El Tapatio in Cookeville, Tennessee, is a beloved Mexican restaurant known for its authentic flavors, generous portions, and warm atmosphere. The menu boasts a wide array of traditional Mexican dishes, from classic tacos and enchiladas to sizzling fajitas and hearty combination plates.
This detailed guide explores the full menu offerings at El Tapatio Cookeville, helping you navigate the delicious options available. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a regular, this overview will provide insight into the menu’s highlights, specialties, and pricing.
Appetizers
Start your dining experience with one of El Tapatio’s flavorful appetizers. These dishes are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a light snack while waiting for the main course.
| Appetizer | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chips & Salsa | Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh house-made salsa. | $3.50 |
| Queso Fundido | Melted cheese with chorizo and jalapeños, served with warm tortillas. | $6.99 |
| Guacamole Dip | Freshly made guacamole with ripe avocados, lime, and cilantro. | $5.99 |
| Nachos Supreme | Tortilla chips topped with beans, cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and your choice of meat. | $8.99 |
| Taquitos | Crispy rolled tortillas filled with chicken or beef, served with guacamole and sour cream. | $7.50 |
Soups & Salads
El Tapatio offers light and flavorful soups and fresh salads to complement your meal. These options are perfect for those seeking healthier or lighter fare without sacrificing authentic taste.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Menudo | A traditional Mexican soup made with tripe, hominy, and red chili broth. | $7.99 |
| Chicken Tortilla Soup | Spicy broth with shredded chicken, tomatoes, and topped with crispy tortilla strips. | $6.99 |
| El Tapatio Salad | Mixed greens with avocado, tomatoes, onions, cheese, and choice of grilled chicken or steak. | $9.99 |
| Side Salad | Simple salad with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and dressing of choice. | $3.99 |
Tacos
Tacos are a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine, and El Tapatio’s taco selection is both traditional and satisfying. Each taco features hand-pressed corn tortillas and a variety of fillings to suit every taste.
| Taco Type | Description | Price (per taco) |
|---|---|---|
| Carne Asada | Grilled marinated beef topped with onions, cilantro, and salsa verde. | $3.50 |
| Pollo (Chicken) | Shredded chicken with lettuce, cheese, and pico de gallo. | $3.00 |
| Al Pastor | Seasoned pork cooked with pineapple and served with onions and cilantro. | $3.75 |
| Barbacoa | Slow-cooked beef with rich spices, topped with onions and fresh cilantro. | $3.75 |
| Fish Tacos | Battered fried fish with cabbage slaw and creamy chipotle sauce. | $4.25 |
“The tacos at El Tapatio are a must-try. Every bite bursts with authentic Mexican flavors, perfectly balanced and fresh.” – Local Food Reviewer
Enchiladas
El Tapatio’s enchiladas are classic and comforting, featuring freshly made corn tortillas rolled and baked with rich fillings and sauces. Each order comes with rice and beans, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
| Enchilada Type | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese Enchiladas | Corn tortillas filled with melted cheese, topped with red chili sauce and melted cheese. | $9.99 |
| Chicken Enchiladas | Shredded chicken rolled in tortillas with red or green sauce and cheese. | $11.50 |
| Beef Enchiladas | Ground beef enchiladas covered in chili sauce and cheese. | $11.99 |
| Enchiladas Verdes | Chicken or cheese enchiladas topped with tangy tomatillo green sauce. | $11.99 |
| Enchiladas Suizas | Chicken enchiladas topped with creamy tomatillo sauce and melted cheese. | $12.50 |
Fajitas
Known for their sizzling presentation, El Tapatio’s fajitas are a popular choice. Served on a hot skillet with sautéed bell peppers, onions, rice, beans, and warm tortillas, they are perfect for sharing or indulging solo.
| Fajita Type | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Fajitas | Grilled marinated chicken strips cooked with bell peppers and onions. | $14.99 |
| Beef Fajitas | Juicy grilled steak slices served with sautéed vegetables. | $16.99 |
| Shrimp Fajitas | Seasoned shrimp cooked with peppers and onions, served sizzling hot. | $17.99 |
| Combination Fajitas | Choice of two meats: chicken, beef, or shrimp, served with vegetables. | $18.99 |
“The fajitas at El Tapatio come out piping hot and packed with flavor. The combination fajitas are a great way to try their best proteins in one meal.” – Food Enthusiast
Combination Plates
For those who want a variety of flavors on one plate, the combination dishes provide several Mexican favorites served together. These plates come with rice, beans, and often include a side salad or guacamole.
| Combination | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Combo #1 | One cheese enchilada and one beef taco. | $12.99 |
| Combo #2 | One chicken enchilada and one chicken taco. | $13.50 |
| Combo #3 | One beef enchilada and one beef burrito. | $13.99 |
| Combo #4 | One chicken enchilada, one taco, and one tamale. | $14.99 |
| Combo #5 | Two beef tacos with rice and beans. | $12.50 |
Burritos & Chimichangas
El Tapatio offers hearty burritos and chimichangas filled with savory meats, beans, cheese, and rice. These wrapped delights are served with sides that complete the meal and satisfy big appetites.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Beef Burrito | Flour tortilla filled with ground beef, beans, rice, and cheese. | $9.99 |
| Chicken Burrito | Grilled chicken, rice, beans, and cheese wrapped in a large tortilla. | $10.50 |
| Bean & Cheese Burrito | Simple and classic with refried beans and melted cheese. | $8.50 |
| Chimichanga | Deep-fried burrito stuffed with your choice of meat, served with sour cream and guacamole. | $11.99 |
Seafood Dishes
For seafood lovers, El Tapatio presents a selection of dishes that blend fresh ingredients with bold Mexican spices. These items are both light and flavorful, offering a different take on traditional Mexican cuisine.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Camarones a la Diabla | Shrimp cooked in a spicy red chili sauce, served with rice and beans. | $16.99 |
| Fish Veracruz | Grilled white fish topped with tomato, olives, and capers. | $17.50 |
| Shrimp Fajitas | Seasoned shrimp sautéed with peppers and onions, served sizzling. | $17.99 |
Vegetarian Options
El Tapatio is mindful of vegetarian diners, offering flavorful options that highlight fresh vegetables, beans, and cheese. These dishes maintain the authentic Mexican taste without the meat.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetarian Fajitas | Sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, and squash served with rice and beans. | $12.99 |
| Cheese Enchiladas | Two corn tortillas filled with melted cheese, topped with red sauce and cheese. | $9.99 |
| Bean & Cheese Burrito | Flour tortilla stuffed with refried beans and melted cheese. | $8.50 |
| Veggie Tacos | Tacos filled with grilled vegetables, lettuce, cheese, and pico de gallo. | $3.25 each |
Kids Menu
El Tapatio provides a kid-friendly menu with smaller portions and milder flavors, perfect for younger guests who want to enjoy Mexican cuisine.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese Quesadilla | Grilled flour tortilla with melted cheese, served with rice. | $5.99 |
| Chicken Tenders | Three crispy chicken tenders served with fries. | $6.99 |
| Mini Tacos | Two small beef tacos with mild seasoning. | $5.50 |
| Kid’s Burrito | Small flour tortilla filled with beans and cheese. | $5.99 |
Desserts
Complete your meal with traditional Mexican desserts, offering sweet, comforting flavors that round out the dining experience.
| Dessert | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Churros | Fried dough pastry rolled in cinnamon sugar, served with chocolate sauce. | $5.50 |
| Flan | Classic Mexican custard topped with caramel sauce. | $4.99 |
| Sopapillas | Light fried pastries drizzled with honey. | $4.50 |
Beverages
El Tapatio offers a variety of refreshing drinks to accompany your meal, including traditional Mexican beverages and standard soft drinks.
| Beverage | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Horchata | Sweet rice milk flavored with cinnamon. | $2.99 |
| Jarritos (Assorted Flavors) | Mexican fruit-flavored sodas. | $2.50 |
| Agua de Jamaica | Hibiscus iced tea, tart and refreshing. | $2.99 |
| Soft Drinks | Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and other standard sodas. | $2.00 |
| Mexican Coffee | Hot coffee with cinnamon and sugar. | $3.50 |
Summary
El Tapatio Cookeville offers a comprehensive menu that satisfies a wide range of tastes and preferences. From appetizers and tacos to hearty fajitas and seafood dishes, the restaurant embraces traditional Mexican flavors while ensuring fresh ingredients and quality preparation.
Whether dining with family, friends, or enjoying a solo meal, the menu’s diversity ensures there is something for everyone. The addition of vegetarian and kid-friendly options makes El Tapatio a welcoming spot for all guests.
“Authentic, flavorful, and generously portioned – El Tapatio is a gem in Cookeville’s dining scene.”
Next time you crave genuine Mexican cuisine, El Tapatio’s menu is sure to delight your palate with its rich variety and comforting dishes.
