Maria Rodriguez
Founder & Head ChefWith roots in Oaxaca and a fire in her heart, Maria built Taco Time from the ground up. Her recipes are the soul of everything we serve — tradition, love, and pure flavor.
Est. 2009
About Taco Time
We're more than a restaurant — we're a taco time tradition. Since 2009, Taco Time has been bringing bold, authentic Mexican flavors and fresh ingredients to Eugene, Oregon and beyond. Every taco tells our story.
15+
Years Serving
Our Story
Born from Passion,
Born from Passion,
Built on Bold Flavors
Taco Time started in 2009 when founder Maria Rodriguez moved from Oaxaca, Mexico to Eugene, Oregon, bringing with her generations of family recipes and an unstoppable love for authentic tacos. What began as a small weekend food stall at the local farmers market quickly became the community's favorite taco time destination.
Word spread fast — the kind of word-of-mouth that only happens when the food is truly special. Within two years, we opened our first brick-and-mortar location at 1031 Green Acres Rd, and we haven't looked back since. Today, Taco Time is a beloved institution in Eugene, serving hundreds of families every week with the same love and quality that started it all.
15+
Years in Business
50K+
Happy Customers
30+
Menu Items
4.9
Average Rating
- Fresh ingredients sourced locally every single morning
- Authentic Oaxacan recipes passed down through generations
- Handmade tortillas pressed fresh daily in-house
- Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-friendly options available
- Family-friendly atmosphere welcoming everyone
Why We Exist
Our Mission & Core Purpose
Everything we do at Taco Time is guided by a clear mission: to bring people together through the joy of authentic, soulful food.
Our Mission
To craft every taco with intention — using real ingredients, traditional techniques, and genuine care — so every customer leaves happier than when they arrived. That is the taco time promise.
Our Vision
To be the most beloved Mexican food destination in the Pacific Northwest — a place where tacotime culture, community warmth, and culinary excellence meet under one roof.
Our Promise
We promise to never cut corners. Fresh produce, hormone-free meats, and handmade sauces — every time. Because you deserve food that's made with the same love as home cooking.
What We Stand For
The Values Behind
The Values Behind
Every Taco
Authenticity Above All
We stay true to traditional Mexican cooking methods. No shortcuts, no substitutes. Every salsa, marinade, and mole is made from scratch using original family recipes.
Community First
Taco Time isn't just a restaurant — it's a neighborhood gathering place. We actively support Eugene's local farmers, artisans, and community events throughout the year.
Freshness Every Day
Our kitchen runs on a simple rule: if it's not fresh, it doesn't leave the kitchen. Ingredients are sourced daily, prepared fresh, and never frozen for our core menu items.
Inclusive Dining
Great food is for everyone. We offer an extensive selection of plant-based, vegetarian, and allergen-conscious dishes so nobody feels left out at the taco time table.
Joyful Experience
From warm greetings to handcrafted meals, we believe dining should be a celebration. Every visit to Taco Time should feel like a fiesta worth coming back for.
Our Journey
15 Years of Taco Time History
From a weekend market stall to Eugene's favorite taco destination — here's how our story unfolded.
2009
2009 — The Beginning
A Dream and a Food Cart
Maria Rodriguez sets up her first Taco Time food stall at the Eugene Saturday Market. Lines stretch around the block within the first month, fueled by word-of-mouth and irresistible smells.
2011
2011 — A Real Home
First Brick & Mortar Location
Taco Time opens its first restaurant at 1031 Green Acres Rd, Eugene. The dining room seats 40, and on opening day there's a 2-hour wait. The community has spoken: they love taco time.
2014
2014 — Recognition
Best Mexican Restaurant Award
Eugene Weekly names Taco Time "Best Mexican Restaurant" for the first time. The team celebrates with a free taco day for the entire community, serving over 1,200 tacos in a single afternoon.
2017
2017 — Growing Family
Catering & Events Launch
Responding to overwhelming demand, Taco Time launches its full catering service. From weddings to corporate events, we bring the authentic taco time experience directly to you wherever you are.
2020
2020 — Adapting & Thriving
Online Ordering Goes Live
Taco Time launches online ordering and contactless pickup, allowing us to continue serving the community safely. Our loyal customers show up stronger than ever, supporting local businesses.
2022
2022 — New Chapter
Full Kitchen Renovation
We invest in a state-of-the-art kitchen expansion, allowing us to handle higher volume while maintaining the handmade quality standards that define every Taco Time experience.
2024
2024 — Today & Beyond
50,000 Customers Strong
Taco Time celebrates serving its 50,000th customer and is recognized as one of Oregon's top independent restaurants. The journey continues — with even bigger plans for 2025 and beyond.
Meet the Team
The People Behind Taco Time
Our passionate team brings decades of culinary experience, genuine hospitality, and a deep love for authentic Mexican cuisine to everything they do.
Carlos Mendez
Executive Sous ChefA culinary school graduate with 12 years of kitchen experience, Carlos perfects every recipe. He's the genius behind our signature salsas and seasonal taco specials.
Sofia Gutierrez
General ManagerSofia is the heartbeat of our front-of-house operations. With a background in hospitality management, she ensures every guest's taco time visit is warm, smooth, and memorable.
Diego Ramirez
Catering & Events ManagerDiego coordinates every detail of our catering operations. From intimate gatherings to large-scale events, he brings the full Taco Time experience straight to your venue.
Want to join our passionate team?
View Open Positions
Taco Time Awaits
Ready to Experience Taco Time?
Come visit us at 1031 Green Acres Rd, Eugene, or order online and enjoy authentic taco time flavors wherever you are. Your next favorite meal is just one click away.