soon! read more

THE best Mexican food in Eugene hands down! The fish taco is perfection- everything they do is perfect. Handmade tortillas , from scratch everything. And where else can you eat at a food cart and get the presentation of a 5 start restaurant? Order for here and eat off of real dishes. I love this place and if you haven't tried it, it's worth your time and money! Plus the staff is lovely. read more

El Nopalito - Mexican Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

I love the staff, ambiance and most importantly, the food! They have great selections for authentic Mexican food and drinks. The ambiance is inviting, decor is fun, and the staff are always friendly! Highly recommend El Nopalito! Their fish tacos are to-die-for! read more

My friends and I went here for the first time a few weeks ago. I used to go here when it was the Claim 52 location. I love how El Nopalito decorated the space and made it their own. Parking is not too hard to find. There's a parking lot a few feet away. You order your food at the counter and it gets delivered to your table. There's a decent amount of seating and is good for groups. My fiancé and I shared the fish, pork, chicken and beef tacos. My favorite was the fish taco! Everything was so flavorful, though. I also ordered a margarita, which was good. I do wish they had a mushroom taco on the menu for those who prefer/can't eat meat or fish. Looking forward to coming back here! read more

El Nopalito - Restaurant Menu - Mexican Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

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Good place for tacos! On my had fish and pork options though. We tried all 4 and they were all great tasting, lots of flavor. Had a house margarita and it tasted fresh! read more

Nice change from food truck to established restaurant. Ambience nice. Service good. Tacos generous and delicious.

Got the tacos. Amazing. Beautiful ambiance and next time I'll try their margaritas. Guacamole and chips looked great too

Great fish tacos and margaritas! The Al Pastor tacos were great too. Cant wait to try more here. Perfect spot for meeting up!

Really good food!! Some of the best tacos I've had. In a very nice room with great service. 1

This is our first time trying this restaurant. Wow! The ambience was great, flowers on all the tables, sparkling clean. Super friendly staff. The fish tacos are unbelievably good. They are so fresh and the breading is perfect. The verde sauce is the freshest I've ever tasted in my life. I also had a melon margarita, Yum! The homemade chips and guacamole were just like everything else we tried, amazing!! After spending years living in the SW, Eugene finally had some authentic, delicious Mexican food. We may have found our new favorite spot! read more

Tacos are excellent, especially braised pork. Guacamole is on point. Efficient ordering system and friendly service. It's a nice hip space. Would go back. read more

Most pathetic "quesadilla" I've ever seen in my life. This special was listed as "Quesadilla De veggie flor de calabana epazole, corn masa, oaxaca, and squash blossom. Ordered the special that ain't so special when the food runner delivered it on the plate it just looked unappetizing. I asked the food runner to ask the kitchen if they would possibly make something else and all they had to offer was a $4 upcharge to add meat... Could've just bought myself a taco off the menu that was $5. A bad review will cost u way more than it would've to offer to make something else to make a customer happy. Lazy a** cooks didn't feel like it tho I never send back food. I will not be returning and neither should u read more

El Nopalito - Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

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The fish tacos are so good you would think you're in San Diego. Clean restaurant and friendly staff as well. read more

Best Mexican food in Eugene not even close. Everything I've had is so tasty and they do really fun specials. Tacos are big and well priced. Will be going back often. read more

El Nopalito - Mexican Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

I've been here several times and it always has great food, service, and atmosphere. The drinks are always good too! I'm not typically a big tequila person, but the bartender made the most incredible blueberry margarita I've ever had. Definitely somewhere I'll be taking family and friends when they visit Eugene! read more

Well, this place is adorable. I love their branding, the painted tables, and the look of their menu. It's all very pleasing. But what I am happy to report is that the food is also very pleasing. I couldn't find a menu anywhere online so I visited the location not knowing if there would be anything for me to order as I am a vegetarian. Lucky they have the mushroom quesadilla THAT I LOVED. I noted though it would be better if eaten sooner than later for the ultimate cheese melt experience. I ordered the pastor huaraches and he said he really enjoyed it. Highly recommend checking this place out. read more

El Nopalito - Cute little seating area - Mexican Near Me - Eugene, Oregon

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Best tacos in town. Super legit. Huarache is amazing. Way better than the more popular tacovore. (No guacamole on the menu though)