Welcome to El Tapatio on Willow
At El Tapatio on Willow, located in Cookeville, TN, authenticity and warmth are at the heart of our Mexican cuisine. For over five years, we've delighted diners with generous portions and vibrant flavors, from our signature carne asada to the beloved chimichangas. Our commitment to quick, friendly service ensures a memorable experience for families and friends alike. Customers rave about our homemade chips and salsa, making every visit a celebration of flavor. Whether you're enjoying a delicious burrito or a traditional taco, El Tapatio promises a taste of Mexico that keeps our guests coming back for more. Join us and savor the essence of true Mexican hospitality!
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190 S Willow Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501, United States Hotline: +1 931-520-4393
Welcome to El Tapatio on Willow, a cherished gem nestled in the heart of Cookeville, Tennessee. Located at 190 S Willow Ave, this restaurant stands out for its warmth, vibrant atmosphere, and authentic Mexican cuisine, making it a must-visit for locals and travelers alike. With an impressive selection of dishes and a commitment to customer satisfaction, El Tapatio has earned a reputation as one of the area’s favorite dining spots.
As you step into El Tapatio, you're greeted by the enticing aroma of spices and a décor that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. The ambiance is inviting and family-friendly, creating the perfect backdrop for both casual dinners and special gatherings. Whether you’re there for a quick lunch or an elaborate feast, the restaurant offers a welcoming experience.
- Customer Favorites:
Patrons rave about the Cheese Peppers, a personal favorite of Nancy Lopez, who mentions the impressive speed and presentation of service, even with larger parties. Other beloved dishes include Taco Loco, Pollo Ala Plancha, Chimichangas, and the famed Burrito Tapatio. Each dish is crafted with a dedication to flavor and authenticity. - Generous Portions:
Jessica Sullivan emphasizes the enormity of the dinner portions, stating they are well worth sharing. This is a sentiment echoed by many, making it a perfect choice for families and groups looking to enjoy a feast together. - Excellent Service:
The reviews consistently highlight the friendly and efficient service. Allan H. notes that even on busy days, the wait time is minimal, and Amber Thomasson recounts her memorable encounter with exceptional staff who contributed to her delightful dining experience. - Local Favorite:
With patrons returning weekly and recommending the restaurant to friends, El Tapatio has solidified its status as a local staple. The authenticity, coupled with the warm service, provides a truly special dining experience that keeps guests coming back for more.
In conclusion, El Tapatio on Willow is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Mexican culture through food. With huge portions, quality ingredients, and a menu filled with favorite dishes, it promises a delightful culinary experience for everyone. If you find yourself in Cookeville, don’t miss out on the chance to savor the flavors of El Tapatio—where every visit feels like coming home.
We stopped for an early dinner, I had not been in this place in about 5 year. The stuff cheese peppers are my favorite. Service was great, we had 9 in our party, food came quick and hot. This place has always been one of my favorite restaurant.
One of our favorite places to eat in Cookeville, TN for many years. The chips and salsa are good along with either cheese dip and salsa verde’. Some favorite dishes are Taco Loco, Polla Ala Plancha, Chicken Cheese and rice, Chimichanga, and Burrito Tapatio. Great place for getting lots of “quality” food for a great price. The service is quick and friendly. And if it is a busy day, the wait usually is not too long. We like eating there about once a week (sometimes more). Whenever we have friends in town, this is a great place to go… never really had a bad experience. This is one of Cookeville’s popular places to eat locally.
Food was great and service was good too. Just note that the dinner portion ms are huge!!! Well worth it but would definitely share next time than all of us ordering. The food was sooo good!!! burrito was enormous ( my friend ordered) street tacos were normal size versus the small ones I’ve usually had other places, the carne asada (my daughter loved) my aunt ordered the fajitas and she said they were good. My mom ordered the taco salad and said it was delicious.
For authentic Mexican cuisine, we provide a warm, professional, and authentic welcome every time. Our service is consistently punctual, informative, and true to tradition, ensuring a great dining experience.
We were traveling through from out of town after having less than satisfactory experiences in our hometown Mexican restaurants; this place was sublime the Carne Asada, the rice, the beans everything was delicious!!! Alejandro was an exceptional server. It was a true blessing speaking Spanish with him. We cannot wait to return absolutely one of the best experiences of Mexican we’ve had in Tennessee, ABSOLUTELY DELECTABLE!!!
This place is great. Great chips and salsa, quick service during lunch. The grande burrito is massive but nothing special. However, the Chile Verde is the best I've ever had. That's the picture I posted. I highly recommend this. The portions are big and employees are very friendly.
The street tacos were fantastic! The ground beef tacos were lacking in flavor, as was the guacamole. Would still go here again. Note: they give you your bill at the table, but to pay it you have to go to the front counter.
Very pleased with the place and food. Always loved El Tap. Highly recommend.