Lourdes Mexican Food stands as a testament to family dedication and authentic flavors, becoming a beloved culinary institution across North County, San Diego. What began as a modest taco and cake shop in Escondido back in 1988 has blossomed into a cherished local chain, boasting four thriving restaurants and plans for further expansion. For those seeking genuine Mexican comfort food, Lourdes offers a taste of home-style goodness that has captivated the hearts (and stomachs) of locals for generations.
Hector and Lourdes Parra’s journey began with a family vacation to Escondido in 1986. Inspired by the area and family connections, they made the pivotal decision to relocate north with their four young children. Two years later, in 1988, the entrepreneurial couple embarked on their restaurant venture, opening a small eatery on Escondido Boulevard. Initially, Hector focused on crafting delicious tacos while Lourdes showcased her baking talents with signature tres leches cakes.
However, the sweltering Escondido summers prompted a change in direction. Lourdes decided to step away from baking, as Hector recounts, “‘She told me, ‘No more cakes.’ She decided to focus on enchiladas, seafood and her mother’s chicken soup.'” This pivotal shift marked the true beginning of Lourdes’ rise to local fame, particularly for her soul-warming chicken soup.
The now-iconic chicken soup recipe was passed down from Lourdes’ mother in Sonora, Mexico. Adapting her mother’s guidance, Lourdes perfected the recipe, making large batches initially for other restaurants, including one she co-owned with Hector. While Hector mentions a slight “Americanization” of the recipe, the core essence remained true to its family origins. “It’s a secret ingredient in the salsa added to it that makes it special,” Hector reveals, hinting at the magic within each bowl.
The original Lourdes Mexican Food location on Escondido Boulevard quickly became a local hotspot. During lunchtime, lines often stretch out the door, a testament to the restaurant’s popularity. Hector fondly recalls, “We’ve had people waiting for half an hour outside in the winter, under umbrellas in the rain.” He attributes this enduring success to word-of-mouth referrals, positive media attention, social media buzz, and, of course, his wife’s signature recipe.
What makes Lourdes’ chicken soup so special? It’s renowned for its generous portions of tender white meat chicken, a hearty scoop of rice, a vibrant scattering of onion and cilantro, and creamy avocado wedges on top. Each steaming bowl is served with a choice of corn or flour tortillas, crispy tortilla chips, flavorful salsa, and spicy pickled carrots, creating a truly satisfying meal. Its comforting qualities are so well-known that locals often deliver it to friends battling the flu, and the Parras’ son Alex jokingly suggests local doctors recommend it, given their catering to the pharmaceutical industry.
Beyond the exceptional food, a significant part of Lourdes Mexican Food’s appeal, especially at the original location, is the strong sense of community it fosters. The familiar rooster and hen murals adorning the original building have become a landmark, creating a welcoming gathering place where locals connect and catch up over lunch.
While the newer Lourdes Mexican Food storefronts in San Marcos and Cardiff, managed by the Parra children, embrace a more modern aesthetic, the family’s commitment to quality and tradition remains unwavering. Every morning, family members at each location meticulously prepare batches of Lourdes’ famous soup using her exact recipe, alongside scratch-made rice, beans, and other menu favorites like burritos, enchiladas, tacos, and quesadillas.
Customer preferences vary slightly across locations. Cardiff patrons show a particular fondness for salads, enchiladas, chile rellenos, and tacos, while the second Escondido outpost, conveniently located within a Shell gas station on El Norte Parkway, has gained a reputation for its delicious breakfast burritos. However, the chicken soup remains the undisputed star, a North County comfort food staple that transcends location.
Now at 65 and Hector at 70, with five grandchildren, Lourdes and Hector are looking towards the future, with their adult children poised to expand Lourdes Mexican Food further, potentially into Oceanside or Carlsbad. Reflecting on their journey, Hector expresses his contentment with their decision to settle in Escondido, stating, “I like this country.”
The Parras family still calls Escondido home and hopes to eventually pass the torch to the next generation and enjoy retirement in the coming years. Lourdes Mexican Food stands as a testament to their hard work, family recipes, and dedication to serving the community, offering a genuine taste of Mexican hospitality and flavor that keeps customers coming back for more.
Visit Lourdes Mexican Food:
IN ESCONDIDO
- 650 S Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA – (760) 746-1141
- 615 W El Norte Pkwy, Escondido, CA (Inside the Shell gas station) – 760-746-1389
IN SAN MARCOS
- 1646 San Elijo Road, Ste 103, San Marcos, CA – 760-290-3784
IN CARDIFF
- 2113 San Elijo Avenue, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA – 760-230-2610
