The Humble Mexican Restaurant In Massachusetts That's Been Owned By The Same Family For Over 20 Years
By Kim Falchek|Published October 13, 2023
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Kim Falchek
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Kim Falchek has been exploring the towns, trails, and hidden gems of Massachusetts since her college days in Boston. When not writing, Kim enjoys photography, going on road trips, and spending time at the beach. Kim has previously been a contributing writer for LA Family Travel, Global Munchkins, and Latched Mama. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts where she and her family embrace all things Halloween!
Some of the best meals that I have ever eaten have come from small family-owned restaurants. These are the places where the dishes are made to perfection and the staff welcome you as if you are family. In a time when chain restaurants dominate strip malls and downtown areas, it is not always easy to find an old-fashioned family-run establishment. However, they do exist and can even be found in the heart of our capital city. We have previously told you about the historic J.J. Foley’s Cafe in the South End and Jeveli’s Restaurant in East Boston. There is also a fabulous authentic family-owned Mexican restaurant right in Boston’s financial district.
Villa Mexico Cafe is a little Mexican take-out restaurant founded and run by an amazing woman named Julie King. Julie, who is fondly referred to as “Momma King,” was born and raised in Mexico. When she realized that there was a lack of authentic Mexican food in the area, she took a leap of faith and opened up her own restaurant. Her dishes are based on her family’s personal recipes.
Everything at Villa Mexico Cafe is homemade and is created from fresh, quality ingredients. The motto of the cafe is, “if we don't eat it in Mexico, you won't find it at our restaurant.”
The Cafe is currently located in Boston’s financial district, but its journey to this spot has been somewhat of a rollercoaster ride. The restaurant first opened over 20 years ago in Woburn, Massachusetts but was sadly lost to a fire.
The business relocated to a second location in Woburn and then operated out of a gas station in Beacon Hill. The gas station was later torn down and Julie and her restaurant were forced to relocate once again.
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Villa Mexico Cafe opened on Water Street in 2016 and has been going strong ever since.
The eatery is best known for not just one, but two of its authentic menu items. The first is its black salsa, which was created from a family recipe that includes garlic, tomatoes, and peppers.
The restaurant is also highly recognized for its burritos. Villa Mexico Cafe has won multiple awards and has been recognized by local media outlets as having the best burritos in the city. Each burrito is made to order with fresh ingredients such as chorizo, mole poblano, rice, veggies, black beans, and house salsa.
Other delicious menu items include tostadas, burrito bowls, quesadillas, flautas, and sweet bread.
Julie and her staff encourage patrons to call ahead with their orders. The food here is homemade and prep time is longer than at an assembly line chain burrito place.
Have you dined at this delicious cafe? What was your favorite thing to eat? More information about Villa Mexico Cafe can be found on the Villa Mexico Cafe website and the Villa Mexico Cafe Facebook page.
If you enjoy visiting family-owned establishments as much as I do, you may want to have a meal at these other delicious Massachusetts family-run restaurants. And if you find yourself looking for a fun activity to do while you are in Boston, consider taking a small group walking tour. It is a great way to learn about the history of the city and to view some amazing sites!
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