Chapala Cafe

History

Chapala Cafe was opened by Rita Pimentel (of Rita's fame) in the small trailer restaurant on Wabash and C in 1988. Our current space in Old Town Eureka was an Italian restaurant named Sergio's which closed in 1991. Chapala moved here in 1992 and I started working for Rita as a server. In 1996, Rita and Elias offered my wife Shelley and me the opportunity to purchase the restaurant. Rita agreed to stay on as mentor for all things kitchen related and the rest is history. Chapala has served over a million customers and was voted Humboldt County's best Mexican Restaurant in 2003, 2004, 2008 and 2009.

Specialties

Chile Rellenos - Fresh Anaheim Chiles stuffed with cheese then grilled with a light egg batter Tamales - Homemade chicken tamales Baja Tacos - Dollar-sized, soft, double corn tortilla tacos with your choice of grilled Fish, Carne Adobada, Carne Asada, Pollo Asado or Carnitas. Topped with chopped tomato, onion and cilantro. Carnitas - Tasty, lightly grilled shredded pork that has been marinated with lime juice and salt. Margaritas - The Best Margaritas on the corner of Second and C Street! The house margarita features Jose Cuervo Gold and comes with a choice of regular, strawberry, raspberry, mango or pineapple/orange flavors.