This is one of my favorite places for Mexican food because it has so much flavor, is cooked to order, and still fresh and delicious! This time I got the birria tacos (but the birria ramen is great too). The meat was tender and the consume was perfect. I got an empanada for the table and it was different from what I'm used to but still packed with flavor and crispy. I also got the margarita with strawberry and basil which was refreshing and pretty! The restaurant was very clean and I like the layout. read more

Fonda Lupita - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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Loved the vibe in here. Ingredients looks super fresh with lots of options. Walk up and order and sit wherever but they also have a full bar with seating too. Burrito was soo good and you gotta get sauces with it! read more

Fonda Lupita - Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

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3.5/5. The grilled cheese is why we came and it didn't disappoint. It's more of a viral item and I get why. Cheesy, salty, meaty goodness. The other items were pretty regular. Compared to similar restaurants in the area, the prices are high. Sides are ala carte and even the burritos don't come with a few chips. Liked the salsa bar. Ordering is easy at the counter and after that it's self serve. Maybe I'll go back and try the birria ramen read more

Fonda Lupita - Birria grilled cheese and steak burrito - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

I'm so happy there's finally a location close by! I used to consider the long drive to Sanford worthwhile, that's how truly delicious this food is. However, I have to be honest: the food at this new spot falls a bit short of the original Sanford location. The flavors are nearly there, but they don't quite hit that perfect, signature mark. If you're looking for the complete, authentic experience, make the trip to Sanford. But if you want great service and a convenient meal, this is still a solid choice--the customer service is excellent here. read more

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Ordered takeout from Fonda Lupita on a whim! Got the Tacos Dorados de Papa (fried tacos with mashed potatoes and cheese topped with lime slaw and cream; side of refried beans) and a Gringa (a quesadilla with onions; I got it with al pastor). Both were tasty, pretty classic. But it's low key crazy that this meal (enough for at least 2 meals actually) was ~$20, so reasonable. Pick up was fast and easy, service was friendly, ambiance inside was nice but I didn't stick around. The only annoying thing for take out is that their salsa bar didn't have containers conducive to take to go. There's free 2 hour Brightleaf parking nearby. 9/10 would recommend! read more

Fonda Lupita - Tacos Dorados de Papa, Gringas - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

This is such a great place and I had one of my favorites meals of our roadtrip here! I got the Tacos Dorados de Papa which was fried tacos stuffed with mashed potatoes and cheese. Two of my favorite things! Then they were topped with lime slaw, cheese, and sour cream. They also came with a side of beans. They were just as amazing as I imagined and I will be daydreaming about them for a while. We also got sides of chips with queso and salsa and both were delicious!!! The restaurant was really cute inside and had plenty of seating, including at the bar. You order at a counter and then they bring the food to your table. The girl who took our order was also super sweet and was patient with us as it was everyone's first time there. We can't wait to go back on our next trip to NC! read more

Fonda Lupita - Tacos dorados de papa. SO delicious! - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

My first time visiting Fonda Lupita in Durham. I have been to the one in Sanford. The food was amazing as always. I had a Fonda bowl with pork and salsa Verde. The team was very kind and friendly, and the restaurant is beautiful. read more

Fonda Lupita is located in Bright leaf with several other restaurants. There is a parking lot & street parking nearby. The restaurant is spacious with multiple seats inside. Once inside you place your order at the counter & are provided with a buzzer to pickup your food at the counter. There is fountain drink dispenser & a bar with sauces & a few toppings like onions near the front counter. I ordered the gringa de birria. It didn't take long for my food to be ready. It is basically a quesadilla served with consommé. They had good flavor but it was too wet & soggy. I am assuming they prepared it with too much of the consommé. read more

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Yassss a NICE casual Mexican place!! We went 2x last weekend. Couldn't wait to go back after our first visit. Food is delicious - everything but especially the carnitas en salsa verde. Baja fish tacos are great too. I LIVE for a GOOD salsa bar - including charred jalapeños and 3 difference spicy salsas. Warning 2 of them are extra spicy - but I love spicy so this is a huge win for me. The staff is nice. You order at the counter but the food comes out in decent real plates / not just paper products. The ambience is nice - high ceilings, bright, lots of sunlight, open, airy, cute decor. Prices are also super affordable. Got meals for 3 people and a fountain drink for $40!! Really into this place! read more

Fonda Lupita - Giant torta - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

We were delighted that there is a Fonda Lupita that's a bit closer for us than the Sanford location. We visited on a recent Saturdaytr, and street parking near Brightleaf Square, where the restaurant is located, was plentiful and free. The restaurant itself was spacious and clean, and servers were friendly and helpful. I ordered two chicken tacos and a shrimp taco, and my friend got the torta. There is a condiment bar with cilantro, onions, and salsas, so you can make your order exactly as you like it. We both enjoyed our food, and we felt like we got a lot for the price we paid. Just like a lot of local places lately, Fonda Lupita charges a 3% surcharge for credit/debit cards, so be sure to bring cash! read more

First off, let me say Fonda Lupita does drinks RIGHT! There were many margaritas to choose from-- I went with pineapple, and it was the right choice. I enjoyed the casual dining experience being able to pick up your order, but I wished the bar was in service so we could have placed our drink orders without having to stand in line again. I ordered the quesabirria and we shared chips & queso-- the brisket was so flavorful and that birria consome was to die for. Really enjoyed it here! read more

Fonda Lupita - Margaritas!!!! - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Cute atmosphere but super slow service! The horchata might be the best I've ever had!!! I wasn't super hungry but wanted to try a few things....I opted for a shrimp taco and quesabirria. I thought the taco price was kinda high at 3.75 but loved the flavor of the quesabirria and wishing I got the combo of three instead of just one bc it was AMAZING! The staff were not super attentive. read more

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We love coming to Fonda Lupita for Taco Tuesday! Their tacos are $2 on Tuesdays and are so big and delicious. The meat portions are very generous and the fried potato taco is out of this world. Their staff is always so kind and quick to answer questions and we watched them busting their butts when they were extremely busy near closing time this past week. The space is very chill and good for a casual lunch/dinner or a quick outing with the family. I love that they can validate parking across the street in the lot next to Goorsha! Parking is such a pain in this area that it's awesome to have a free option included in your meal. My partner looooves their hot sauces! read more

The restaurant was clean and it had a nice bar. Plenty of seating. You order at a counter and the food is brought to you quickly. I was not impressed with the food I ordered. The corn tortilla did not seem to be cooked thoroughly. I would try this place again, but order something different read more

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Birria ramen here is a MUST TRY, definitely lived up to my expectations. The meat is tender and cooked well. The noodles are pretty basic, ramen noodles. Highly recommend the chips and salsa, which were delicious! Fast service, no wait to order and plenty of tables on a Saturday around noon. Great place catch up with friends over a yummy meal. read more

Fonda Lupita - Birria Ramen - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Any place that has a salsa bar already wins my heart. The salsa verde and spicy salsa were both very good! The queso had a little kick to it which I loved and didn't make me miss getting chorizo in it. The chips were thick and crunchy. The guacamole was also very good and fresh. We had plenty of queso and guac so took some home. We both really enjoyed our margaritas. They weren't too sweet or syrupy. They were perfect for the hot day! My taquitos were crunchy and with the salada tasted great. The rice and beans were also very good and flavorful. My friend enjoyed the ACP and thought the vegan chicken was good. Our food and drinks were both prepared fast making this a great fast casual restaurant with real fresh food. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in town visiting! read more

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I tried the pastor tacos, quesabirra, and horchata. The horchata was huge so plan to share or be sipping for a while haha. The pastor tacos were flavorful but the quesabirra was definitely the best item and a single still came with consume to top everything off. Overall service was fast, ordering online or in person. Will definitely make it a staple for quesabirra and horchata in Downtown durham read more

First, you order at rhe counter, then are served at the table, so not exactly table service. Chips are ok, salsa is mediocre, queso is also middling. Tacos are good, the tortas are huge, so portions are great. This is a good change of pace from local Mexican restaurants. That said, it isn't great, just ok no great ambience, just tables in a harshly lit space. So, for large amounts of average food, this is your place. It's a more expensive and more diverse menu version of Chipotle. read more

I had high hopes based on the reviews of their Sanford location, but unfortunately, the Durham location missed the mark for me. The food is best described as "ok" and the drinks, while pretty, are mediocre at best. The cashier was very friendly taking my order, and instructed me to hand the register ticket to the bartender for her to make my drink. While that worked during a time where it wasn't very busy, I wonder how well the system would work during peak. The salsa bar left much to be desired, but I did manage to try some of their salsa verde, which was pretty decent and added some much-needed flavor to the relatively flavorless food. I probably won't be back for a while in case it's just a case of the new restaurant woes. It's a cute space with lots of potential, it just needs to make some major improvements with its currently bland foods. read more

Fonda Lupita - Potato taco, shrimp taco, quesabirria taco - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

my wife and I have been out to the Fonda Lupita in Sanford. Their burritos are super delicious. They are so we thought we'd try that one in Durham, which is a newer location. We got two Carne Asada burritos and as we expected, they did not let down their food was phenomenal. The staff was the best as always, and the newer atmosphere of the restaurant and decor really changes the game. I am definitely gonna return to the spot Inn as well as the original Sanford location. read more

Fonda Lupita - carne Asada burrito - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Not sure this will be on my list of go to Mexican spots. You don't get any sides with your meal, and there are no sides clearly listed on the menu anywhere. My friend asked about chips, salsa, queso and guacamole and was able to order those. This was pricey for not getting anything with your meal. I got the grilled chicken torta. It was a bit bland and I wish it had had more kick/spice. I got a little of their green jalapeno sauce which helped some. The button for water on the drink machine got stuck so that was flowing non-stop (one would think for a new restaurant this wouldn't have been the case). In added, the trash can and busing station (where you leave your dishes) was completely overflowing to the point where people were standing there inserting what to do with their garbage/plates. When we were leaving, an employee finally came out but all he did was stuff the trash further down. read more

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I'm not from durham but this place is the best! The food portions are enough and each time I order NOTHING is ever wrong or missing! They are fast even when you order inside / takeout they have the best steak burrito ever and I don't even eat burritos! My second favorite we order like 4 times a week! read more

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I came here on a rainy day ready to eat some good comfort food. It's located in brightleaf so prepare to pay for parking. The restaurant is spacious and beautiful inside. I ordered the shrimp quesadilla and was shocked that it didn't come with rice, beans or chips and salsa. The food was hot and fresh but nothing special. read more

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I've been coming frequently since it opened. I appreciate the consistency in the quality and flavor of the food. The environment is casual and they always play authentic Mexican music. They have a point system, today my points took $5 off the total. The service is fast as well! read more

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We had heard great things about the original location and were glad to hear they opened up another location in Brightleaf Square Durham. We stopped in for a weekday dinner with a discount offer from a local dining club. They were brand new and still getting into the swing of things. We ordered at the counter and food was brought to our table. We enjoyed the gorditas and vegan chicken burrito. Portions were not huge but the quality of the food was unmistakable. We will be back to try their other options. This is not a fancy or date night type place, but more of a casual neighborhood place. read more

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To be honest, this restaurant initially gave off the vibe of a gentrified, trendy Mexican place that I'd usually be hesitant to try. BUT I had a coupon on DoorDash and decided to give it a go. I got the carnitas burrito with grilled onions, chips & queso, and esquites. WOW. Starting with the burrito, you can tell the carnitas have been marinated and give off lots of flavor. The burrito is grilled so it also has melted cheese inside with rice and beans. It was honestly incredible. Tortilla was nice and thin which is my favorite. The esquites had queso fresco, tajin, and mayo--also SO good. Fonda Lupita really impressed me and will definitely be ordering again. read more

I see why so many people in Raleigh have told me that this spot was worth the drive to its first location in Sanford. The food is delicious! Fonda Lupita is tucked in the Brightleaf district in downtown Durham and worth the hunt. Upon walking in their doors, you are greeted by the heavenly aroma of onions, garlic, and grilled meat. There's tons of seating sporting colors of white and turquoise throughout and a wrap around bar. Their menu is tiny, but mighty sporting tacos, burritos, quesadillas, taquitos, and others. I got their shrimp and pork tacos and a chicken quesadilla. Wow! Wow! And did I say wow?!? So full of flavor and made with heart. The tortillas are on the thicker side but soak up so much of the cheese and flavor of the grill. Every bite leads to another and another. And I so savored every single bite until my pants told me no more. I will be enjoying their leftovers as dinner tonight! Another thing that I love about this spot was their salsa bar! They had a green, red, spicy Pico mix, onions, cilantro, and cucumbers. Also, the staff are so nice! Eating at Fonda renewed my waining faith in finding a delicious and accessible Mexican spot in this area!! I can't wait to go back! read more

Literally probably one of the best, most authentic, delicious Mexican food spot I've had in a while. I wish they had these in Texas. Highly recommend. read more

I was excited to eat a beautiful looking taco bowl and to my dismay, it was so overly salted that I could barely eat it. Please consider your seasoning! read more

I have never written on yelp, let alone a food review. My husband and I got $100 worth of food from here and didn't get half the items. Unfortunately it was trash and the portions were tiny for the amount of $. I know times are hard, they are hard for us. We saved up money to have a delivery take out night too. Really unfortunate, our loss. read more

Fonda Lupita - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Atmosphere was great, clean and staff was friendly. The food was amazing and tastes authentic!! We had ramen birria, gorditas and birria tacos. I loved the fact the birria didn't have the cinnamon taste! read more

Fonda Lupita - Mexican Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

"Mexican in Brightleaf in Durham" Came here on a Thursday evening with a friend. The interior was a bit dark in the middle but brightly lit both where the people were working and reasonably bright near the doorway. The setup is such that one orders at a counter, gets a buzzer, and then picks up their food when ready. Soft drinks are self-serve after you pay, and there's a decent sized salsa bar sitting in the middle. I didn't try the salsas given I ordered a burrito rather than tacos. I was sad they didn't seem to have horchata, but I saw they had various agua frescas. I ordered a shredded beef burrito and shared some of my friend's chips. Food came out in maybe 10 minutes. The burrito wasn't exactly what I envisioned, but it was good-- it was "flatter" (in shape) than I would have thought so it was almost like a sandwich. It came with an "au jus"-like dip, which was tasty but a little hard to use for the burrito, though I did like it for the chips (which were THICK, so good at soaking some jus up). As burritos go, it was good-- I would've loved it more if it had some lettuce/ tomatoes or guacamole or something like that, but it was pretty much meat/ beans/ cheese/ rice. But the meat tasted high quality and the rest was fine. I probably wouldn't order that again-- if I was craving a burrito, I'd be way more likely to hit up Cosmic Cantina nearby. But I would be keen to try some of their other dishes. Overall, good. Not somewhere I'd rush back to since we have so many great Mexican and Central American restaurants in the area, but decent change-of-pace. read more

Cute ambiance, affordable prices. It was very loud in there- we went on a Sunday night and it was maybe half full, and I could barely hear my dining companion. I can't imagine how loud it must get at lunchtime. They seem to do a big take-out business. You order at the counter, and the cashier was very friendly. The food was ok- honestly not that flavorful and the portions aren't noteworthy. I got the quesabirria taco combo, which was 3 tacos with the birria sauce- it was fine, but not particularly flavorful. I even had to squeeze lime on my beans and rice side to add a little something. I also tried a shrimp taco- fine, but just had shrimp, cheese, and some sautéed onions on the side. My dining companion had the ACP with shrimp, which he said was fine. All in all, the affordability make this spot a welcome addition to Brightleaf and the downtown area, but since it's not in my regular travels each week I'm not sure I'd rush to go back. read more

Im being generous with four stars because the food was delicious but the size of the taco left much to be desired. My taco was pork carnitas for 7.25. It was on a ten inch flour tortilla filled with pork and cheese and had grilled onions on the side. Charlie got three different tacos. Two 2for Tuesday little tacos with just meat in a little corn tortilla. More like a street taco. He also got a shrimp taco (3.75) with three small shrimp in it. Sister Becky got 'stewed chicken'- a lump of shredded chicken with rice and beans for $13 -she ate it all and said it was delicious. The best thing is the salsa bar with a variety of sauces, cucumbers, onion, and cilantro. The worst thing is to be at a Mexican restaurant and have to pay FIVE DOLLARS for chips and salsa. That's just not okay. The menu on line was vast and the menu at the restaurant was not. The girl taking our order was not friendly or helpful at all. Although the food tasted fine, we won't be back. There's too many friendlier places with chips happily served with a meal. For free. read more

Food was decent but the portions were fine for the cost. We ordered a steak burrito, chicken taco, quesabirria. The guacamole was very fresh. The menu online is different but they do serve nachos in the restaurant. They just started serving alcohol the day I went so there wasn't much to choose from. The line moved fairly slow so we ended up sitting at the bar. I went within the first 2 weeks of opening day so I will give them some leeway. I can see the potential. Quick spot to grab food in the brightleaf district. read more

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I had the birria grilled cheese sandwich. Out of 5 Service-4 Drink selection- 4 Prices-3 Menu options- 4 Birria grilled cheese was great. It was a little messy so have a few extra napkins handy. read more

I love their tortas de asada and let's not talk about their beverages agua de pepino 10/10.

I went here for lunch yesterday with my coworkers. The inside is really cool for a lunch spot. You order at the counter then sit. That vibe but with a cool bar. I had the ACP. It was decent. Definitely good for the higher end vibe. I'm only taking off a star because the food just needed a bit more flavor. I would come back for sure. read more

That was yummy! Picked up an order to go. Three tacos and some chips and guacamole the tacos weren't as large as I had hoped should have ordered a couple more. Very flavorful, I'll come back! read more

The venue is in an inviting area of Durham, near a shopping center like area with a few restaurants and bars. Primarily came for the birria ramen which was a little in the lackluster side. The flavor was mild to bland, but the worst thing about it was the temperature of it. Typically when I get ramen or pho, the temperature of the soup itself is hot and not lukewarm. The tacos were decent I must admit though. read more

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