I was looking for a place to eat on my visit to Sanford and found this place, I had some flautas and they were pretty good I was not disappointed, nachos were good as well and the cucumber drinks was delicious. If I come back to Sanford I'm definitely will eat here again. read more

Fonda Lupita - Nachos and flautas - Mexican Near Me - Sanford, North Carolina

See all

Tried the Sanford location. OMG. The quesobirria taco combo was insanely good, because who doesn't like a cheese-chicken taco that you can dip into consommé. Tried some green pork and chicken tamales, washed them down with horchata and Jamaica, the size of Big Gulps. Lots of salsas to choose from, plus pickled jalapeños and cucumbers. The food here is gut-busting delicious, so lucky me that I work in Durham near their other location. Worth a visit if you're craving some Mexican. read more

Fonda Lupita - Huge - Mexican Near Me - Sanford, North Carolina

See all

Wow awesome food! You order at the counter and then they bring you your food. Had a well stocked salsa bar. A nice place to enjoy dinner with your friends! Slightly pricey but for sure worth it!!! read more

Fonda Lupita - Mexican Near Me - Sanford, North Carolina

See all

My son requested Mexican food for his birthday! Since we moved here, we have tried a few hyped up spots in Fayetteville area & was never impressed, left disappointed everytime. Decided to go try out Fonda Lupita tonight & we all loved it so much! Everything was so delicious, I could drink their queso, grilled peppers were actually spicy & they even got that GOODT ice!! Customer service was great & ambiance was very fun and cute! They even had a whole room section of toys, air hockey etc for the kids! Not a thing was left on our plates! DEVOURED. At the end, my son said- "This was the best birthday dinner ever." Yay!! Thank you Fonda Lupita. read more

See all

I stopped by Fonda Lupita and omg I've been turned out. The Birria grilled cheese was SO good. My food came out really fast along with a fresh lime drink. read more

Fonda Lupita - Birria Grilled Cheese - Mexican Near Me - Sanford, North Carolina

See all

The food is absolutely amazing! Every time we go in, we pick a different menu item and we have not been disappointed yet! The staff is so friendly and helpful! You have to check them out! read more

This has to be the best Authentic Mexican restaurant in Sanford, Lee County, and potentially the greater triangle. It's incredible. Authentic is key here. Quesabirria tacos are excellent. They have a tequila and margarita bar that is phenomenal. Go here. You won't regret it and will come back frequently. read more

Good food, not great. Kinda pricy for the area. I chose quesabirria combo that has 3 tacos, consume, and a rice/beans side. The tacos were well grilled (or fried?). The beef was generally not very flavorful except a few random bites. The consume could be better flavored too. Rice and beans were just okay. Kid had a chicken burrito which he liked. read more

As soon as you walk in you're greeted by fun music, a stunning atmosphere and great smells! You order your food at the front before sitting down. The staff was very nice and helpful. I ordered the Birria ramen. This was the second time I've tried it and it did not disappoint. If you're looking for traditional food then order something else as this is a little non traditional but still amazing to me as a noodle lover. I hear the tacos are wonderful which I will try the next time. P.S. - Look how hot that food is read more

See all

Oh my gosh! Such a cute place in a random strip mall. There's two counters - one for food and the other for drinks. Plenty of seating options from high table, bar, to booths. It's not a regular Mexican joint. Totally recommend the birria plate and to try a drink. Those drinks are SO pretty. read more

Fonda Lupita - Strawberry basil marg - Mexican Near Me - Sanford, North Carolina

See all

Best Beria tacos in town! so glad to have such an amazing restaurant in our small town.

Cute place. My burrito was amazing and the salsa was amazing. We will definitely go back when in the area again.

I used to recommend this place often especially for their homemade chips but we went in again yesterday and the food was not the same at all. They still charge for chips/cheese/salsa but now it looks like it's just plain bagged chips like any other place and the cheese was just unflavored liquid. Way overpriced for what you're getting and the tacos didn't see to be as good of quality as they used to be. I asked the waitress if something had changed and apparently they're under new ownership/management so next time you go be prepared that it might not be like it was before unfortunately. I will not be returning after these changes. read more

Fonda Lupita - Chips cheese and salsa all about $12 - Mexican Near Me - Sanford, North Carolina

See all

This place is SO good. I'm not into authentic Mexican so I was a bit worried I wouldn't be able to find something I would like but I did and I have a few things I will get the next times I go. The cashier did recommend a few things and I ended up getting the one she recommended which was QuesaBirria and it was really good. I loved the dipping sauce. I did get NO cilantro as I can't stomach it which I appreciate being able to keep it off. I plan to go in the next week or so! The inside is soooo cute too! read more

Fonda Lupita - Mexican Near Me - Sanford, North Carolina

This is not your typical Mexican place. No servers at the table. No free chips and salsa. You pay for everything. You get your own food. Chips and salsa: I love 'em. Something about the chips: thick but not too hard. Salsa has a great taste. Tacos were good but I have had better. I was there after 5pm. It was cloudy outside. Inside, I think it was a bit too dark. It felt like a fast food joint. I would not call this place a restaurant. The potential is there. I visited them at the original location a while back. I liked it much better then. read more

Fonda Lupita - Birria Tacos, chips and salsa - Mexican Near Me - Sanford, North Carolina

I frequent this spot often, and am never disappointed. The food, decor, service and atmosphere are always incredible. The food is always flavorful, and I'm especially grateful for the many vegetarian options. The Margaritas and other cocktails are not only beautiful, but delicious. A must have in the Sanford area. read more

Fonda Lupita - Mexican Near Me - Sanford, North Carolina

Fonda Lupita is on another level! It's one of those rare gems where you don't mind driving an hour or two just to please your taste buds. I was passing by on my way back home to Chapel Hill and decided to give it a shot. The space is huge and clean too! The food is so good that you may want to arrive early to beat the rush. I ordered the Quesabirria Combo which came with 3 Quesabirrias and rice/bean which came out to be about $12-13. For the quality and quantity, the price point is right on! The best Quesabirria I've had -- I kid you not! The flavor palette was like fireworks in my mouth. Dip it in the side of soup and hot sauce and you got yourself something special. The rice and bean were delicious as well! Rice and beans! How is that even possible? I was so impressed that I went back to order more rice/beans + asada taco + cucumber lime drink. They were all a hit as well. I can't wait to come back here to fulfill my taco cravings! I'm about 40-50 minutes out and will drive to eat here! That good! Overall, A+ customer service with all smiles which I always appreciate. Made the food that much better! read more

We came on a Friday night & beat the major rush of people. I love there's a play area for kids in the back. I ordered some tacos & they were good. The margarita went down very quickly & it was strong. We got chips & queso for an appetizer. The chips almost tasted burnt & too thick. I guess we're used to thin chips so it was a different taste than we were expecting. Overall, a good place with a laid back vibe. read more

Fonda Lupita - Skinny margarita - Mexican Near Me - Sanford, North Carolina

This place was great. Service was quick and polite. We ordered the torta and sopa de res. Both meals were seasoned well, portions were perfect, hot and delicious. We highly recommend a visit to Fonda Lupitas for lunch or dinner! read more

Excellent food, friendly staff and quick service in a relaxed environment! What more could you ask for? Their aqua fresca was divine!

The food is delicious as are the margaritas. The street corn was a great treat. I really enjoy that the menu includes a broad choice of Mexican dishes. read more

This is a cute restaurant especially for Sanford. The outdoors is great with a play area for kids and a few tables. The inside is huge but could fit many more tables. Also I don't know what is up with the bare unfinished concrete floors. That throws off the entire place that's well painted and decorated. There is also a kids play area inside. The bathrooms weren't bad. There was a weird smell inside the restaurant. I couldn't eat inside because of the smell. I think I seen an air purifier so at least they're aware of it being smelly. The food took a while due to the weekend lunch rush. The chips and queso were delicious. It was a different type of chip and thick. My shrimp tacos were good. However, my husband and kids didn't love their chicken tacos, beef tacos and birria. read more

This very small, order-at-the-counter restaurant, with the daily menu on chalkboards, is on Eater's top 11 U.S. restaurants, and now we know why. Everything here is fresh and house made. After devouring three tacos (two shrimp and one steak) with delicious, homemade tortillas that held their shape (and didn't fall apart like a lot of them can), I don't think I want a store-bought tortilla ever again. My tacos were small, but packed with perfectly-cooked, tasty filling, and three were plenty for lunch. My friend got a variety of things, including a tamale and a gordita, and loved everything. Prices aren't listed on most of the items on the chalkboards, and some of the item names were unfamiliar to us. The fantastic servers, though, are there to help. Be prepared to pay a bit more than at most Mexican restaurants, but be assured that you're paying for the quality. We've read that they're opening a larger location in Sanford in January and are planning on eventually expanding into the Triangle. They can't get here soon enough! read more

Fonda Lupita - Mexican Near Me - Sanford, North Carolina

See all

Of all the authentic Mexican restaurants I have been to this one tops them all! As soon as I took my first bite I felt like I was back in Guadalajara Mexico. The most authentic tacos you will find. I ordered tacos of carne asada and pastor. Very yummy! We also ordered a chicken tamale. It was so good. Portions are small but prices are reasonable. 1 taco is about 3-4 inches in diameter. The tamale was also small but perfection. Here, you walk up and order. There is a bar separate for alcoholic beverages. The bartender is very attentive. The margaritas were delicious. I recommend the Kalo (house margarita). This place was clean, the music on point and impeccable service. If we are ever in the area again, we will be back! read more

See all

Ten stars! I saw a post about this place in Stanford on social media and immediately saved it on my maps app for a time when I'd be in the area. That time was today. Amazing. Delicious! Tasty! Exceeded expectations! Friendly service! Unique interior! Bar! If you are in the area I highly recommend checking out Fonda Lupita. I will be back. read more

Fonda Lupita - Tamales & gorditas - Mexican Near Me - Sanford, North Carolina

See all

Sanford, N.C., is probably the last place you'd expect to find world-class Mexican food, but a visit to Fonda Lupita will quickly absolve you of that bias. An inauspicious, but spacious, hole-in-the-wall in a dated strip mall, this casual eatery wouldn't warrant a second glance were it not for the national acclaim it deservedly earned from a national foodie website. Dropping in for lunch a few weeks back to see what all the fuss was about, I was blown away by the flavorful and fresh Quesabirria, which necessitated a second visit to try the delicious Shredded Chicken and Steak Gorditas, which paired nicely with a fabulous, oversized, margarita. Everything about Fonda Lupita is perfect, from the friendly and helpful counter service to the crisp and tasty chips & salsa. Just soak in the low-key, self-serve atmosphere and prepare yourself for one of the best Mexican meals you're ever likely to have. Yes -- all in the quiet Raleigh suburb of Sanford, North Carolina. read more

See all

Food meh. Atmosphere beyond awful. Service waaaay beyond terrible. Why anyone goes here is beyond comprehension. Maybe it was good at one time but it certainly isn't now. I honestly would rather starve. If it was free I still wouldn't want to go. Yes, the entire experience is that bad. read more

The food here is amazing! Every bit of meat is cooked to perfection with incredible flavor. The staff is friendly and helps with any questions you have about the menu. read more

Low key casual atmosphere. Some Latin food offerings on sale as you enter. You order at the counter and get a buzzer. Get your drink and utensils and napkins. The order process was pretty quick and I only sat down a minute or two before my order was ready. I enjoyed my meal. The food was very tasty and I'll probably be back to try something else. The price was a little more than I expected but then a lot of places and now a days. read more

Fonda Lupita - Exterior - Mexican Near Me - Sanford, North Carolina

You want authentic Mexican food... this is it!!! For real!!! Flavors are incredible. Our group traveled almost 2 hours to try the Our State Magazine recommendation. It did not disappoint. My 4 stars would be for the decor/facilities. It needs some TLC. To be so "new" I honestly thought it was 20 years old. read more

See all

Great food! They are pricey though. A dinner for my husband and I is over $40. We don't go here often for that reason, but we do enjoy the authenticity of the Mexican cuisine found here. read more

I absolutely love this place. From the weird food for sale in the food line to the weird kids play room and awkward open space with only a couple of tables...the food is legit, the beers are cold and the margaritas are pretty. Sit at the bar for some extra entertainment. read more

Fonda Lupita - Bar games - Mexican Near Me - Sanford, North Carolina

See all

Delicious as it was in the old location! The menu is bigger so more choices. A bar that I didn't try on this visit but same great staff and food! read more

Fonda Lupita - Mexican Near Me - Sanford, North Carolina

New location! Lots of space and seating with the same great taste. Ordered carne asada Gorditas, Chicken Tinga tacos and a pepino/Lima agua fresca- so flavorful and delicious!! The salsa was so yummy!!! You have to stop by and check out their menu. read more

See all

Best street tacos I have ever had, even beats tacos I have had across Southwest Texas. Not sure how they season, but it's the perfect blend of spices and taste. Had the steak, chicken, pork, and shrimp. If you only get two go steak and shrimp. Use the green sauce provided adds nice touch. If I had to nitpick the pork and chicken were ever so slightly dry. Ambiance is no frills diner like with music. Huge play area with oversized Connector Four and Jenga games for kids separated from dinners, but in sight of most tables. Service is fast and nice. No wait staff. You order at front counter, receive a vibrating puck and pick up at central location. Could get a photo, with friends and family, presentation is mouth watering. read more

We ordered the Quesabirria and the Pozole. The Quesabirria was outstanding. The shredded brisket was so flavorful and the melted cheese and griddled tortilla made it crispy and gooey. Over the top, when you dip it in the brothy sauce that comes with it. They make their tortillas to order, so the chips were hot and fresh and the salsa was legit. The Pozole was vibrant with huge chunks of pork and hominy. It was not spicy, but they gave us house made hot sauce and fresh lime to kick it up a notch! If you are in the area this is where you need to be! read more

See all

Fonda Lupita combines Mexican street fare with a full-service bar. We left the restaurant disappointed with the food and what passes for customer service. It's all self service here, from ordering at the counter, to picking up your own food, then cleaning your table and throwing away the paper serving containers. None of this stops the restaurant from sticking their hand out for a nice tip. Pro tip: Pay close attention to the menu board when ordering. Despite the prominent header listing the price for gorditas and tacos, read the fine print under the fillings. Six of the 11 fillings have an up-charge of up to $1. My dining companion and I ordered tacos and a tamale. Tacos are definitely on the small side and the fillings are not very generous. The al pastor was very salty but otherwise bland. Unlike many taquerias, the filling had not been cooked to order and was served lukewarm. Likewise, the birria taco was very dry and flavorless - it was the worst of the bunch. The chicharron prensado taco was a few chewy chunks of chicharron served in a red sauce. It wasn't very good, but definitely a step up from the al pastor and the birria. My favorite was the carnitas in salsa verde. It was warm and flavorful. The chicken tamale was a dry, barely warm, flavorless disaster. When we placed our order, we were assured the tamale was house-made and steamed to order. While the tamale was obviously made in house, it was absolutely not steamed to order. It had clearly been sitting around for a while and tossed in a paper serving boat when our order came in. Fonda Lupita has a self-service dispenser for plastic eating utensils located at the counter. When I picked up our food, I noticed that the fork dispenser was taped shut. I mentioned to an employee that we would need a fork to eat the tamale. She had the gall to tell me that we should eat the tamale with a spoon. When I asked if she could check in the back for a fork, she shook her head and told me to use the spoon. This was unacceptable and the worst customer service I've experienced in a while. For a business so eager to solicit tips, Fonda Lupita needs to better train their employees and either keep an ample supply of eating utensils or go to a store to purchase an emergency supply if they run out. One and done. read more

Fonda Lupita - Mexican Near Me - Sanford, North Carolina

This place is fantastic! The vibe in here feels authentic and comforting. I had the ACP bowl and was delighted the whole time. The cactus added to the pico was the right choice. I asked about non-meat options, since the menu is full of meat, and that was her suggestion. Service was a fast on a weekday lunch order, and they were all very polite and helpful. read more

See all

Excellent food & atmosphere overall. The server at the front was pleasant and didn't mind answering my questions. They were out of a few things I wish they had but their menu is ever changing so I can't be mad. I tried several new items I hadn't had before because of this. Hope they keep the Birria torta, papusas & elote. We will be back!!! read more

See all

Eater named this one of the 11 best new restaurants in the entire U.S. in 2021. It was some of the best Mexican food we've ever had. * Quesabirria are the stars - basically a deep-fried quesadilla/taco, with a broth that you dip it in. * Asada Gorditas were excellent, with clearly homemade shells. * We got some carnitas tacos and the pork was perfect. It's pay-and-try style service, but they manage to make the interior a little nicer than a standard Taqueria. There are outside tables that look nice but it was cold when we went. Also the staff are really friendly and very hard working. read more