Cooper’s – Mexican American Restaurant in Hillsdale — Restaurant in Hillsdale

There is not much Mexican American about this place other then the sign for NY Tacos out front from the business before (or that everyone remembers this used to be the Taco Bell). That's just the beginning of this confused, sad little place.

I opened the kind of jammed front doors and approached one of the ladies up front, I asked what was good and got my favorite answer of "everything", which is like saying either "I haven't tried anything" or "I don't like the food here" The other gal working suggested the smash burger, which sure, a double smash burger sounds good. Not sure which region of Mexico that originated from. Quizas el region de hambergesa?

As I sat and waited, random techno music played and I noticed the decorations were just Hillsdale College posters, implying blatant pandering to their business. With just the price of a double smash burger alone being 12$, matching that of a Shake Shack or even Five Guys, this puts it firmly out of the working class range and directly in the "my parents have money" demographic. Maybe the quality would match?

As I waited, I noticed the fountain drinks were out of order. Given it's their first month open, it was odd, but I noticed a cooler full of canned sodas next to it, implying maybe that was on purpose. So from day one, corners are being cut. Noticed also the drive thru window blacked out, so good luck with that late night business and added convience. The less said about the bathroom the better but it is connected to a gas station, so it's hard to know who the culprit is there.

The biggest tragedy here though is that it's clear this is couldve been Hillsdales premier spot for halal food. I say that because clearly the owners are of middle-eastern decent, yelling at each other in Arabic while I waited. I can only imagine what those conservative dollars they want so bad would think of that... But I only point it out because the fact that we could've had some good kebab, schwarma, falafel or hummus here in Hillsdale is just such a tragicly missed opportunity. For food and cultural exchange. I suppose that's the price of assimilation these days.

Oh, and the burger was fine. It was certainly Hillsdale county portains, so, huge. But nothing you couldn't get from another other place that has smash burgers. If you're craving that, try Rays in Reading, if it's still open.

I can't wait to see what other business occupies this place in another year or so. Enjoy it...

tried coopers a few days ago, and it was really good a little long on the wait but it was SUPER BUSY. The woman working the register was very nice, and people definitely needed to cut her some slack.

I am a really big rice person and I feel like besides the many mexican restaurants there isn’t much variety.. and i know this is a Mexican restaurant BUT I have never been able to get a rice bowl anywhere in Hillsdale…atleast anywhere i’ve been. Anyways, the rice was made PERFECTLY.. i got the steak bowl.. without lettuce and added corn and roasted veggies but if i were to order again I would get it without tomatoes as well just my own preference.

Only other complaint I have is a customer took a picture of me there and sent it to my boss for whatever reason 🫣😅 can’t wait to try it again.. hopefully...

Just tried Coopers tonight and I will say I'm very impressed. Wife and I ordered a smash burger, loaded chicken fries, chicken rolls and a steak bowl. Food was delicious and fresh. Outstanding new place to eat. Welcome to Hillsdale were happy to...