• Opened: 2016
• Cost: $
• Alcohol: BYO
• Parking: Street
• Take Out: Yes

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June 24, 2018

Review

There is so much good Mexican food in New Jersey these days, you never know where you’ll stumble upon an excellent taquería. Lupita’s in Orange, NJ is a tiny spot worth a visit for solid Mexican fare. 

I hadn’t noticed this simple storefront that opened in 2016 on Main Street in Orange, up the street from the former location of the longstanding Mexican restaurant El Rancho Grande. Lupita’s popped up in a Google maps search for another taco spot. Look for the colorful taquería sign outside near the corner of Main and Ridge Street.

I visited first for lunch, ordering a  Mexican sandwich (torta) and some tacos to go. The al pastor (barbecued pork) tacos are served with crema, cilantro, chopped onions and a pineapple wedge in a single corn tortilla. Taco options on the menu include more obscure fillings like lengua (tongue), oreja (ear), and cueritos (pork skin). The tacos were good, but not much different from others I’ve found in New Jersey.

Lupita’s torta, on the other hand, is one of the best Mexican sandwiches I’ve had. The torta de pollo milanesa (chicken cutlet) is a perfectly constructed sandwich – a soft roll with a swipe of mayo on each side, filled with thin layers of tomato, lettuce, and mashed beans around the breaded chicken cutlet, topped with squiggles of white farmer’s cheese. Add some hot sauce for real Mexican kick. Just the right amount of each ingredient makes for a loaded sandwich you can actually eat without it falling apart.

Based on that sandwich, we returned with some friends to sample Lupita’s dinner menu. Entrees include standard beef chicken, and seafood plates, along with soups (including pozole),  fajitas, enchiladas, and burritos. Our group enjoyed the chilaquiles with cecina (dried beef) and pork chops in a rich, dark mole poblano, which is only available on weekends.

Lupita’s is small and very informal. There are only about eight tables for eating in. The counter does a busy take out business. Spanish can be helpful when ordering.

Lupita’s is great choice for a quick Mexican lunch. Their tortas alone are worth a visit.

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