When in Glendale, AZ Check Out Mama Lupita's Restaurant!
By Jessica Danielle Ramirez
When you drive past 65th Avenue and Glendale you can’t help but notice an old plaza. But, inside the plaza is a festive Mexican restaurant that once you walk in, you feel the culture. Mama Lupita’s restaurant has been open for 18 years and is what some would consider a whole in the wall.
Running a business is not a foreign concept to Mark Tafoya who is part owner of Mama Lupine’s restaurant.
“The opportunity presented itself because my dad has owned restaurants in the past,” said Tafoya.
With opportunity comes time to show what authentic Mexican food is.
“Customers came to us first for the tacos. But, there is more to us,” said Tafoya.
What customers can expect from Mama Lupita’s is authenticity. In fact, each dish is made from scratch and all recipes have remained the same since it has first opened.
“We are unique in our flavor. Everything is made in house and nothing is frozen,” he stated.
Customers can expect excellence in each visit. “I once had a customer come up to me and tell me ‘when I get menudo it’s good.. but it’s always different.’ I told him it’s because it’s homemade. “
One dish that has regulars and even first time customers coming back for more is the the Camarones a la Diabla (Spicey Shrimp). But for one family who dined at Mama Lupita’s what drew them in was simply passing by.
“I like trying out different restaurants and if it tastes good then I will come back,” said customer Adam Rodriguez.
While the food may hook customers, what makes this restaurant different is the Mexican ambiance. Not only will the customers listen to traditional Mexican music but also there is a sense of home.
“This is a neighborhood restaurant. We don’t portray ourselves as being upscale or fancy and this is what people know us for,” Tafoya explains proudly.
Currently, this is the only location for Mama Lupita’s, however, there is a few opportunities that are presenting themselves for growth. Until then, the drive to the west valley will have to do.
They are located at 6550 W. Glendale Avenue
Phone: 623.915.9531
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