First place I have gone to where they serve Tripitas! (Fried intestines). Yummy! Just moved here and we were trying to find a great Mexican restaurant and here it is! Loved the flavor and the great customer service. read more

According to Yelp, a rating of 3 is A-OK, so I think that is fair for this restaurant. I ordered an entree consisting of steak. The waiter asked how I wanted it cooked, and I said "as rare as you can do it." This steak comes out solid, almost like a hockey puck. It was like chewing on a couch. My wife had something she didn't like either. If Mexican is your thing and you have to have it, El Tapatio will do. But if you're looking for great, authentic Mexican food, look elsewhere. I really hate leaving anything less than a 4 or a 5, but a 3 here is generous. Totally uninspired. read more

I eat Mexican food all the time and this by far is the best Mexican restaurant. We got there at 9 and they let us in and gave us good service. Their food was cooked really fast and taste delicious. From the quesadillas to the chimichanga all a cart, it was all delicious and some of the best food. They gave us lots of refills. Lastly the churros were delicious and I don't really care for sweets much but they were not overly sweet like other churros. They were great and it was an amazing meal. read more

Driving through we stopped in for lunch a little pricey but when we got our servings i see why one plate can feed two. We were told on weekends they only serve dinner portions. I had the chicken taco salad it was pretty good. My mother thad the pork shank in mole sauce we both enjoyed our meal but of course could not finish. read more

El Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Fruita, Colorado

See all

Decided to give them another try...This place has really gone when hill. The service is horrible. Tried to go there tonight for dessert, 6 minutes of waiting for drinks no server yet, came to the table next to us, ignored our table. The last time we were here, almost the same treatment, slow. Won't be back. read more

The atmosphere is great. It was a busy Thursday night and the place was bustling. The food was good but not up to par with some other place we have eaten. The portions are huge. None of the four of us finished our dinner. The Original Margs aren't very good. We like basic, skinny margs with lime juice, tequila and maybe a light sweetener but these, despite what the server told us, were not this style. Wish we'd have gotten a different option. The coleslaw salsa was AMAZING! Wish we had two bowls of that stuff. Be sure to check it out. We will be back here for sure. read more

Awesome place. Great ambiance, great service, great food. I think this is the best Mexican restaurant in Colorado. read more

El Tapatio - Nice ambiance. - Mexican Near Me - Fruita, Colorado

This place is a good place to have a cold beer, but not to eat. My husband and I ordered enchiladas ranchitas and a single taco al pastor to share. The eggs on top of the enchiladas were not over easy. The yolk was solid. The beans and rice were good...the taco. HORRIBLE. It was filled with dried out chewy beef and the seasoning bore no resemblance to any pastor seasoning. We would have sent it al back, but our waiter never came back to check on us. I ate the rice and beans and left my enchilada. My husband ate his enchilada just because we were so hungry. When the waiter finally came to check on us, I explained that nobody from Mexico would ever eat here and he kinda agreed. read more

Great place to eat. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The food is great. The atmosphere is good. Had a very enjoyable evening

The fish tacos were horrible. First of all, they were too expensive for the tiny two tacos I received. Then the fish was diced so tiny that it was almost like ground fish. Very unappetizing and they had no flavor. read more

Great authentic Mexican. The salsa both the tomato and cabbage version is spot on with excellent zing. The hot fresh made chips continue to come for free and the beef fajitas were amazing. Everyone at our table had a great meal. Big menu, but staff was helpful explaining it. A taste for everyone. read more

We've been thru Fruita six times this year .... and ate at Wendy's. DOH Amazing food, great customer service, charming ambiance and good prices. I had the Enchiladas Mole. I bet I dream about that mole tonight. It was THE BEST mole I've ever had at a restaurant. My sister had the Enchiladas Suizos. We had agreed beforehand to trade one of each of our enchiladas. This would never have happened if I'd known how amazing the mole would be, but the Suizos was also really good. I don't know what my husband had- by the time I thought to offer to trade bites I'd finished my plate. I turned to apologize, which turned out to be unnecessary as he'd scarfed down his food as well. I never eat restaurant beans, but some of the mole spilled over onto the beans, so...I accidentally got some beans in my mouth. .....Where was the chalky taste and mortar like consistency?? I tried another bite, and another, until the beans were gone. I would eat them on a boat, I would eat them with a goat. I would eat them on a train....lol.... well, you get the idea. YUM. The rice was perfect too. The salsa was delicious, but a bit hot for me. I probably would have eaten it, but I didn't want to risk burning out even one taste bud before finishing the mole. lol If you're anywhere near Fruita, ever, DO NOT MISS this place. Thank you Oscar for the wonderful hospitality and amazing food! read more

Well I guess one shouldn't go to a Mexican restaurant if you can't eat Spicy food! We went about a week ago because our friends wanted to go there, I didn't have much choice! I asked for a very mild salsa and that was fine. The only thing I could find on the menu that wasn't spicy was a hamburger and also a cheese quesadilla! I chose the quesadilla that was ok! And had the guacamole on the side which our friends ate! Nice decor, nice waiter but a little noisy! Hard to rate because I really didn't eat much but our friends liked what they had! read more

everything is amazing here. My favorite: the combo with crispy chili relleno and anything else. Husbands favorite: ANY of the burritos read more

Absolutely delicious. Moved here from California in December and tried a Mexican place in gj, we were painfully disappointed. Living In southern Ca we were spoiled with delicious Mexican food, and after our last attempt we didn't have high hopes. But holy smokes this place was fantastic! I ordered the carne asada & the jumbo margarita, the Carne was SO SO GOOD. Seasoned really well & you could taste the citrus in it. If I could give this place six stars I would. I'll definitely be back (: read more

We have been visiting here for years when we come in to town and aside from the service the food has been decent for us but we have noticed slow decline. Our most recent visit this week had me torn as to if I would want to continue visiting in the future. The good - the decor and about half the food & the beer. The bad - the cabbage served with the dip was clearly not fresh, the guacamole had old brown avocado pieces in the mix of chunks, the salad was mixed with wilted lettuce, the service was very slow and when we asked for additional chips we received such a nasty look of hate and attitude from one of the staff girls who continued to walk past with glares each time, totally uncomfortable feeling for a guest! We'll most likely save our Mexican food dining to back at home in Denver or look for another place in Fruita or Grand Junction for a better experience on our vacations there throughout the year. read more

I'm from New Mexico and can be a Mexican food snob. El Tapatio was decent. The salsa was great and had a little kick. I got a combo plate with flauta's, enchilada, tostada, beans and rice. The Tostada was fantastic. The flauta was ok. I would not order the enchilada again. The green chile sauce lacked any real flavor or spiciness. The beans and rice were great. It was a HUGE amount of food. I also got a Purple Margarita. They didn't skimp on the tequila at all! All in all it was a good experience. This is the best Mexican food I've found in the Grand Junction area since moving here last month. read more

5 stars no doubt !! Delicious food in a very clean place. Better then what I found in California so far !

OMG, likely one of the best Mexican Restaurants I have eaten at. Service and food was outstanding! Attentive but not pestering service and the quality/ taste of food was excellent, large portions....highly recommend! read more

Service is always terrible here, keep going back because we love chips and salsa. Only reason

Came here during the week early for lunch and was a welcome surprise considering all I saw . fast food chains. My dad and I were greeted promptly and although the waiter was not the most engaging guy around, he saw after everything we needed and brought ice tea as needed and chips and salsa, I had a seafood burrito and it had a very nice, interesting Chipotle-like sauce around it (I think that is what it was). Imitation crab meat and shrimp inside. Also with some rice and beans and lettuce/tomato, as well as an avocado slice. I think we got out of there for about $20+ or so for two meals and two drinks. There are a few locations of this place in Colorado and one in Arizona, so I'd go to one again if I'm in the area. It was tasty and had some good Mexican options read more

This is our family favorite for Mexican! You can find authentic and non-authentic favorites on the menu. One of my fav's is the Tostada de Cameron (Shrimp tostada). They cook the shrimp by soaking it in lime juice and then serve it with diced tomatos, onions, avacado and cilantro. Yummy! Their tacos are also great, asada, lengua, buche. Don't be afraid to try some of the other meats, people!! read more

Great find right next to our hotel. The staff was very friendly and quick to accommodate. We had the nachos and fajitas for two which were both delicious. Great post biking food. Three TVs in bar area for sports watching. Ice cold beer yay! They have a two for one happy hour on Mexican beers 2-5pm. read more

Service: attentive, fast, friendly Food: carne asada tacos, crispy chile relleno, cheese enchiladas, chips and salsa - all were tasty but nothing amazing. A little pricey for the quality. The main reason I gave it 3 stars was the smell. The entire restaurant smelled like bleach mixed with Fabuloso cleaner. Nauseating. read more

This place was amazing. We had the Tapatio Flaming for two. It was one of the best dishes I have had in a long time. I'm pretty picky as a customer and this place got 5 stars. The dish was delicious. The shrimp was wrapped in bacon, the steak and chicken was seasoned with something that was both flavorful and with a little heat. The portion was large. Definitely want to try this place if you like Mexican at all. the sangria had a bold punch as well. Delicious. Patio was nice as well. beautiful night. read more

My wife and I ate here twice last summer when visiting Colorado National Monument (only about a 30 minute drive from the restaurant). Both times the food and service were excellent! The staff was very friendly. I'm not much of a tequila fan...but if you are, you're in luck - they must have at least 40 or 50 different varieties behind the bar! read more

Very good, never had food come out of the kitchen so fast, crazy fast. Beer served in the tallest frosted mug I have ever seen. Can not wait to go back. read more

We stopped here on the way to Salt Lake City and couldn't have been happier with our decision to eat here. The food was delicious!! Especially the salsas and fajitas. The atmosphere was festive and clean. They played great music and the staff was extremely friendly and efficient. The whole experience more than made up for my mistake in missing the Grand Junction exit. read more

Excellent burritos and tacos. We placed a to-go order and it was ready at the time promised. The portions are absolutely huge. Recommend sharing. The burritos were well made and the sides were good. The beans were just right and not overcooked. The tacos were our favorite part. Definitely worth a stop at this restaurant - location, service and price were all right. read more

The cabbage salsa at this place is excellent! I love coming here with my husband for a quick, relaxing date night. The fajitas for two and Cadillac margaritas are perfect, and we always have some left to bring home. The staff is very friendly, and fast service. read more

Awesome margaritas and delicious food with large portions! Great friendly service. A hidden gem!

Excellent, Tacos El Carbon are super! I stop here every time I'm in Fruita. Also great cycling in Fruita as well, road and MTB!

On the road and looking for a non fast food lunch ? We discovered a gem! Excellent service, authentic freshly prepared Mexican food and for a good price! And as an added bonus , in addition to the traditional meats ( chicken, pork, and beef) they offered tripitas AND buche ( pig stomach ) tacos.. Perfectly cooked served on corn tortillas with refried beans which we as good as homemade!y husband had a chicken enchilada with avocado and sour cream, beans and rice ...muy rico! Our waiter provided excellent service and brought extra salsa and cabbage salad to accompany this delicious lunch. Stop by ! You won't be disappointed ! read more

Great quality and authentic taste. Staff was friendly and attentive. We had a 2 item combo for $10 and the chile verde for $11 and both were delicious. Great stop for a road trip through I-70. read more

Had high hopes for the extensive drink menu settled a margarita (can't recall the name) made with grapefruit soda but requested Patron instead of house tequila. It was horrible. It came with diced oranges, lemons and limes in it with the rinds on. Kept sucking up seeds and the grapefruit soda just watered it down. Interesting addition to the usual salsa and chips was a jalapeno coleslaw, not sure what it was called but it was delicious. I had the chicken chimichanga mole. Again high hopes for the mole because I haven't had it before, horrible disappointment again. Way too sweet and no spice to be detected per their description. Though it was a large helping. Teenage daughter had the diet tacos which she liked but the side salad was covered in cheese and came with no dressing, so it was basically a bowl of lettuce and cheese. The rancho beans were watery. read more

Great food. All dishes were amazing. Salsa was awesome will come back

I love El Tap.. Nice, clean and the service is awesome!!! Great idea anytime of day, especially post Mtb or road ride! The grilled chicken tacos and the Guacamole are amazing!! Best Patron Margs around!!! (In my opinion) ;) read more

So I had actually been to one of the Arizona locations a couple times, but knowing it was founded in Colorado, wanted to go to one there. I must say, the food was good in Arizona, but it was GREAT in Fruita! The salsa was amazing and kept me wanting more and more. I will have to say, while I felt the food at this location was amazing, the service was extremely lacking the day we went. It took at least tens minutes before we even got asked what we wanted to drink, then it seemed like another ten before we got those drinks. Refills required flagging down another waiter as ours seemed to disappear, and we even had to ask another waiter for the check. The place did not seem busy or short staffed, so not sure what the issue was, but we did watch another couple come in and sit near us before leaving as they felt the same way about the service.. or lack there of. Overall, really great food, but I'm hoping the slow service was a fluke! read more

Good Mexican food. Some real authentic dishes at decent prices.

This is by far my favorite place in Colorado! My family and I drive about two and a half hours just to come have lunch at El Tapatio. The portions are huge, the food is delicious , and the margaritas... well just one gets the job done. Friendly staff and clean environment, By far our favorite spot! read more