Cocina Mariposa — Restaurant in Eureka

I have heard so much positive feedback in the last two years about this venue that I thought perhaps I misjudged it when I ate there back when it opened. I do remember thinking, "they just need more time to fancy it up a bit." With that in mind, I returned, but must now downgrade my feeling of being underwhelmed to one of being disappointed. Mind you, I am mainly grading the dining experience here, versus a straight rating of the food. The food is good. It's even "very good." But the restaurant itself is junky and unappealing. Half the space is the stainless steel kitchen, giving the feel of school cafeteria, while the booths and cushions are so worn and unadorned as to evoke a sort of "post apocalyptic " vibe, like an old diner you'd eat balogna in while skirting the zombie hordes. This is somewhat maligned by its having no division wall from the pro shop, which seems healthy in its aspect, by comparison. The pro shop is clean and ordered to its task, while the restaurant is a small tragedy. The girl who reluctantly came to the counter to take our order was in perfect keeping with charmless ghost-diner flavor of the place. There was nothing to make us feel welcome or hopeful. That is, until the first bite of our fajita burrito. The use of pasilla peppers and onions in a delicious rendering of a tortilla, is why there are 3 stars to give. The lady at the grill is doing accomplished work back there. The food is different, and memorable, and delicious. Just...

Bottom line the BEST Mexican food around. They’re a small restaurant and therefore not a lot of staff, so it can be a little bit of a wait during peak hours, but my god they are SO worth it. I’m a vegetarian and have gotten used to not having many options (not to meting GOOD options) but I have a hard time deciding what I want when I come here because I have so many choices. I don’t like Chile Relleno anywhere else but I could eat them every day from Cocina Mariposa. The vegetables in the fiesta veggie burrito are always perfectly cooked and seasoned and a way better veggie combo than most restaurants offer (cauliflower!!). And they have JACKFRUIT! I usually don’t get tacos anywhere else because they’re either subpar vegetable tacos or beans and rice, but these jackfruit tacos are top notch. Our orders are always right even though my husband complicates his (he wants this but without this or that and add this this this and this). The owner/Chef is fantastic and always posts on Instagram if there are any changes to hours due to staffing/life things so it’s always good to check before starting the drive-not much is sadder than having your heart set on getting Cocina when they’re not actually open. I literally could go on forever about how much I love this...

I have been going to Cocina Mariposa regularly since moving to Humboldt in January 2019. I have tried a fairly large portion of the menu at this point. Every single thing I have ordered has invariably been fresh and absolutely delicious.

For me, particular highlights are the chili relleno plate, the tacos (with habanero salsa if you like spicy), and the California burrito. If you're into Mexican breakfast, their breakfast tortas and chilaquiles are excellent. But really, order anything that sounds good, it'll probably be great!

Their agua frescas are also to die for. They are made with real juice and are unlike most of the agua frescas you'll have had in your life.

They are also VERY knowledgeable about vegetarian and vegan cuisine, and are willing to alter menu items to fit these diets within reason.

This review is long overdue, but I recommend Cocina Mariposa to the highest degree. It really is a gem in a restaurant landscape that is...