One of the qualities that Northwest Arkansas is known for is its diverse population. The same can be said about the variety of restaurants.
Springdale is one area in which the Mexican culture is prevalent. Taquerias, casual eateries with authentic Mexican fare, are a prime example of the established Hispanic heritage.
As a first-generation family from Mexico, Maria and Beigno Morales are able to recreate the distinct taste of authentic cuisine that captures the flavors and feelings of their native country.
Since Maria was waist high, she was beside her grandmother gathering ingredients and practicing the cooking methods that have been passed down through generations. The recipes used at the Morales' restaurant, Taqueria Guanajuato, are the same recipes she has served her family. Everything on the menu, down to the tortilla chips, is made fresh and in-house every day.
The carefully crafted dishes are prepared to order, so special dietary needs can be incorporated into anyone's meal.
Taqueria Guanajuato serves genuine Mexican food with authentic south-of-the-border taste. The food is not Americanized and not the popularized Tex-Mex style. For many patrons, once they taste the real deal, there is no going back.
The tortillas are rolled and pressed by hand. The sauces, marinades, refried beans, salsa and queso are prepared fresh each day in the restaurant.
Tacos and burritos are popular staples, but the menu at Taqueria Guanajuato also includes tamales, quesadillas, enchiladas, flautas, huarches, gorditas and tortas.
Breakfast is also served at both locations. Offerings include ham or chorizo breakfast burritos, eggs with ham, Mexican scrambled eggs with spicy sausage and huevos rancheros. Breakfast plates include rice, beans and a choice of homemade corn or flour tortillas.
The menu items are heavily portioned and affordable. Chips and salsa aren't provided with each meal, but that allows the prices to remain lower.
The menu is displayed in large print on the wall of the restaurants and photos as well as English translations accommodate customers who don't speak or read Spanish.
A wide selection of beverages include beer, fountain soft drinks, bottles of Mexican cola (made with raw sugar instead of corn syrup), Jarritos and horchata. The horchata, a rice-based drink, is offered in flavors of pineapple, melon, strawberry, mango and tamarind.
Daily specials are offered Monday through Friday. Mondays Huaraches (oval-shaped, dough-like tortillas) are $5. Tuesdays tacos are $1.25. Wednesdays tortas (sandwiches) are $5.25. Thursdays burritos are $5. Fridays sopes (round, thick, dough-like tortillas) are $2.
Taqueria Guanajuato has an open dining area and can be reserved for special occasions and gatherings.
Both locations are situated along U.S. 71 Business in Springdale. The first location at 103 N. Thompson Street, just north of Emma Avenue, opened in 2007. The second location at 812 N.
Thompson Street, in Mathias Plaza, recently opened in January.
More information and details about the menu are available at taqueriaguanajuato.com.
NAN Dining Guide Cover on 07/17/2015