Sunday, July 26, 2015

The "New" Lupitas in Lake Worth: Dinner Last Night

I decided to try something new last night for dinner. Of course, Lupita's isn't exactly new, it just moved exactly one block south on the same side of the road. It's new address is 301 N. Dixie Hwy. They've been open about a week or so.
Many long-timers in Lake Worth will know the building as home to the Holiday House buffet for many years, perhaps from the building's inception. The restaurant that had the longest stint there was Pegasus, and then some short-lived attempts by others to make a go of it there. The former location is closed and dark, leaving another opening on Dixie Hwy. for another business to fill.

The biggest change for Lupita's is the scale of the place and the fact that you can dine indoors now. There is a large walk up counter with the menu overhead against the south wall, in front of the kitchen. Here are some shots of the menu.
According to signs in the restaurant outside patio service is coming. Work is still underway and it will be a while before that option is available.
Another new addition is the availability of beer and wine. The interior is bright and colorful. I got there around 8 p.m. and business was very brisk. Some people were coming in for take-out but most were in larger groups and families it seemed. There were so many people that my only complaint about the visit was the noise. Some fabric panels here and there around the building, especially the high ceiling might do the trick.

The manager and staff were exceptionally pleasant and courteous. I ordered the tamale plate which was excellent. The food took a while to come out, which could be partly due to adjusting to the new location and the increased business. The wait wasn't boring at all with all the people coming and going and they have large-screen TV's (3) with soccer games and other sports. This is how my plate came out, accompanied by full squeeze bottles of hot sauce, green and red. The green was more of a tomatillo sauce and the red was definitely the hot variety.
Combination tamale plate
The food was enjoyable and spiced perfectly. The sauces were an excellent accompaniment to the refried beans and rice. When you visit make sure to grab a menu to make your ordering quicker next time: it's a big menu. I think the next time I go I'll try one of the standard taco plates: they are offered with twelve different protein preparations and they also vegan and gluten-free items on the menu.

They also have extended hours now. It's nice to know a place that is open to 11 p.m. during the week and 12 a.m. on weekend nights. If you want to try their breakfast, doors open at 7 a.m. I have heard good things about their Huevos Rancheros.

There is little doubt that they will be a great success in this location. If you visited the former location or not, make sure to check out Lupita's now. In a few weeks I am sure they will work out some of the "kinks" I experienced.