A couple riends and I had spent the last hour or so wandering the streets of downtown Cd. Miguel…read moreAlemán, admiring the sights, enjoying the culture, and experience new things... but exploring can make three grown men hungry, and as we hiked back toward the town plaza, where we'd parked, we noticed Gorditas Aracely, strategically located in front of a pawn shop, and when the word "gordita" registered, we made a beeline for the restaurant. Our visit actually happened last year, and I'm just getting around to posting it. I can assure you this business is alive, well and producing superior gorditas. Gorditas Aracely is staffed by two women and one gentleman, outfitted in red aprons, who are very friendly, and customer-focused. They don't have a printed menu, but they offer gorditas, nopalitos, chichirrónes, picadillo, deschebrada, hot dogs, hamburgers, and other delights. The cooking is performed in the "kitchen," which is actually a small table set near the curb at the edge of the street, next to the trailer, and the trailer seems to serve the purpose of a refrigerator, storage shed, and a condiment stand. On the sidewalk, in front of the flower store, is a large folding table that serves as a prep station, and a place to stack paper plates, plastic utensils, stacks of tortillas, and other restaurant items. The operation is completely portable, and heat is provided by propane, stored in a large tank, set between the cart and the "kitchen." Gorditas Aracely is a sit-down restaurant, as they have a couple of red plastic tables, with matching plastic chairs, so you don't have to stand as you attempt to eat your meal. I haven't mastered the art of standing when I eat, like so many Mexicans have, so I always appreciate a restaurant that offers seating. In the case of Aracely, the tables and chairs were clean, which made the idea of enjoying a gordita or two more appealing. I had never seen a gordita prepared on the streets of a Mexican city, nor had I ever had the pleasure to enjoy a street-cooked gordita, prior to visiting Aracely, so I paid close attention to the lady doing the cooking, as she prepared my gorditas. Anyway, she grabbed a couple of balls of masa dough from a stock pot, and using both hands, quickly formed each one into the shape of a cd-sized tortilla, about a quarter of an inch thick. Then, she placed them into a wok-like pan of hot oil that was sizzling over high heat, and stirred them a bit with a large spatula. After the tortillas were removed from the wok they were puffed up, so she placed them on a cutting board and inserted a knife, and cut an opening in each tortilla, and hollowed out the inside to make a pita-like sandwich. She certainly held my attention... Next, she placed the tortillas on a paper plate, lined with plastic, and spooned cooked, spiced ground beef, locally known as picadillo, into each gordita, and stuffed garnishes of diced onions, cilantro shredded cabbage inside the gorditas. The ground beef, and other condiments, were kept in warming pots, built in to the "kitchen," next to the wok. She placed additional diced onions and shredded cabbage on the plate, and with a smile, handed me my delicious lunch. The gorditas were simply wonderful! The ground beef filling was very flavorful, but not at all spicy, and the garnishes complimented the filling, and the crispy, but not greasy tortillas. The lady doing the cooking must have read my mind, as by the time I finished my gorditas, she had a couple more ready for me. I protested that I didn't want any more, but with a smile, she put them on the plate in front of me. What was I to do besides enjoy a couple more? When I was finished, I handed her a MEX $50.00 to pay for my meal, but before taking my money, she asked me if I'd like any more. I thanked her, and told her that I was full, and that the gorditas were truly delicious. I wasn't saying that just to give her a "feel-good moment," or to flatter her, as the gorditas were truly delicious. Imagine my surprise when she gave me MEX $30.00 in change! We're talking about only MEX $20.00 for four gorditas and a Pepsi! When I attempted to give her the rest of the change, she wouldn't take it. Wow, I couldn't believe what was happening, as I'd never been treated to such an enjoyable meal, at such an inexpensive price. I attempted again to give her the rest of the money, but she cheerfully refused. I didn't want to offend her, but I managed to slip a dollar bill under a bottle of picante sauce for a tip. Such an amazing restaurant, located in downtown Cd. Miguel Aleman! Gordita's Aracey definitely rates five stars.

Really tasty Gorditas. They have a great variety: picadillo, queso con rajas, chicharrón, etc, etc…read more Call ahead and they will have them ready for you.

Great place for Tamales BUT also looked out for their daily special plates. I had the Chile relleńo…read moreand it was really good. They have really good salsas available!

Great selection of eats and treats. From yogurt parfaits to peanut cocktails which I highly…read morerecommend. They also have some food selections so basically something for everyone.

Service was great. For anyone traveling a great dine in taco stand to stop by. Great quality…read moreservice quick and amazing Mexican tacos.

There should be 1,000 five star reviews of the place!! I got the Hawaiian Sunrise and it was…read moreprobably the best sweet drink I'veI ever had had. It had a bunch of fresh pineapple and strawberries, whipping cream and slivered almonds on top of shaved ice with cherry and orange syrup. I wish I lived here just to go here over and over and try out more stuff. Their menu is crazy full of delicious looking concoctions.

Delicious and inventive drinks! The shaved ice here is so delectable and I love the wide assortment…read moreof fun drinks to choose from. This is deff worth the stop. Will be back!