SANTO DE LA TORTA — Restaurant in Eugene

There aren’t a ton of places in Eugene that I really like, but this is tied for the best sandwich in Eugene in my opinion, and one of the best restaurants in town. It is hearty and a bit fatty/salty, bit that is literally the only downside. The meat in the sandwiches (recommend the quesa birria if you eat beef) is awesome, the bread is insanely good (I can only think of like four restaurants I’ve ever been to that the bread was notably good, and I lived in New Orleans for years and slammed like 5 Po Boys a week), and the toppings/sides are simple and well-paired. Yeah, it’s a 14$ sando or whatever, but you will waddle out of that place without being able to eat dessert unless you’re a college football player or equivalent (I’m late thirties). At present, I’ve only had sandwiches and margaritas OH BY THE WAY there are usually two (2) separate frozen margs on tap and so far they haven’t missed on any of the flavors I’ve tried. Finally, staff is super helpful and nice and the music is bumping.

in summary, I was conflicted about writing this review, as I live a couple blocks away and never want to wait in line here or not be able to get in bc it’s too crowded. However, I also want to eat here for another decade at least, and it seems like a tough spot as restaurants seem to come and go from this location. So I’m begrudgingly telling you how good it is bc I rarely see anyone there and I want...

I was really excited to try this place, and unfortunately, I really disliked it. I went with a group of people and we all ordered different things, and our general consensus was that each sandwich lacked any distinguishable flavor. Personally, I ordered the Torta ahogada. Firstly, the carnitas were a really unappetizing color (beige/gray)--which is odd for carnitas as they are often quite browned. But I could even get past the appearance if the taste was good, which it was not. The pork tasted like it was simmered until soft but without any meaningful combination of seasonings /spices. It tasted like pork/fat and that is it. The garnishes were really sloppy as well. The cilantro was all attached to the thick stem still, which made eating it really difficult. The pickled onions were overly acidic. and, at $14/torta, I don't think I will go back. It is hard to believe that this chef has owned a Mexican restaurant before and lived in Mexico. The flavors...

I had been watching this space ever since the signage went up and the menu appeared in the window. I live nearby. Finally, The Day, arrived. Sort of. I went the second day of their soft opening. They had sold out of a couple of items, but there it was, Torta Ahogado. Ever since seeing Marcela Valladolid on one of those best sandwich shows I have been desirous of this sandwich. And here it is, in Eugene. I enjoyed the sandwich. Carnitas on a bollilo roll slathered in a guajillo sauce. Very wet, very messy, and wholly delicious. I had the pleasure of dealing with two professional young women working here. I am guessing they are going for upscale casual. Whatever. If the other sandwiches are as good as this one was this place could be the Cantina in Mos Eisley for all I care. ...