Thousand Oaks, CA. After a rather long hike with a friend, why not go for Mexican? Ha, knowing that this is one of my friend's "MUST-HAVE" childhood favorites, I knew what I was in for: YES! Ah, to have a cheese enchilada that I've heard so much about, done-up family style.
Cheese Enchilada Platter - the warm gooey cheese, the refried beans crusted over by more cheese, the lightly moistened rice to scoop up with the extra (and rather mild) sauce...I must say, what a fun little eatery surprise. Order two cheese enchiladas (no onions) with rice and beans and expect cheesy goodness. Each enchilada is stuffed with cheese with a sauce that compliments the entire dish. The re-fried beans are fatty goodness and the rice, although sometimes dry, has a nice flavor.
French Fries and Chips - At a Mexican Restaurant? YES! Similar to some fast-food chains across Southern California, these crinkle cut favorites are added to the menu. Dip you say? That we did, until these little lard-fried crisps wiped the plates clean. It's fantastic! The Warm chips have a little secret: lard. Make sure you get a fresh batch. They are just as addictive.
The service was not anything of mention. The staff did their jobs, but that was all. Their focus was on taking your order, getting you the food, and refilling those drinks. Satisfactory at best, though it seemed to be the memories this place provided and the unexpected addictive quality of the food that keeps the customer(s).
Was this restaurant recently re-done? The decor seemed fitting for a traditional American eatery in its design, missing the charm of a little local family restaurant, but the Mexican cuisine was an interesting development, and a good surprise. It does appear a bit too bland, but the food is why anyone should come. In leaving, our plates were wiped completely clean...by forks, chips, AND french fries.
On the side with Kristopher - I don't know if there is anything special at all to their Iced Tea. All I know is a squeeze of lemon and packet of sweetener has me getting about six refills on each visit. I grew up on Lupe's and this is still my favorite local Mexican restaurant. I am down to go here any time no matter what!
Lupe's Mexican Restaurant
1710 E Thousand Oaks Blvd
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
(805) 495-3573
http://lupesmexicanrestaurant.menutoeat.com/
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
(805) 495-3573
http://lupesmexicanrestaurant.menutoeat.com/
