Gilberto's Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Roseburg

My wife and I have eaten here three times in the last three years on our way back to Portland from Wildlife Safari (it's become kind of a birthday tradition for her to go to Wildlife Safari.) We've always had excellent service and the food has always been an great rendition of Americanized Jalisco-style. Interestingly we've had the same waiter all three times and he's been a help in selecting dishes. So I was beyond disappointed at the terrible service we received this past Sunday. To be fair, I think they were pretty short staffed and a large group was leaving as we arrived. But being short staffed just means you have to be more efficient and Gilberto Jr., sadly, wasn't. In addition to us, I think two other couples came in around the same time, and another one or two shortly after. The waiter loaded a tray with water cups and handed them out, but either he didn't count right or wasn't able to hold enough, but regardless, we were left out. Thus we waited something like 15-20 minutes for water (but we got our chips and salsa right away! BTW the chips are fresh. If you think they're stale, it's because you have no taste buds from that time you stuck your tongue to the frost-covered pole.) It was about 45 minutes to an hour before we got our food and Junior never did come back with another bowl of salsa. I also felt the portions were smaller than in the past. We both had chimichangas - her chicken, I shrimp. They (the chimichangas) were the size of cannoli. With a small scoop each of refried beans and Mexican rice. We should have just ordered the lunch version, which was offered to us as a choice. My plan was to set aside half the chimichanga and half each of the rice and beans to eat later, but it was quickly apparent that if I did that, and asked for a box at the end of our meal, the next morning's edition of the News-Review would be hitting the streets before I got my to-go box, so I just finished my plate. The Horchata I ordered, though, was great. But overall I was disappointed in the food (and extremely disappointed in the service.) And there was no soccer on! The Timbers were playing Vancouver that night, so I halfway expected the match to be on at least one of their TVs. Anyway, I'm giving them four stars because we've had such great experiences in the past, but they better step it up...

First time here, I'm visiting from Illinois and my mom wanted to bring me here to try the shrimp nachos. A family run business that is probably looking for help?!? Very friendly owners that worked hard to make everything just right. Inside the restaurant looked nice, we went around 4:30 pm so there were lots of tables available, but my mom wanted to sit outside. There is a small outside eating area that is set up nice and clean. The only drawback is that it sits right beside a very busy road, so the car noise is loud. I would suggest sitting inside if you would like a quieter meal. The Shrimp Nachos were amazing and I would order them again in a heartbeat. I also ordered a Chicken Quesadilla which was HUGE. It was stuffed with so much chicken that it wasn't what I'm used to for a Quesadilla. I was only able to eat one and took the other one to go. I noticed that prices were approximately anywhere between $13.00 to $22.00 depending on what you order and that doesn't count your drink. Lunch prices were a little cheaper. Plenty of parking behind...

Meh. Food was just "okay", in my opinion. The Horchata? Watery and disappointing. Pork Tamales were alright -- but I sort of expect my tamales to be served with the corn-husk still wrapping them, freshly steamed. These weren't.

The refried beans were actually better than most -- tho served in a "ball" like mashed potatoes (LOL, cute). Lettuce was the usual pile of shredded iceberg that tastes like pond water. (Why do all Mexican restaurants insist on using the worst type of lettuce known to mankind? :) It just ends up in the dumpster, most of it -- guess it's just meant to be "plate filler" and not actually eaten. ((ok, end rant! :))

Also, I know prices are high, overall, these days (inflation), but a small order of nachos, two horchatas and a two-tamale dinner plate was $36. Maybe I should have stayed home and cooked some fancy steak for that price. (sigh)

Look elsewhere for a real horchata -- and frankly, should have been more like a $20 meal, since it was about $6 worth of...