Sometimes the best things come in small, understated packages. This much is true at Garcia's Mexican Restaurant in the Carlsbad Village. Surrounded by the city's growing restaurant population, Garcia's maintains its reputation as the hotspot of delicious, authentic Mexican faire.
Located on State Street, Garcia's is a simple, yet cozy, family-style restaurant.
Established in 1960, Garcia's was the only Mexican restaurant in Carlsbad for many years, said Belynn Gonzales, the restaurant's owner.
Founded by Ophelia Garcia, Gonzales' grandmother, Garcia's features menu items from Ophelia's New Mexican heritage.
Enchiladas, quesadillas, burritos and tamales are all made from scratch in the restaurant's kitchen.
“We've kept the recipes as authentic as we can,” Gonzales said.
For her, the restaurant has been an integral part of life.
“I started here in '64,” said Gonzales, who was eight-years-old at the time.
Her initial duties included shredding lettuce, grating cheese and running to local stores to purchase hairnets and other supplies.
But she moved into a much more prominent position, taking over as owner in 1979.
In addition to continuing the tradition of fresh ingredients and authentic cuisine, Gonzales started the restaurant's catering business, Garcia's Creative Catering.
“We started the catering business aggressively probably in (1993),” Gonzales said.
By diversifying her menu to include not only Mexican favorites, but dishes from all regions, Gonzales saw the demand for her catering soar.
The catering menu includes barbecue, lasagna, grilled sandwiches and salad, among other items.
“What we try to incorporate is home cooked food,” Gonzales said. “Everything is made from scratch in our kitchen, that in itself gives you the quality of the flavor. Because we like to eat we know its tastes so good.”
It's that same simple, “quality-first,” approach to food, that has made Garcia's restaurant a success for more than four decades. Maintaining a family atmosphere has made the restaurant a favorite for those seeking refuge from the happy hour crowd.
“We are more of a quiet family restaurant where you can enjoy an excellent meal with great ambiance,” Gonzales said.
Located on State Street, Garcia's is a simple, yet cozy, family-style restaurant.
Established in 1960, Garcia's was the only Mexican restaurant in Carlsbad for many years, said Belynn Gonzales, the restaurant's owner.
Founded by Ophelia Garcia, Gonzales' grandmother, Garcia's features menu items from Ophelia's New Mexican heritage.
Enchiladas, quesadillas, burritos and tamales are all made from scratch in the restaurant's kitchen.
“We've kept the recipes as authentic as we can,” Gonzales said.
For her, the restaurant has been an integral part of life.
“I started here in '64,” said Gonzales, who was eight-years-old at the time.
Her initial duties included shredding lettuce, grating cheese and running to local stores to purchase hairnets and other supplies.
But she moved into a much more prominent position, taking over as owner in 1979.
In addition to continuing the tradition of fresh ingredients and authentic cuisine, Gonzales started the restaurant's catering business, Garcia's Creative Catering.
“We started the catering business aggressively probably in (1993),” Gonzales said.
By diversifying her menu to include not only Mexican favorites, but dishes from all regions, Gonzales saw the demand for her catering soar.
The catering menu includes barbecue, lasagna, grilled sandwiches and salad, among other items.
“What we try to incorporate is home cooked food,” Gonzales said. “Everything is made from scratch in our kitchen, that in itself gives you the quality of the flavor. Because we like to eat we know its tastes so good.”
It's that same simple, “quality-first,” approach to food, that has made Garcia's restaurant a success for more than four decades. Maintaining a family atmosphere has made the restaurant a favorite for those seeking refuge from the happy hour crowd.
“We are more of a quiet family restaurant where you can enjoy an excellent meal with great ambiance,” Gonzales said.