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
-
This place was amazing! The birria grilled cheese was perfect. So much food! We loved the sauces they had out and overall thought it was so delicious. There is plenty of seating and a large bar so we had no trouble ordering a finding a seat. There are parking lots very close and you can validate your parking. A must try!
-
Came back two days in a row for that melted cheese birria . Do yourself a favor and go get it NOW
They also have a birria ramen, good but the melted cheese stole my heart
Their guac and chips are so good. The chips has citric acid on it and the guac so fresh
I gotta say all the salsa are amazing ! We were looking for anything to dip it in.
They even sell them !! I got the green ones !!
They also have a little counter for cilantro, onion and grilled Serrano
It's counter style service but clean and really good.
Will be back -
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!
-
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.
Nearby Businesses
.01 Miles Away
.01 Miles Away
.01 Miles Away
.01 Miles Away
Related Stories
Ciudad del Toro: The Best Latino-Owned Restaurants in Durham, NC
Durham’s Hispanic and Latino community has made many contributions to the Bull City, from authentic Mexican tacos to Colombian arepas, take…
The Best Noodles in Durham
Discover the best noodles in Durham, from bold bucatini pasta to dishes to tasty tonkotsu ramen bowls.
Where to Get a Late Night Bite in Durham, NC
When it comes to Durham restaurants that stay open late, you won’t have a problem finding a great spot. But, you…
Cinco de Mayo: Durham’s Mexican-owned Restaurants
Come hungry for classic Mexican dishes and regional favorites.
The Best Hispanic and Latino Restaurants in Durham, NC
Durham's Latin restaurants represent an eclectic range of cultures, from Colombia and Cuba to El Salvador and more. Food historian Von…
