By: Gina Lloyd, Follow South Jersey Community Journalist
BRIDGETON, N.J. — Nestled in the heart of Bridgeton’s Mexican food scene is Los Molcajetes Taqueria & Restaurant.
Los Molcajetes has been serving authentic Mexican food at their restaurant since 2011 following the success of their food truck business. The ancient Mayans and Aztecs used a tool called a molcajete, which is like a mortar and pestle but made from volcanic rock. A molcajete is used to grind food, mix salsas, and as a cooking vessel.
Locals arrive at 9 a.m. daily to enjoy signature breakfast dishes including, breakfast burritos, pancakes, and huevos con chorizo. By lunchtime, patrons can expect to be served warmed tortilla chips accompanied by both the fiery Verde sauce and a rich orange sauce. The grill sizzles up tacos, burritos, chimichangas, sopesitos, and enchiladas. Their signature dish is the Molcajete mix. Favorites among visitors are La Comalada and QuesaBirria. At dinnertime, guests can expect all the lunch fanfare and delicious platters such as bistec asado, pollo ala plancha, and mojarra frita.
The ambiance of Los Molcajetes Taqueria & Restaurant features prints of famous Mexican art, including works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, alongside a colorful decor of Mexican handcrafts. The tables and chairs are brightly painted with symbolic imagery. The brightness of the decor pairs well with the warmth of the food. Their attention to their customers enhances the experience with quick service.
Owner Karen Garcia says the key to good Mexican food is that “it all starts with the salsa.” Garcia credits her mother, Maria, for her recipes, which are critical to her business.
“It is the love recipe my mom serves in every dish,” Garcia said.
The restaurant’s success also stems from the family’s love for the community. “We want to be a safe place for all people to come to enjoy comfort food for the soul,” Garcia added.
Garcia is a first-generation Chicana Mexican American citizen. Garcia credits her grandparents, Marilu Hernandez-Alcala and Miguel Chavez, for their commitment to family and community. While grieving the loss of both her grandparents this year, Garcia is honoring their memory in service to the community of Bridgeton just like her Abuelita and Don Miguel did.
The family came to the US with an entrepreneurial spirit. They started several businesses in Bridgeton, including Los Molcajetes, Pastelmex, and Teresa’s Dream Beauty Salon. They own several bakeries on the east coast. Garcia’s parents worked with the migrant farm workers at Santa Sweets in Cedarville, driving them to harvest blueberries and tomatoes. At mealtimes, they happily served generations of migrant communities in South Jersey from their food truck.
The Garcia family believes in community service. They teach taco classes for youth organizations, such as Jumping Over Obstacles, a nonprofit devoted to assisting families with autistic children. They offer food bank donations through Hope for Hank, another nonprofit. They have recently committed to donating $500 worth of food to celebrate the recipients of the RSJ Scholarship Fund.
Los Molcajetes Taqueria & Restaurant serves with a welcoming gesture that speaks to the family’s long-term commitment to the community of Bridgeton and the food of their ancestors. Garcia believes a lot of healing can happen to the human soul when all the fresh ingredients are mixed in a Molcajetes.
Visit Los Molcajetes Restaurant and Taqueria at 155 Irving Ave. in Bridgeton or call them at 856-459-5024.
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