Last minute decision to head up 49 brought us to Downieville. We got there a little after 1:00 and were a bit peckish. There weren't a lot of options to be had so we figured we would try the taqueria. Oh my goodness are we so happy we came in! We had some very legit street tacos! If you look at a lot of my reviews, I am a big street taco person. I love tacos. I could live on tacos. In fact I kind of do sometimes lol. But that being said, I've had a whole bunch of different types. These street tacos were perfect. The chicken was wonderful, not too greasy not too fatty and seasoned to perfection. I loved the fresh salsa and cilantro on top. I skipped out on the Red Onion because I'm not a huge fan. My husband got the pork and steak and he said both were great, but the steak had a slight edge over the pork. Bonus, they had glass bottled Coke and Sprite which if you know anything about soda, the glass bottle sodas from Mexico are really the only ones worth the calories. Service was a bit slow, however they were slammed. It was Mother's Day weekend and it seemed like everyone in town plus people like us who just happened to be in town were coming to the restaurant. But they did a good job despite the immense crowd. They were really packed. The outdoor seating was wonderful, we sat out front. However there is a great patio in the back. And then of course seating within the restaurants. Great vibe, great people, just a great experience overall. And Downieville again, which I'm sure we will be, this will be where we go. read more

La Cocina De Oro - The sign affirmed we were welcome there - American Near Me - Downieville, California

I really wanted to love this restaurant but unfortunately I feel they could make some major improvements to the food. My husband got carne asada tacos and I got chicken enchiladas with green sauce. His tacos were completely bland, no flavor or seasoning to the meat. The only thing that gave my enchiladas flavor was the sauce. The chicken was a bit dry. I asked for extra tortillas for my rice and beans and I was given one stale and ice cold tortilla. The waitress seemed annoyed by our presence and despite being asked, never refilled our waters and ignored us until it came time to pay and we felt rushed out. We wanted to see if it was a fluke and returned later for dinner as nothing else was open. I decided to try a burrito. I asked for a Carne asada burrito and she asked me what meat I wanted....? Overall, again, absolutely bland and flavorless and they use CABBAGE which just was gross in comparison to the beans and rice. read more

Cute little spot in Downieville with good food and a cozy little deck out back with river views. Downieville is a fun place to hang for a chill weekend, we had a nice meal at Cocina de Oro and would definitely return next time we are in town! Cheers!! read more

La Cocina De Oro - Chillin on the deck! - American Near Me - Downieville, California

Literally the best food I have had! Everything is fresh and made in house. They even accommodate a lot of dietary restrictions. read more

La Cocina De Oro - American Near Me - Downieville, California

Feather is wonderful! The food, drinks, service and view are always out of this world. Highly recommend the Feathers Taco salad and enchiladas! read more

La Cocina De Oro - Taco salad - American Near Me - Downieville, California

Delicious well-prepared unique food, many vegetarian options. Wonderful owner. All employees are most kind, friendly and helpful. Location is beautiful, deck right over the Downie River! read more

La Cocina de Oro is unique in the small Sierra Nevada mountain town of Downieville, CA - population 300 - in that it's the only restaurant in western Sierra County that offers mainstream Mexican-style dining. As you enter the restaurant, you'll be greeted by staff and invited to place your order. The restaurant operates on what I call the "tacqueria format," in that you place your order from the overhead menu, pay for it at the counter, and seat yourself at any available seating of your choice. Should you feel "tipsy," there is a tip jar on the counter. When your order is ready, it will be brought to your table with a smile. The overhead menu lists the most common items the restaurant serves, and the two-page printed menu goes into more detail and offers many other choices. The dining room is clean, comfortable and tastefully decorated, and makes for an inviting place to relax and enjoy a good meal. The stunning outdoor patio is on a deck, overlooking the Yuba River which flows next to the restaurant. The view is absolutely amazing! On this warm afternoon, the umbrellas and many trees provided welcome shade for comfortable dining, and it was relaxing to hear the rushing river in the background. As nice as the patio was, I chose to sit outside and enjoy the view of Main Street. I went with a "Taco Plate," with two tacos, rice and beans. My choice of meat was carne asada, but I could have enjoyed carnitas, chicken, or shrimp for a modest extra charge. When I placed my order, I was asked if I preferred mild or spicy - I assume for the salsa - and the "Mexican" in me chose spicy. Since the restaurant states their mission is to bring "fresh, organic produce," I could have enjoyed a side salad rather than a helping of rice and beans. Each taco began with two lightly toasted medium size corn tortillas, and included a modest helping or marinated, shredded carne asada. Stacked on the meat was fresh salsa cruda, a generous helping of diced cabbage along with shredded Mexican cheese. A couple slices of lime and a slice of radish added a nice touch and great flavor. The beans were simple chili beans, sprinkled with a modest helping of cotija cheese, mostly for presentation. The chili beans had a good flavor, with a little bit of spice, but they tasted exactly like canned chili beans you purchase at your local supermarket. I was expecting refried beans, and being served simple chili beans, I re-read the menu, and it simply listed "beans." The rice was good, but it was very bland, with very little flavor, and unlike most rice served at Mexican restaurants, it lacked any onions or peppers. No hot sauce was offered, or displayed on the counter, as a generous helping of Choula Mexican Hot Sauce would have worked wonders to boost the flavor of the rice up a notch or two. Ditto with the beans and the tacos. The tacos were definitely good, held together well and all ingredients worked well together. But... where was the flavor and the spice? These tacos reminded me of the "Americanized" tacos that you're served at national restaurant chains... not the tacos you'd expect from a "mom and pop" restaurant in a small mountain town. Alright, I totally get it that La Cocina de Oro caters to the mild taste of locals and tourists, and that their mission is to provide fresh, organic food, with locally sourced ingredients. They cater their food to what is preferred by their core customers, which makes good business sense. I guess I simply don't fit into their game plan, as I prefer authentic Mexican cuisine over bland, Mexican influenced food, like you'd find at any national restaurant chain. Probably 95% of Mexican restaurants offer complimentary chips and salsa, but that didn't happen here. Looking at the menu, a small order of chips and salsa will set you back $5.00, and large order costs a couple dollars more. I was truly disappointed, but I like to look on the bright side and the Pacifico beer was cold, and the frosted glass was heavenly on this warm afternoon in mid-September. Another small nit to pick is the restaurant only accepts cash, but there is a friendly ATM across the street. However, that could cost you a couple of dollars if the ATM is foreign to you. It wasn't an issue for me, but I thought in 2024 that all established, sit-down restaurants in California accepted credit cards. If you're looking for authentic Mexican cuisine, you'll be truly disappointed, but if you're interested in Mexican influenced food, served with your average American in mind, you'll love La Cocina de Oro, located in Downieville, CA. A solid three stars in my book. read more

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The enchilada are sooo good! The view is beautiful on the back patio, and Feather is a gem!

So delicious and flavorful! Feather has the best customer service and the wait staff is impeccable. We went on a Saturday night and there was a live band! I got the larger quesadilla with carne asada and I would 100% recommend it! Also their twist on a margarita is so refreshing and fun! Can't wait to go back! read more

Family owned and operated Delicious food at great prices Ice cold beer and drinks Indoor and outdoor seating Super cute place with delicious food Our cashier / hostess brook phenomenal. Very friendly. Great reccomendations read more

Nice place really nice people! Ordered various tacos, the street tacos were great. Also has a cool patio out back

Came up to explore and this was a cute little town and since it was Cinco de Mayo, it was lunch time and there was a Mexican place in town it was mean to be. Donna greeted us at the door and seated us right away the place was pretty busy. The menu was simple and easy and I opted for starting with a Margarita (I mean kinda had to, right?) it was made with saki since it was a beer wine place not full bar and it was super yummy, with a kick! I had the quesadilla and hubby had the super burrito and I brought more than my half home for dinner later it was so big! I have to say it was the best one I think I've ever had plenty of steak and very cheesy! With the cheese crust that was crispy around the edges. Would definitely recommend. Donna and the ladies were very attentive, great food and service! read more

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This is I believe the only Mexican restaurant in Downieville and it has great views of the river below on the back patio. The margaritas are good, but not very large. They serve traditional Mexican food such as burritos, tacos, etc. Please note they don't take credit cards, only cash and checks so be prepared or that. Also, as with the rest of the restaurants in Downieville they have very limited hours and they close by 8 pm (sometimes earlier) so don't expect to find any restaurants in this town open late. read more

La Cocina De Oro - Menu - American Near Me - Downieville, California

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The food is good, the people friendly, and the prices reasonable, great place to have a beer and a bite while relaxing in the hidden Sierras. As a plus have a nice patio out back overlooking the river to add to the ambience. read more

We just moved here in April Managing the Sierra shangri La , we come here as often as possible! Freshest food , delicious ice tea ! The super burrito is my favorite. Have tried it vegan , with beef , chicken and all 3 ways it is super yummy ! The fish tacos are very good as well. To sweeten the deal you should try the cookies ! Just sayin ... The added sound of the water , cool mist on the patio , and best down to earth people work here :-) read more

The place was empty and we sat for 15 min no server. Very expensive and horrible service. Ended up leaving and the lady was very rude to us as we walked out. read more

My girlfriend and I came here for lunch on a Monday around 1 o'clock. She ordered enchiladas and I ordered a burrito. Our order took about half an hour to come out, and there was at least one or two tables that came in after us but were served before us. Apparently the cook ended his shift at one and the second chef wasn't ready. The food was unremarkable but not particularly bad. Rather than giving you salsas they put the salsa on in the kitchen and when they say hot they mean hot. I was sad to leave a negative review based on the service but at the very end of our meal the waitress came out and give us two free beers. Not bad. read more

Stopped for lunch on 7-29-23. Surprised that it was cash only so we had to go to the ATM nearby before dining. We were seated promptly on the rear deck, overlooking the river which was very nice. Also told that they were short staffed in the kitchen and meals would take longer. Our waitress was very friendly and apologetic and she compensated by offering free chips and salsa (which was more like pico de gallo). We got excellent service from the staff and when our meals arrived, we were not disappointed. My wife ordered street tacos and she said they were very good. I got a carnita quesedilla which was lacking some flavor. Not great Mexican food but for a relaxing lunch, it hit the spot. Overall, worth the visit because of the staff and atmosphere. read more

This restaurant is one of the best things in Downieville. We love the veggie burritos with sauce on them. Feather the owner is an awesome person and great giver to the community. The back patio is a wonderful place to relax and have a beer/margarita. Staff is excellent! read more

sages quesadilla all i can say is order sages quesadilla amazing in every way great margs too read more

This is the MOST AMAZING PLACE TO GO TO IN DOWNIEVILLE! I can't rave enough about this place. The energy is so inviting, the food is all organic and just delicious -- you can tell it is made with tender love and care. The owner, the amazing Feather, is simply a delight! She hosts live music, on the back patio for guests to sit back and relax. The back patio is right next to the beautiful river so you listen to the relaxing hum of the river while enjoying the OUTSTANDING food and live music! Jim- we are raving about your music to all of our friends! Also, the hospitality and the welcoming energy makes any person feel at home in this place. Please come and enjoy!! read more

La Cocina De Oro - Live music and friendly atmosphere! - American Near Me - Downieville, California

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This restaurant was recommended by a family friend Lee Adams. My hubby and I were on our way down from Poker Flat and we stopped by this small town Downieville which I had never been to. It's a cute little town. The restaurant was quite busy because all other eateries were closed for the 4th of July. They happened to have a open seat for two on their cute deck that overlooks the Yuba River. Loved the atmosphere and tranquility of the patio seating. I ordered the enchiladas, tried both carnitas and steak and they were both delicious. My hubby had the burrito with carnitas and half and half sauce and also loved it. We would highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely going back. read more

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We always stop in during trips to Downieville, the quality of the food is consistent and the staff is always great. The food is always fresh and full of veggies, with generous portions. I have enjoyed the tacos, nachos, tostada, and salad. The salad is especially good, with heaps of veggies and a delicious dressing on the side. Outdoor seating is really beautiful overlooking the river. The reason for a four star rating instead of five is that the food could usually use more seasoning-- I always order beans as my protein and the meals are pretty bland without heaping on sauces and salsa. Decent prices, plenty of options, and a beautiful spot to enjoy lunch after a day on the river. read more

Stopped here after walking around and exploring the town. I was hungry and after looking at the menu, the ingredients of the veggie burrito caught my attention and I add Carne Asada to it! The additional ingredients were Kale and Bok Choy! I had some chips & salsa.. They have 2 salsas to choose from, mild and spicy. Spicy has fresh chopped jalapeño with it. I was hungry from the drive from San Jose, and once I saw the burrito, I wolfed it down..No Lie!! The chips and salsa didn't fill me up..I was glad! The Salsa was tasty and I added some to the burrito. I wash it all down with a cold Pacifico from the bottle! They do have a back deck. It was very warm, sunny but sadly I ate inside. Yes I would eat here again! read more

La Cocina De Oro - 7/27/17- The Salsa is AMAZING!!! - American Near Me - Downieville, California

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Extremely overpriced. $25 for a tostada salad. They were out of avocado and guacamole but made no price adjustments for it. It's advertised as a salad, but its base is rice and shredded cheese. Only small amounts of lettuce and teeny tiny amounts of beets and vegetables. Major rip-off. The waitress also confused the order and then was defensive about it, although she did rectify it. It is pleasant to sit outside on the back deck, but not worth coming here. read more

Seriously the BEST Mexican food, even contending with businesses in Truckee. You can dine right over the river under an umbrella; there's even a lower patio. They are one of the only places that give you more than a fair amount of food for price. I come here every year, and it always gives me the best. Thank you for the great service feather. read more

La Cocina De Oro - Sangria and outdoor patio - American Near Me - Downieville, California

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Just the best. We have been eating here for years. So much better than anything we have in our winter home town. We go to this place once a week in the summer. It is just the best-fresh, innovative, and delicious. I have never had a better shrimp taco. read more

My wife and I had tostada salads here, too (see Noe'lle S's review for a better description than I would ever come up with!). We were pleasantly surprised at how good it was. We were very pleased with our meal and our experience at this restaurant. We have eaten in a previous restaurant on this site. The deck has a wonderful view of the Downie River and the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. I have never run across an air conditioned building in Downieville, so the mist from the patio misters can be very refreshing on a warm summer evening. Restaurant selection in Downieville is rather Spartan. It's nice to have a good Mexican restaurant added to the mix to choose from! read more

La Cocina De Oro - "The Kitchen of Gold" - American Near Me - Downieville, California

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Great little spot with area to eat by the river . We had excellent shrimp and steak tacos. The staff are exceptionally nice.

This place is DOG FRIENDLY if you take the little walkway to the left of the bank to get to the patio outback. They even gave us a bowl of water for the 90 pound puppy. A group of seven adults, one toddler, and a dog came in after a day riding, splashing, and relaxing the Downieville trails. It was 93 in town, but the lower patio was shady cool, and so close to the bubbling river river. Yes, at this point in the weekend they were out of a few items, but there were still plenty of options and all were fed and happy! I had the chicken chili Verde wet burrito, which was too much to eat even after mountain biking for four hours without food. Normally I am a Negra Modelo kind a guy, but the BlackBerry sangria really hit the spot and was filled with fresh melon chunks.The young waitress blew us away with being able to meet our our our picky needs like it was nothing. I will eat here every time I'm in Downieville. The fresh-cut salsa tied it all together as did the guacamole which was simple the way it should be. read more

Wow!!! Drop in on a Friday night. Nachos out of this world!!! Wine margarita that hit the spot!! Excellent service!!! And live entertainment ! An amazing evening! read more

La Cocina De Oro - American Near Me - Downieville, California

I came here after riding downieville and got a veggie burrito. The staff at the front was friendly. One had to walk up and order as their are not wait staff to take your order. The ingredients they used were all organic which was a plus. It had cabbage and kale and bok Choy in it that I'm not used to getting in a burrito. The portion size was big and it tasted good but was a tad bland and needed more picante even though I got their "hot sauce" in it. I was very hungry so I tore it up but it wasn't anything amazing. A friendly dog came by and hung out with me while I was eating outside so that was nice. The burrito also didn't come with chips or guacamole or anything and was 12 bucks which I consider to be a bit pricey. I guess you pay for the organic ingredients. I was full for sure but I think next time I'll either try something else or try a different spot in town. I wasn't unhappy by any means, and this place seems nice and food isn't bad, it just didn't fulfill my expectations for 12 bucks(more than half the price of what it costs for the shuttle up to downieville). I recommend they include chips and some salsa for that price compared to other out of town places I have tried. I realize that the price may be set due to organic ingredients, but it's still rather High for a veggie burrito without chips. I do recommend mountain bikers to eat here post ride as it is chill and the food will fill you up, just a bit pricey for me. read more

La Cocina De Oro - Veggie burrito - American Near Me - Downieville, California

Feather and her crew work to bring this small community of residents fresh Latin American culinary delights. Here you will find excellent Mexican food with some delicious and well thought out twists and fusion. For a summertime delight try Feather's Salad. It's fresh with watermelon jicama and the protein of your choice and you'll discover exactly what I mean. Feather's chef cares as much about his presentation as he does it's taste. They work extra hard to give you something you'd never expect culinary greats from south of the border in the high Sierras. Don't forget the fish tacos with an ice cold cerveza!,, read more

I've been wanting to check this place out for some time and glad I was finally able to make it in. Was the first person to arrive around noonish on a Sunday but within an hour, the place was pretty full. Ordered the Super Burrito with carne asada, requested it spicy. The proportions of rice, meat, beans and pico de gallo were perfect and everything was hot and fresh! Sat outside in the balcony to view the river. * Cash only but ATM right next door. * Open seasonally, might not be open but worth checking again. read more

Our favorite Mexican restaurant! When you are in town you need to go and try it. We love their Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas, Nachos.... oh well, everything! Reserve a spot ahead of time if you want to dine there or just get take-out. We come here every time we visit Downieville, just watch for their days off... read more

Food was not good the red sauce was just a can opened up and dumped on my burrito. The asada was dry and had no flavor the best this I had was the bottle coke. read more

The food here is always cooked perfectly and is very consistent~ love it! Veggie burrito or veggie quesadilla (ordered "hot") is bomb. Service with a smile and cute back patio. read more

came back today...[i said i would be coming back]- and ordered the tostada salad. the best tostada salad i have ever had! i really just wanted any kind of salad, and since there are only really two places in town to sit down and have dinner..well- i am glad i came here. i asked for no meat on the tostada salad and when it was brought out- it was beautiful and way more beyond what i had expected.. wow...just wow. fresh with lot's of green lettuce and cilantro. bits of pineapple,mango and jicama.. underneath had black beans and rice. on top had fresh guacamole....and it came with a cilantro dressing on the side. it was the perfect meal, after a very long and hot day of races and goings on. sitting out on the patio was the cherry on top..water misters going and looking right out over the river. from now on...it's all about La Cocina - period. read more

We had the best birthday dinner for my husband on June 23rd 2019 ! The service was great and the food was fresh and authentic . Plus they are dog friendly and we met Brutus main attraction on the street there . Thank you Feather for a nice service and interesting conversation. We will be back soon :) read more

Ripoff! Ordered some tacos... Ok at best. Ordered 2 sides of beans & rice, menu had them together, as most menus do only when we got the bill it was $5 each... Turns out it beans OR rice, so they double the listed price. Told owner and she said "lots of people get that confused". And I say, then correct your menu. Over priced beers at $4.50 each and they actually charge $3.50 for chips n salsa which is free at 90% of Mexican restaurants. Then.... To top it all off... They don't take credit cards. Skip this place! read more