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.
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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
Everything about this place was wonderful. The atmosphere, the food, the service, the drinks, all of it. All the food was made fresh and tasted so good, and the price was perfect. I got one drink and it was also refreshing and pregectly balanced for a crazy good price. They have options on the menu for many different dietary restrictions, including vegans, which I loved, and the portion sizes are on point, you definitely wont leave hungry. The chips are fried to order, and that's something you don't see in this area too often, and they were crispy, thick, and delicious and you get way more than youd get anywhere else, including a nice sized salsa. I think my favorite part was that they had multiple types of tacos on corn tortillas and they had cactus! I love cactus and it's a hard one to find. Will definitely be coming back.
Salil Soman
Aug 17, 2024
5
Everything is really tasty and super fresh. Every single dish was delish, some slightly heavy on salt but maybe that’s what made it tasty. Price is reasonable and staff is friendly. There are a lot of good Mexican places but the freshness of the food here and the fresh tortillas here put it as a place to come back to.
Matthew Cloues
Aug 6, 2024
5
Food is amazing. Have had many of the menu items and enjoyed every single one. May be the best Mexican food I have ever had. Even the rice and beans as side is just delicious. Casual spot located in Brightleaf. Counter order and then get a buzzer to alert when food ready.
Sarah Cohn
May 18, 2024
5
Wow wow wow. This is the best Mexican food I've had in the Triangle, hands down. I went yesterday, from Raleigh, and this morning I'm already wondering when I can make it back.
The service was pleasant. The music was too loud. The chairs were fine, though not as comfortable as I'd like. But the food? The food was fantastic.
Everything about the food is good - the flavor, the seasoning, the subtle but impactful addition of spice. The salsa was delicious. The tortillas were delicious. The agua fresca was too sweet, but I can forgive it because it was fresh, flavorful, and a generous portion. The little bit of a wait was absolutely worth it, and communicates they care about the food.
The standouts for me were the fish taco special, and the quesabirria.
