Lobera bringing casual yet authentic Mexican eats to Hillsborough Street.
For those who already miss the Mexican eats coming out of Gonza’s former Hillsborough Street location, we’ve got some good news. Family- and NCSU alumni-owned tacos and tequila spot Lobera is opening in its place later this summer, bringing with it a newfound taste of Mexico to Raleigh. … So, something to ~taco~ bout indeed.
Translating to “the place where all the wolves gather” (get it?) in Spanish, Lobera will indeed be a hot spot for those looking to spice up traditional Mexican fare with contemporary twists across lunch, dinner and brunch. Think unique tacos, natch, in addition to classic Tex-Mex dishes like ACP, enchiladas and burritos, not to mention creative standouts like birria ramen and Mexican-inspired sushi, the latter of which is all the rage in Mexico.
As far as drinks, you can bet margaritas will be a menu mainstay, with seasonal tequila-based cocktails to boot. Expect tropical influences in the summertime and fall-forward flavors once the temps cool—with classics always on offer.
“We’re grabbing influence from modern-day Mexico City,” says partner Minerva Llamas, whose family of restaurant vets owns 20+ other restaurants in the Southeast. “It’s such a cultural hub of modern Mexican culture, but also international influences as a major cosmopolitan city—there will be something for everyone.”
Undergoing a reno to elicit a more casual-elevated approach—influenced by what Llamas sees in her visits to Mexico City—expect that authentic essence of Mexico to be mirrored in the vibey, hip, welcoming interior.
And, as a Pack alumna, you can bet she hopes to integrate Lobera as a literal place the wolves gather and into the local community on Hillsborough Street—from hosting game day watch parties and fundraisers to eventually incorporating art from local college students.
“We are incredibly excited to join the community. It’s such a wonderful opportunity to be part of Hillsborough Street, and we’re going to work hard to become a social and cultural hub. We want Lobera to be a warm and inviting space for all.”
Soon shaking up Glenwood South is La Mala’s just-announced DTR location.
Get your party hats and dancing shoes ready—La Mala is bringing the fiesta to Glenwood South. The sister restaurant to Glenwood Avenue’s La Santa is opening a second location—the first boasting Downtown Durham digs—in the former DTR Clouds Brewing space by the end of the year (fingers crossed for as early as November). And it promises to be a vibe.
“We decided to take over the former Clouds Brewing because it’s a prime location, and our concept is to have fun, drink, eat and dance—so the area seemed fitting for that,” says owner and CEO Jesse Monsivais, the mastermind behind both concepts, along with partners Eleuterio Madrigal and Leonel Vega. “Plus the outdoor seating area has so much potential.”
Indeed, the vibrant, colorful bar atmosphere will make for the perfect space to socialize while imbibing—not to mention provide sustenance for the dance floor (!). Frequent flyers at the Durham outpost can expect the food and drink menus to be much the same as those in the Bull City, with the addition of exclusive City of Oaks offerings such as Mexican-style pizza and wings.
Beyond the exclusive-to-Raleigh bites, authentic Mexican street-food faves shine at La Mala. Think best-sellers like quesabirria and asada tacos, Mexican fries, made-to-order guac, and the Torta Cubana—plus Friday/Saturday/Sunday brunch ops like chilaquiles and tres leches French toast. (So, yes, you’re gonna wanna call out “sick” on a Friday.)
Tequila- and mezcal-based cocktails round out the experience—and are definitely worthy of a ’Gram snap. Hey, flower-adorned Gold Digger; bright teal-colored Agua de Tulum; and Bad Bunny, served in a Clase Azul mug. Naturally, you can’t go wrong with a standard margarita either, made with La Santa’s signature mix.
Photo by Albright Studio
“We want to add these items to bring something different to Downtown Raleigh and not compete with our mother location,” adds Monsivais. If anything, it’s all the more reason to gather your friends to party. Fiesta mode: on.lamalamx.com
Cilantro Add a little ~spice~ in your life by bellying up to this family-owned and -operated biz rolling out street-style Mexican fare. The menu feats all the classics your heart (and stomach!) desire—think burritos, tacos, quesadillas, nachos and corn masa empanadas. Naturally, you’re gonna wanna ask for a fresh sprinkling of cilantro on whatever dish you end up ordering. And be sure to save room for dessert… the caramel-filled churros are a must-order. Taco ’bout a sweet ending! cilantromexicancuisine.com
Mike’s Nice Empanadas “What’s in your pocket?” If it’s not one of these delish empanadas, you’re doing it wrong. The truck serves up four different types of authentic flavor bombs: The Boricua with ground beef and cheese, a cheesy chicken op, a birria empanada served with consommé, and a Monterey Jack cheese-stuffed number. Don’t sleep on the Philly cheesesteak egg rolls either—best enjoyed with the cult-favorite pink sauce. Pro tip: If the buffalo chicken empanada happens to be on the menu when you visit, you’re definitely gonna want to order it. How nice! mikeniceempanadas.com
Captain’s Gastro It’s all Greek to us. … Inspired by cuisine from the Land of the Gods, this truck is run by two chefs, Elif & Mehmetcan Engin, who together tout 15 years of culinary experience whipping up Mediterranean– and Aegean-inspired dishes. Start your meal off with a fry basket (think of it like loaded Greek fries); then choose from a vibrant selection of bowls, plates, sandwiches and wraps. Round out your meal with the tahini baklava—because duh. captainsgastro.com
Blu Tee Spoon Feeling blu? There’s nothing a burger can’t fix—and, bonus, these juicy gourmet patties are 100% plant-based. Founded by traveling registered nurse Teresa Sparks after she struggled to find good vegan ops in various cities, the mobile vegan burger destination serves up Southern comfort fast food with a twist. “Chick’n” fries, mac and cheese, and vegan wings are just some of the standouts on the menu, which changes daily, in addition to rotating burgs, natch. Get those spoons—and forks—up! bluteespoon.square.site
¡A huevo! Whatever you thought you knew about Tex Mex fare is about to change—in the best way. Say hola to Fenton’s newest highly anticipated restaurant, Superica by celeb chef Ford Fry! The venerated (real) Tex-Mex restaurant—which got its start in Atlanta and now boasts 10 locations—is an homage to Fry’s Texas roots and his food memories there, with a menu focused on what he dubs “Tex-Mex playbook classics.” Think crispy beef tacos; cheese enchiladas with San Antonio-style chili gravy; queso fundido; and elevated dishes like wood-grilled fajitas, posole and ceviche—NTM brunch selects like huevos rancheros, tamales and eggs, and hot cakes.
In front of the opening, Fry flew in this weekend to give us a sneak peek, chat what’s behind his resto names (and how to say them)—and what might be next for him in Raleigh. Tune into our podcast, episode 29, dropping Sept. 27, to eavesdrop on this candid convo.
On Superica, he says: “We are excited to join the Fenton development and are looking forward to bringing flavors inspired by Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants in the South to the Cary community.”
And, of course, you can’t do Tex-Mex without drinks. Find beer, wine, margaritas aplenty (we’re eyeing The Tempest: a mix of tequila, mezcal, triple sec, agave nectar, fresh lime juice and Cowboy Gringo hot sauce!), and other refreshing cocktails made with Texas-made spirits and agave spirits.
Superica’s atmosphere will complement the overall Tex-Mex theme as well. Designed in conjunction with Smith Hanes (who also designed other Superica locations around the South), the new location boasts a colorful, energetic vibe reminiscent of Texas dance halls with a mix of unique artwork and vintage elements—and a spacious outdoor patio to boot (!).
“The atmosphere of the Old West has been preserved for the enjoyment of all guests,” says Fry, “and we want Superica to be a place where people can come with their friends and have a good time while enjoying the flavors and vibe of an old Texas dance hall or cafe.” Bienvenidos!
