Pueblo Nuevo

Mexican restaurant · Portage Park

Pueblo Nuevo

Mexican restaurant · Portage Park

3

4342 N Central Ave, Chicago, IL 60634

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Pueblo Nuevo by null
Pueblo Nuevo by null
Pueblo Nuevo by null
Pueblo Nuevo by null
Pueblo Nuevo by null
Pueblo Nuevo by null
Pueblo Nuevo by null
Pueblo Nuevo by null
Pueblo Nuevo by null
Pueblo Nuevo by null
Pueblo Nuevo by null
Pueblo Nuevo by null
Pueblo Nuevo by null
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Pueblo Nuevo by null
Pueblo Nuevo by null
Pueblo Nuevo by null
Pueblo Nuevo by null
Pueblo Nuevo by null
Pueblo Nuevo by null
Pueblo Nuevo by null
Pueblo Nuevo by null
Pueblo Nuevo by null
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Pueblo Nuevo by null
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Pueblo Nuevo by null
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Highlights

Authentic Mexican street food, family-owned, warm hospitality, delicious coffee  

Featured in Eater
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4342 N Central Ave, Chicago, IL 60634 Get directions

pueblonuevo.shop

$10–20 · Menu

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4342 N Central Ave, Chicago, IL 60634 Get directions

+1 773 283 8058
pueblonuevo.shop

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 15, 2025

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@eater

Chicago’s Best Mexican Restaurants | Eater Chicago

"For over a decade, Lulú Álvarez and Joaquín Lara have served street food classics in Portage Park. From tongue tacos, tortas, and pozole, to a lesser-known street food darling: the pambazo, a type of Mexican sandwich made using a soft bread roll dipped in a red guajillo pepper sauce with lightly-fried potatoes. Filling options include chorizo with potatoes, steak, and chicken. Named after a city in Guanajuato, Pueblo Nuevo’s menu could not miss the opportunity to pay homage to one of the local favorites: green pozole. But unlike the pumpkin seed-based version commonly found in Guerrero, this pozole is made with tomatillos, resulting in a unique flavor, and served with chicken instead of pork. Traditionally mild, patrons can adjust the heat. The restaurant recently added mole enchiladas." - Brenda Storch

https://chicago.eater.com/maps/best-mexican-restaurants-chicago-map
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@eater

Portillo’s Releases Its First Vegan Hot Dog - Eater Chicago

"A GoFundMe campaign is underway at Pueblo Nuevo, a Mexican restaurant in Portage Park, to raise money to cover the cost of an emergency surgery chef-owner Lourdes “Lulú” Alvarez underwent two weeks ago to remove a pair of noncancerous tumors." - aimee.levitt

https://chicago.eater.com/2022/5/18/23108719/portillos-garden-dog-vegan-pueblo-nuevo-fundraiser-doms-brendan-sodikoff-phillips-academy-buona-beef
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@eater

Where to Eat Pozole in Chicago | Eater Chicago

"Lulú Álvarez and her husband Joaquín Lara have spent the last 11 years catering to Portage Park with a selection of Mexican street food staples from tacos and tortas to gorditas and pambazos. With their warm hospitality, curated menu, and a little bit of showmanship, it is easy to understand why their clients are so loyal. According to Álvarez, their clients visit from as far as California when they are in town. Pueblo Nuevo is a nod to a small city in Guanajuato, where green pozole is prepared with chicken and tomatillos instead of the pumpkin seeds found in its Guerrerense counterpart. Pozole is usually mild, and heat is adjusted with the chilies that come as garnishes. Save room for a pambazo or a tongue taco." - Brenda Storch

https://chicago.eater.com/maps/chicago-best-pozole-mexican-soup-hominy-stew
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Dalinda Nieves

Google
We stopped by Pueblo Nuevo on a Saturday evening, and from the moment we walked in, we were welcomed with such warmth and positivity. The owner has an incredible energy that instantly makes you feel at home. I ordered the mole enchiladas, the owner kindly honored my request for a meatless version, filling them with rice instead. They were absolutely delicious! My husband had the asada pambazo, which was so good it disappeared in no time—so of course, he had to try the chorizo and papa pambazo and he says they were both delicious! The portions are generous, and you can truly taste the freshness of the ingredients in every bite. Beyond the amazing food, the atmosphere here is something special. This family-owned restaurant has been serving the neighborhood for over 14 years, and they truly welcome you like family. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend stopping by—not just for a great meal, but for the chance to connect with wonderful people.

J Schultz

Google
Cute little place. The owner makes you feel very welcome. Our Enchiladas de molé and Huaraches Piccadillo were delicious. Definitely recommend!

Frank Sibs

Google
Wow the over 700 reviews here speak for the business. Great atmosphere. The owner is super friendly and the food is fantastic! Swing by in the morning and have some of her special coffee it's the best! I have the steak tacos and it was actual grilled steak. No fat chunks to be spit out here. The steak quesadilla was good as well. We will be back.

Mayra E

Google
Absolutely outstanding service. Lulu and her daughter are incredibly kind, welcoming, and attentive. It truly feels like you’re being taken care of by family. The food is exceptional; everything is flavorful and made with care. I especially recommend the pambazo de chorizo con papas and the tongue tacos, both are packed with bold, authentic flavor. A must-visit spot if you love genuine, home-style Mexican food.

Lina Guad

Google
AMAZING food, authentic environment, friendly service. I love this family owned restaurant. Continue to super small Latino business, it won’t let you down. Food is very authentic true Mexican

Joel Perez

Google
Lulu is a great hostess and her husband smashes (in a good way) the cooking in the back. Great pricing, hospitality, food, atmosphere and family owned.

margaret wojtowicz

Google
Lulu is amazing!! Welcomes everyone with open heart. Amazing food and delicious coffee. Makes you feel like a family member.

Geraldine McDonagh

Google
Love this place! This is our go to when I do not feel like making dinner. Lulu is the sweetest and she makes everyone feel so welcome. Food is DELICIOUS. So happy they are a part of portage park.

Jeanine O.

Yelp
It was amazing because the staff are friendly and attentive. The pambaso with chorizo and papa was amazing and the cafe de olla was delicious. Again very kind staff and warm environment and did not expect to be so amazing. Thank you!

Jacqueline L.

Yelp
Impecable service, family friendly & the food is AMAZING. We just feel like we're going over a family members house. Pambazos are so good and the mole is delicious. The horchata is really really good too. My second time this week.
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P 3.

Yelp
One of the better Mexican spots in town. Not fancy by any means, ut certainly not a hole in the wall spot. I like it, and will be back. Would give it a 5, but service is always so average. Not that they are rude, but under staffed. It takes 10 min to even have someone greet you and ask if you want water when you sit down.

TONY K.

Yelp
The food is excellent and the service is outstanding! The staff is very welcoming and makes you feel like family.

Mary C.

Yelp
Amazing, friendly staff and the food is solid. We got the chile rellenos, tacos, and horchata. All good! Not a hole in the wall, but not super fancy inside either. They prefer cash or minimum of $10 for card.

Zellina H.

Yelp
Lulu remembered what we ordered and if we would like to have the same or something different. We were completely shocked that she remembered! We always enjoy the fajitas, burritos, infierno tacos or enchiladas molé. The salsa is different from any other we have tasted and with oranges being a side for the fajitas, we researched that Lulu's cooking is Southern Mexico! Not something offered in our area, so we love the complexity in the flavor of the red salsa. We chose flan for dessert with coffee and the smooth, creamy yet firm texture of the flan never disappoints. Also, chocolate cake at the bottom of flan?! Win, win. Lulu's service is so hospitable and remembering the order of a couple that visits a handful of times a year is impeccable. We will continue to visit every single time we are in Chicago without a doubt.

Liz Z.

Yelp
It is a very cozy place and staff always makes you feel very welcoming! The food is delicious!! My favorite is the mole enchiladas. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! This place is clean and their service is stupendous! 5 star for sure!! Highly reccomend!
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jill t.

Yelp
Such sweet, warm service and good food. Enchiladas with mole was very good, so were the spicy steak tacos (infierno tacos). Small, tidy place with local charm. You may get talked into ordering a coffee, like your mom insisting you have seconds with love, but you will like it.
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Jose C.

Yelp
I decided to finally return back, I truly regret not returning sooner. Lulu was great. She has the most amazing personality, and truly makes you feel at home. I ordered their Carne Asada burrito. The carne Asada was delicious. It was very tender and seasoned perfectly. I also substituted their lettuce and tomatoes for rice. The tacos were also very good. Lulu also recommended to try their Pambazos, and invited us back to try them out. Will definitely accept that invite!
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Mari S.

Yelp
We were looking to find a new place to try and decided to come here and it didn't disappoint the food was delicious, we had the gordita de chicharrón and omg great size and such good flavor we also tried the taco dinner and the meat was so tender and good . super friendly staff and very attentive , comfy environment too
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Rebekah S.

Yelp
Walked in based on the a rec of a friend and immediately felt at home and excited to try it out. The lady at the counter was SO nice and made my day. She recommended the chimichangas with their new mole and it was phenomenal. I took it to go but will be back with my fam to dine in and enjoy it more.
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Marcus M.

Yelp
I had to visit the best Authentic Mexican restaurant after years of dining in, due to the pandemic. And as always....Lulu and Co. serves the BEST FOOD im the local Chicagoland area! Great conversation, awesome food, and GREAT HOSPITALITY! THANK YOU LULU! My folks absolutely loved the food I brought in from your restaurant.
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Laura A.

Yelp
Amazing food, even better service. The owner is as sweet as can be and makes you feel incredibly welcome from the moment you walk in the door. The Chorizo con Papa Pambaso lived up to its name! We are thrilled to discover such an amazing restaurant in this area, we are already planning our next meal and have a list of things we want to try.

Xavier A.

Yelp
I rarely write reviews, but this exceptional dining experience deserves one. Immaculate service and the owner's warmth made us feel like family. Appreciated the GIANT sample of chilaquiles along with our tacos, just because she saw I was indecisive. It's the perfect blend of delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere. Truly a gem! I didn't come alone, but she treated everyone like family and I would definitely dine here alone or with others!
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Nicole P.

Yelp
Wow, I'm so disappointed. I placed an order for delivery for tampiquena dinner and guac and chips. I put in the notes that I wanted the steak medium rare, when it arrived the steak was like shoe leather, so dry, thin and no flavor at all, the guac was decent but over all a terrible order, won't be using this restaurant again. So many good reviews for this place, I'm shocked.

Laurie G.

Yelp
We've been coming to Pueblo Nuevo for years . And love all the food . Extremely wonderful owners . Lulu and family treat you like a family member .
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Rich R.

Yelp
They are always friendly, energetic, and provide great service. Their tacos and burritos are one of the best around. My family has a favorite mix between chicken, al pastor, and steak. The chips and salsa are also one of the best. I usually order a big container of their green spicy salsa with my orders. I use it with various at home meals. We take our orders to go which is very quick.

Colby B.

Yelp
We stopped by for lunch last weekend. Our food was delicious, and the service was great! The salsa and ranchero sauces had incredible flavor... we would have bought jars of both. Ambience was casual and comfortable. We're so glad we found this gem. We will return.
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Gerry T.

Yelp
Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill & PBS), has talked about Mexican food in Chicagoland, stating that the majority of our food (cooking style that is) comes from northern Mexico. Which is great and yet I've always been intrigued with cooking from other parts of Mexico. Kinda like the US, every region and state has their own unique style of cooking. So when the owner told me that their cooking hails from Mexico City (central Mexico), I got really excited. They have pambazos (which looks like a big torta sandwich) and huarches (which looks like an elongated tostada). I look forward to trying those on my next visit. We had their tacos, a burrito, creamy beans, a soft lengua (that's tongue) taco and I tell you, the poblano cheese stuffed taco was Muy excellente - that was my favorite for sure!! The service was great, and we were given complimentary Mexican coffee, which was somewhat grayish in color but cinnamony and darn good. The flan was thick and rich and overall, great!! It's a Family affair here with the husband cooking and the wife running the front of the shop and daughter??, running the register. Can someone spot a dynasty in the making?? We hope to come back really soon to try more of their dishes.

Joe C.

Yelp
I give the food a 5.5 out of 10 service was okay. Me and a friend stopped in with a six pack since they do not have a liquor license. Just figured it was a BYOB. The staff made a big deal about it and was borderline rude

Christopher Y.

Yelp
Great service Chicken Mole Enchiladaa and Diablo Shrimp were outstanding We will be regular customers from now on.

Dalila S.

Yelp
Food was great! The service was awesome but the lady talked TOOOOO much where me and my family couldn't enjoy our food peacefully without the lady telling her life story. Overall people were nice and attentive
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SugarButton B.

Yelp
This place is one of the BEST in the neighborhood. Lulu (and her daughters) are always super nice. The food is DELICIOUS and the service is always fast. I have been coming here for over 10 years and have never had a bad experience. If you want some delicious food and great service, check them out!
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Armando A.

Yelp
A bit overwhelming place with great service. Servers are engaging and prompt to attend. The salad was missing dressing and pretty much is not worth asking for it. The Pambazo is a tricky dish easy to get wrong, but they nailed it! Of course it wasn't prepared as spicy as it should be and was missing the queso fresco, but the presentations was nice. No washrooms, so I would recommend this place for a pick up only, or a quick bite when you are around the neighborhood. Looks a family own/run place so let's keep it alive.

Laura L.

Yelp
Just ordered a Flauta dinner this week to go- and the food had absolutely no flavor, no seasoning the chicken was so dry! could not even eat it. Refried beans and rice had no flavor, no sesasoning! Will not be ordering there again.

P C.

Yelp
Came back a few times and the experience is the same! Great food and hilarious mother/daughter combo. Quality hasn't wavered!! KEEP IT UP!! My New go to!!!
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Dan c.

Yelp
From childhood to now, hands down the best place to get authentic Mexican cuisine for a great price. The workers are some of the friendliest and funniest people I've met. I will eat here no matter what.
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Jason F.

Yelp
What a beautiful and delicious gem! The food is amazing and with a great atmosphere. The owner is so welcoming and loves to make delicious food. You can tell that they love what they do and care for their customers. Highly recommend definitely my new go to when I'm in the city. Plus they have a beautiful portrait of Frida!!!

Amari G.

Yelp
Some of the best Mexican food I've had. The owner is very nice and friendly too! I went in the first time for sopes, she told me that they were pretty big. So, I was going to just order one and she talked me into buying two. One for dinner and one for lunch the next day. When I got home to eat my sopes, it was the size of my whole face. And it was so good! I have been back a couple of times since then.
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Violet R.

Yelp
Picked up food from here as it's in the neighborhood and wanted to try a new Mexican spot. The staff is incredibly friendly and the steak in the carne asada tacos was very very delicious! tender and full of flavor, I would get them again.

B E A U T Y F.

Yelp
I got Chicken Nachos and a fish taco meal with rice and beans. This was my first time ordering from this restaurant, and I will never return. The food had little flavor, the rice was not authentic, and the sauces were insipid. The finest part about this restaurant was the side of refried beans and the horchata and the bottled cokes. Everything was a waste of time and money,
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Ann S.

Yelp
What a home cook meal felt like at your fav. aunts place. service is welcoming and had good vibes, definitely recommend
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Danny Z.

Yelp
Terrible food, I had chicken tacos and the chicken was just boiled and shredded no flavor whatsoever.
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Joe D.

Yelp
Very kind service here. I was picking up an order and once they learned I was walking, they helped me get everything secured. I had the Veggie burrito and cheese nachos, my wife had the lengua burrito, we were both very pleased with our choices, also go the horchata which was very good. We will be back for sure!
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Astro J.

Yelp
OKAY! I love Zacatacos and Taconazo, BUT I LOVE THE WAY THEY COOK HERE! It's like homemade authentic Mexican restaurant, I've been coming here for 4 days straight out of work to get myself tacos, tortas and much more, the people here are so energetic and good service. Closed on sundays, they also do catering.
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C M.

Yelp
So tasty... Service is spectacular. Not too busy, we picked up our food & it was still nice & HoTT when we got home .
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Aracely O.

Yelp
The customer service is amazing. As we were waiting for our food, we were given coffee to relax. Amazing people! Gracias!!!

Elizabeth R.

Yelp
We tried for the first time based on reviews and were not disappointed. The salsa was spicy, the horchata and cinnamon coffee were so tasty. Everyone was satisfied with their entrees and had leftovers. Entree dinners run ~13-19, but in this case you certainly get what you pay for. The service was AMAZING. Our waitress was lively and warm. We don't live in the area but we will definitely be back.
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J. S.

Yelp
The best steak tacos on the northwest side of Chicago! Lulu is amazing, food is always on point.
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Dave S.

Yelp
Great service, Lulu is the best. The food was also muy deliciouso! You will be impressed with the quality of fare.
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Vikki Y.

Yelp
I'm a proponent for decent customer service and I have to say I've never had better service in my life than at Pueblo Nuevo in Portage Park. I instantly felt at home as if I was having dinner at a friend or family's house. Lulu, the owner has had Pueblo Nuevo for 7 years and is the epitome of a fantastic hospitable hostess! We sat down and Lulu immediately brought us out sweet coffee to try and talked to us as if she knew us. She was friendly, honest, funny, and just super nice which can be rare to find. The food we ordered came in huge portions and was incredible. My boyfriend loved the super hot sauce and Lulu even brought him a small dish of it in case he wanted more! My tacos were delicious and they were genuinely the tastiest beans I've ever eaten. What takes the cake (pun intended) was ending our meal with a slice of tres leches cake which was made by a family member! It was creamy, decadent and just the right amount of sweetness. What made the experience special was how incredibly attentive she was. She helped other people and still had the time to make sure we had plenty of water and napkins (without me even asking!). She was able to intuit what a customer needed while giving us our space to chat and enjoy our meal. Lulu, thank you for such a fantastic dining experience. I have and will continue to recommend your restaurant to everyone!

Sarah L.

Yelp
Great food, but very frustrating to order on Uber Eats. I ate at the restaurant a while back and had their Huaraches de pollo and really enjoyed it. Because I don't have a car I order Uber Eats often. The first time I tried to order the Huaraches de pollo it came as a chicken burrito. I figured it was a mistake and I didn't want to make it an issue so I ate it. The next time I tried again and it came as chicken nachos. I literally laughed out loud when this happened. Like what do I have to do to get a Huarache? So I called the restaurant. Apparently the Uber Eats site is only telling the restaurant I want a chicken dish, and not telling it which one I want. So if you want to order something from the restaurant off Uber Eats I would call them right after and make sure they know what you are trying to order.
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LIDA A.

Yelp
I never thought I would enjoy a Pozole with Chicken (vs. pork) as much as I enjoyed the one I had from Pueblo Nuevo. It was absolutely delicious and satisfying - and they did NOT skimp on the chicken!! Bravo - my new favorite Pozole spot!! Did I mention...they serve Pozole daily! WOW :) Thank you for a delicious and satisfying meal!! You will see me again for sure!!
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Hebah M.

Yelp
Phenomenal! The waitress was super sweet and funny. I ordered fish tacos with rice and beans. My family had the veggie burrito, and beef and chicken tacos. Food came out super quick and did not disappoint! Chips and salsa are included. We had a tres leches cake for dessert. Loved everything!
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Alex P.

Yelp
Tried the tacos with Al Pastor and they were fantastic. The rice was also very good. I enjoyed the chips and salsa, so this will easily be one of the best places in Chicago to grab some tacos.
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Phil S.

Yelp
My sister spent the night at my house last night. True to form she wanted to go eat somewhere and she spotted Pueblo Nuevo. I have eaten at Pueblo Nuevo, but haven't been there for awhile. She had never eaten there so we went even though I wasn't sure I wanted to go but not because I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS RESTAURANT, THE FOOD & MY GIRL LULU. (& her daughter Jocelyn). Every time I have eaten at Pueblo Nuevo the food has been awesome. Lulu treats you like youre family meeting and greeting you and serving you all sorts of food even food you didn't order. As you may know I want to lose weight and I knew going there wouldn't be a simple order. The main reason I was reluctant to go was every time I have gone to this restaurant Lulu is like a Jewish mother. She is the consummate host constantly running around bringing you the food you ordered and bringing you food you didn't order. Today was no different she was so happy see me and I was happy to see her. She gave me a hug and asked why I haven't been there in so long. She is AWESOME!!! She said to me ohh you look like you lost weight (oh right SHAMU). Like I said light meal. I ordered 2 fish tacos. The fish was cut up and mixed with onions and cilantro. The fish was very tender w/a slight crispness and perfectly seasoned. My sister ordered a pambasos sandwich w/steak, melted mozzarella cheese, lettuce on a sandwich roll toasted w/melted cheese. So while we were waiting Lulu brought us 2 cups of black coffee w/brown sugar & cinnamon on the house (deliciouso) In addition she brought a plate of guacamole so creamy w/minced onions, cilantro & tomato's absolutely awesome. It just melted in our mouth. My sister was in heaven. Like that wasn't enough she got us a refill of coffee w/brown sugar and cinnamon. Well you might say where's the dessert? Well believe it or not she brought us a piece of cheesecake too. What the heck only one piece? Just kidding Lulu. You are the best and we will be back very soon. Thanks again Honey you are the absolute bestest hostess in the world. Gracias, Lulu, eres el mejor anfitrión del mundo. Uhhhh so much for my diet
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Susan S.

Yelp
Pueblo Nuevo was a delightful experience, we pulled up and were very lucky and found street parking immediately. We entered the restaurant and were greeted immediately by a very warm energetic women by the name of Lulu . My brother Phil S. has been raving about Pueblo Nuevo for quite some time so I went along and was more then satisfied by the recommendation. Lulu is an amazing passionate women and you can tell this is her pride and joy. She was lovely and very generous she brought us this big steaming bowl of coffee with a handle that had brown sugar and cinnamon .Along with chips and roasted tomato salsa. Then she brought us out the best guacamole with chunks of avocado, cilantro sweet onion . My brother has fish tacos which were excellently prepared and seasoned. They were very moist plentiful and had a slight smattering oh crispy served on yummy corn tortillas with cilantro onion and a squeeze of lime. No salt needed. I had a steak sandwich with grilled bread tomato and lettuce ate a fourth and One delicious fish taco. Then she brought us a very moist cake with whip cream. The bill was very reasonable the food was fantastic and when you enter you are greeted by the fabulous Lulu. I felt like I was in her home and she is ever so gracious. I felt like I was home and my mom was serving me everything she had. Lulu is adorable, energetic and funny! I will return with my kids and am sure they will enjoy it as well. I highly recommend this small delicious establishment and if you're lucky you'll meet Lulu!!
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Jonathan P.

Yelp
Order a steak burrito and got veggie burrito. More veggies then meat. Very little meat and does not come As big as the picture they have. Lol. Make sure to get 2 of you do order but they are very small

Tina B.

Yelp
Absolutely delicious. Always fresh and the owner is the most genuine and loving restaurant owner you ever met. Please keep this place in business. It's pretty amazing.

Chris M.

Yelp
Wonderful little gem.. both the restaurant and Lulu. Have been here twice now and were easily charmed by Lulu's sweet and bubbly personality. Burritos are amazing!