The al pastor (marinated pork), asada (grilled beef) and tinga de pollo (shredded chicken) tacos are some of the most popular menu items at Taqueria Los Compadres. The ceviche (top left) is also popular. Photo: Chris Emeott
A family restaurant brings a taste of Mexican cuisine to Lakeville.
If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food in Lakeville, look no further than Taqueria Los Compadres. “It’s a dream come true for my parents [Lucas Sanchez and Patricia Habana],” says Edgar Sanchez, manager. “My mom and dad have a passion for cooking, and opening a restaurant was one of their biggest dreams.”
You’ll find plenty of authentic Mexican dishes on its menu, including ceviche, tamales and tostadas, but tacos are the favorite. “The tacos are the No. 1 thing,” Edgar says. “It’s simple, fast and delicious to enjoy.” Asada (grilled beef) tacos are the most popular, but al pastor (marinated pork), is a close second with grilled pineapple on top. “It’s a tradition in Mexico to give it that extra sweet flavor,” Edgar says.
The tinga de pollo tacos, which includes shredded chipotle chicken, are another popular option. “People are scared that it’s pretty spicy, but we just add a little bit of chipotle, and it’s not that spicy,” Edgar says. “It’s really juicy.”
All the meats are seasoned and marinated in-house, and all beans, rice and sauces are made onsite by Edgar’s parents and uncle, Lupe Sanchez, who have extensive experience creating delicious Mexican dishes.
“My dad has always worked at restaurants. His specialty is mostly meat dishes,” Edgar says. “My mom is mostly about the salsas, the rice and the beans. My mom grew up cooking with my grandma in Mexico. She’d sell pozole on the street in Mexico.” Lupe, who is a co-owner of the restaurant, specializes in seafood, Edgar says, noting his older brother, Pedro Sanchez, and older sister, Mariele Sanchez, also work at the restaurant.
The restaurant opened in the midst of COVID-19 in 2020. The family had been successfully catering parties for a few years. So when the family couldn’t host a quinceañera for Edgar’s younger sister, Concepcion Sanchez, due to pandemic restrictions, they decided to funnel money set aside for the party to open Taqueria Los Compadres instead.
Impressively, the restaurant succeeded during an uncertain time. “Thankfully, people really liked our food. We did a lot of takeout orders,” Edgar says. “It was busy every day.” Business has only grown from there. When additional space opened up next door earlier this year, the family expanded and added a bar, which Edgar now manages, slinging specialty cocktails, made with homemade ingredients.
There’s a crop of regulars who come to Taqueria Los Compadres for daily meals before work or for lunch, and the reviews are always the same. “People always say, this is really authentic,” Edgar says.
It’s cliche to say that the secret ingredient is love, but there might be something to it. “I’ve heard from my dad that he’s given his recipes to a bunch of people, but it just doesn’t come out the same as when he makes it,” Edgar says.
Taqueria Los Compadres
Facebook: Taqueria Los Compadres
