Restaurant review: La Lupita

OPINION

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - The newest Mexican restaurant addition to The Woodlands doesn't serve the typical Americanized fare we're used to; in fact, it's tagline is "Mex, not Tex."

La Lupita means ‘little Lupe’ in Spanish, short for Guadalupe, and The Lady of Guadalupe represents the Virgin Mary; the Lady of Guadalupe is a special part of Catholicism, especially in Mexico, where the famous apparition of her was seen in the 1500s.

La Lupita Mexican Cuisine and Bar, located along the Waterway, strives to emulate Mexican culture with its food, its atmosphere (and even its name).

Inside the restaurant there is a shrine dedicated to The Lady of Guadalupe with votive candles where people can dedicate their prayers.

There is an inside bar, a comfortable outside patio and an area dedicated to making homemade tortillas. There are big screen TVs inside and outside, and Hispanic music playing consistently.

The service is great. Our waiter was very kind, and shared his knowledge of the Spanish language with us. The manager at the time was attentive, walking around making sure the customers were satisfied.

They gave my guests a purse stand so they didn’t have to leave their purses hanging from their chair. It was considerate and convenient.

The food is good, but it doesn’t resemble the authentic, Mexican food I thought it would. Mexican food can be different for many people.

I had the Choriqueso, but it had too much cheese. I expected more chorizo. Another person in the group had Tacos de Carnitas, and they were good. However, I like the meat inside tacos to be moist, but these were fairly dry.

The food is well priced and the experience is great though. I had a good time there with my family and friends, talking about our Mexican culture and food. I enjoyed listening to my grandma talking to our waiter in Spanish, which we rarely get to hear.

La Lupita does a great job at sharing Mexican culture with the public. Its location along the Waterway is sure to bring more people to the new restaurant. The atmosphere allows for children to eat there as well.

I give La Lupita four out of five stars.