Lupita Mexican Food and Fruiteria (El Cajon)

Here you are, at mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog.  Kirk is extremely busy with necessary errands.  Ed (from Yuma) is busy making plans.  Cathy is blogging today, because she is, comparatively, not busy.

Election Day in November had me assigned by the Registrar of Voters to El Cajon, where I drove in circles, putting out fires and waiting for phone calls telling me of impending fires all day.  Some of the areas I passed had interesting places to eat.  Lupita Mexican Food and Fruiteria caught my eye.  It shares the parking lot (around the corner) with the generically named 'Tortilla Salsa Market'.  There are quite a few other businesses here also. (The signage you see from the street is 3rd photo from the end).The rather extensive menu offers the usual items.  The quality is notable.  The shrimp tostada ($4.19) was made with large shrimp, in a fresh salsa and served with a side of avocado. This was excellent.The al pastor burrito ($4.50) was freshly made, pretty average, quite large. I'd order it again; it's more interesting than a carne aside burrito.Ordering to eat in, a basket of thin corn chips is served, along with the house made salsas in squeeze bottles. 

Above, a freshly squeezed "Popeye", medium size ($4.50) juice.  Made with spinach, carrot, celery, cucumber and apple, it was just right. I like that it is just juice, no ice.

Carne asada tostada ($3.99) was quite large and very good.  Tamarind raspado ($3.25)(16 oz) is nicely made here, from the whirring of the shaved ice machine in the back to the tamping of fresh tamarind pieces, each item I've ordered here has been carefully hand made and served with care.  The ladies working here are very nice.Almost every visit, I've ordered a small fruit salad ($6.65) with everything (cottage cheese, raisins, granola, coconut and honey)...and have needed to take hime leftovers.Tortas here are made with a great bread which is brought up from Mexico.  Above, the Lomo ($6.50) is my usual choice.  Lettuce, tomato, onions, cheese avocado and a thin layer of beans surround the beef (and sometimes, pork) tenderloin, which is cured then chopped and heated for this sandwich.This is the signage you'll see from the street.  Notice the bottom two lines: 'Sideways Bar'.  Now, you may have noticed I've been doing quite a few posts under the "Pubs and Pub Grub" section of the blog.  It seems that Sideways doesn't serve food, but the bar patrons walk to Lupita, order and pay.  Then, one the order is ready, one of the ladies walks to deliver the food to the bar.  

Consistently, one item seems to always be ordered.  The double cheeseburger. So, you know, I had to...Behold, the double cheeseburger ($4.50).  As you can see, two large patties, lettuce tomato and two different cheeses on a toasted bun.  This was filling and quite good. I understand why it's an order for the bar patrons.  

Another fruiteria which is locally owned and serves quality food.

Lupita Mexican Food and Fruiteria 1088 Estes (at Chase, one block East of Emerald) El Cajon 92021 (619)593-9500

Comments

[janfrederick]

I love burgers from Mexican places for some reason. Perhaps it's just a Southern California thing.

[Cathy]

You are right, JF- burgers from Taco Shops are a Southern California mainstay...Del Taco had great ones 50+ years ago and still do today.

[caninecologne]

Tamarindo raspados are so good...very refreshing.

[Cathy]

Because tamarind is slightly tart and not as sweet as all the fruit based items, cc. At least, that's my preference.

[Ed (from Yuma)]

Good post. You keep finding them, Cathy!

[Cathy]

Thanks, Ed. Lupita was never on my radar, but the Registrar of Voters assignment got me looking for places close to homes where people eat. It's really good.