If you’re a University of Oregon student who considers yourself a bit of a late night snacker on the weekends, you undoubtedly know of Uly’s Tacos, a tiny taco cart that serves one-of-a-kind tacos on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. on the corner of 13th Avenue and Kincaid Street.
Uly’s also has a location at 13th Avenue and Olive Street open during the same hours and a brand new restaurant and bar that opened four months ago at 124 NE Third St. in Gresham, Ore.
Uly’s Tacos was started in 2009 by UO graduate Keith Bisbee, who came up with the idea in an entrepreneurship class. “I thought people would want tacos after the bar,” Bisbee said. He learned to cook while growing up in Santa Rosa, Calif., watching his friends’ moms in the kitchen and named his business after a family friend.
“My favorite part is forming relationships with the regulars,” Bisbee said. “I’m thankful for everyone’s support. I love being a part of Eugene and plan to be for years to come.”
Despite the fact the taco carts offer fairly restricted menu options and only on three nights a week, Uly’s has been nothing short of a success, especially along the borderline of UO’s campus, where every nighttime restaurant’s weekend routine includes a rush of tipsy college kids and their friends.
The most popular order is the “Trifecta,” which includes “three tacos, one of each meat topped with onion, cilantro, cheese and sour cream,” according to their online menu. If you’re not that hungry, you can order one taco for just $2.50. Either way, you’ll be more than satisfied.
Tyler Jorgensen, UO sophomore math major, said he goes to Uly’s fairly often. “I like it because it’s a great late night snack and it has a unique taste.”
Of course, most college students would agree, which is why it was voted as this year’s Best Food Cart, as well as Best 2 a.m. Food. The only thing better than gorging on one of these delectable tacos — a perfectly proportioned combination of meat, veggies and toppings, cradled by two warm corn tortillas — is devouring one at 2 a.m. on your way back from the bar.
Long story short: If you haven’t tried Uly’s Tacos yet, you’re missing out.