Fonda Lupita
Phone: (919) 294-4773
In Brightleaf Square is a second location for popular Sanford, NC Mexican restaurant, Fonda Lupita. For those who’ve visited the original location, you know how lucky we are to have this gem now a short drive or walk away! In 2021, the Sanford spot appeared on Eater’s “11 Best New Restaurants” list, and it’s easy to see why. Fonda Lupita is the real deal—homemade Mexican food in a welcoming and modern, yet unpretentious atmosphere. Traditional Mexican recipes include stews, gorditas and slow-cooked birria beef alongside tacos and burritos rolled in fresh homemade corn tortillas.
Cuisines
- Mexican & South American
- Restaurants
Hours
Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Map
Google Rating
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We decided to stop in here while walking by and are happy that we did. The chips and guac (and salsa for that matter) were all delicious. I got a skinny margarita and was really impressed with the flavor and presentation.
This is a order at the counter seat yourself kind of place, but the atmosphere is fantastic, as are all of the live plants. As someone who is gluten free and vegan though, I'm not sure if there's much else on the menu I can eat in particular. It appeared that they had a taco that could either be fried potatoes or vegan chicken, but there weren't any identifying factors stating whether or not those were gluten free or not.
So from my standpoint, this is probably a great place for the non-vegan/vegetation crew to eat, but for those of us that are plant based, less so.
Drinks and appetizers were spot on though! -
We love it here. We come 1-2 a week - the food is consistently great. Atmosphere is nice, and the staff is super kind and efficient (even when it gets busy)! Would recommend to anyone!
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We ordered take-out from Fonda Lupita a few months back, and the food was delicious. Fresh ingredients, and big helpings. So decided to try them again in our rotation of Durham restaurants.
We recently walked in as a family for dinner, and this was my first time being in the physical location. I loved the aesthetic because it’s open, there are booths, low/ high tables, and bigger group style booths/ tables with tiled backsplashes and plants.
It’s a Mexican kitchen, so you order at the front, grab your number, grab an open table, they will bring you your order. You can grab drinks at the bar, and there are a few barstools there as well.
I was unfamiliar at what to do at first, because it was my first time there, but it literally took me 2 seconds to figure out where to order, and see the line near the register.
The line may seem long, make sure look at the menu while you wait because you will have to make a tough decision of which delicious dish you want, but they will quickly open another register to help patrons.
All the staff have great customer service (as a service person myself) and are friendly. The restaurant was clean and well maintained. The meals are very well priced, as are the margs! I personally only need one (I could have had another, but I like to keep it real mild in public), and there was a healthy pour of tequila.
Today we got the fudge chocolate chip cheese cake and omggg.
Food quality is consistent and simply delicious.
Will recommend and will be back. -
Being a Socal Native.. I'm picky about good Mexican food. Let me be the first to tell you this place has got flavor! The birria was amazing. The tacos were so flavorful and the meat was so extremely tender. Found two new options when it comes to birria . A Birria Grilled Cheese and a Birria Ramen. The grilled cheese was phenomenal! The ramen was soul comforting with a little kick. I can't wait to take friends and family to this hidden gem!
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Have tried a few other Mexican restaurants the last couple weeks and Fonda Lupita is by far the best in the area for authentic Mexican food. The staff is absolutely amazing, the menu is abundant, the food was fantastic! Coming from Baja my partner and I haven’t had good Mexican cuisine in a long time and this hit the spot, so much so that when family is visiting from Mexico we’d bring them here without worrying!
We got a little bit of everything, birria ramen, chicken tacos, fish tacos, pork sope, and a Gordita, they all were fantastic. Even the horchata and the watermelon were amazing!
Definitely recommend stopping by if you want delicious authentic Mexican food!
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