WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. — There are over 100 Hispanic owned restaurants in Western New York. One Williamsville taqueria offers a unique spin on Mexican classics.
As the Hispanic and Latino population continues to grow in WNY, so does the selection of restaurants. Whether you are looking for Puerto Rican, Columbian, or Mexican, there is an authentic and locally owned spot in the area.
Taquito Lindo is a family-owned taqueria in Williamsville. Sandra Ortiz-Juarez and her husband, Andrew Mackmin own the restaurant. Even though they didn't have restaurant experience, they began to practice making 'tacos al pastor' in their own backyard..
They say it took two years of perfecting their recipes using a trompo until they were finally able to open up their first location in June 2021 on Grand Island. Since then, they have now relocated to Williamsville and sell tacos that represent all different kinds of regions in Mexico.
"We are trying to recreate how you feel when you are in Mexico through the colors, the flavors, the food and everything," Ortiz-Juarez said.
"Being in that culture reminded me a lot about being in WNY. Community. We also talk about being good neighbors and things like that. When I was living in Mexico that's the same way that I felt it when I was welcomed into homes. It all came around at the dinner table. It was always let's have some food. Let's have some drink," Mackmin said.
They also serve traditional Mexican cocktails, including a carajillo and Mezcal based drinks. Taquito Lindo is located at 5481 Sheridan Drive in Williamsville.
Other authentic restaurants and a staple in the WNY Hispanic and Latino community include:
Sabores de mi Tierra (Colombian)
247 Niagara Street
Niagara Cafe (Puerto Rican)
525 Niagara Street
El Encanto (Puerto Rican)
257 Virginia Street
El Coquito (Puerto Rican)
242 Allen Street
Yummy’s Restaurant (Dominican)
2097 Seneca Street
