Castillos Mexican Restaurant a Fresno tradition since 1955
While franchises and, “big name brands” seem to be the norm of modern society, in Downtown Fresno one family owned business still thrives. Castillos Mexican Restaurant was founded by the Velasco family in 1955 and prides itself in home style cooking with a family-friendly staff.
They started the business with the idea of providing quality Mexican food in a family environment. Now also run by Congino and Lonnie Velasco, the second and third generation, Castillos seeks to prove their food and customer care are second to none.
“My grandfather started the restaurant in 1955, and my father tooked over about 30 years ago,” Lonnie said. “My dad tweaked the spices a little bit but it’s still mainly the recipies my grandfather used. Our food has pretty much been the same ever since.”
As I sat in the restaurant and looked around, I couldn’t help but notice the smiles and laughter on families faces, seen at nearly every table. The wait staff eagerly served us, with a friedly warmth. Lonnie Velasco says it’s the restaurants goal to make personal connections.
“The reason people should choose Castillos over another Mexican restaurant is because we treat people like more than just customers,” Lonnie said. “You come in a guest and you leave a family member. We always try to keep a homly atmosphere.”
However great service isn’t the only thing that keeps the guests coming back. Castillos is proud to offer a wide variety of food. I personally tried the tostada, tamales, enchiladas, and tacos. By the end of the meal, each piece had been thoughrougly savored.
While Lonnie loves all of the food his family makes, he prefers some over other. He believes some of the families best recipies are their chimichongas and enchaladas.
“Personally my favorites are the chimichongas and enchaladas,” Lonnie said. “We have fajitas, some ribs that are really good in a red sauce. Everything is good, those are just my personal favorites.”
The tacos, tamales, and enchiladas complimeted each other very well. They were served with the choice of carne asada or grilled chicken. The carne asada was cooked with very flavorful seasonings. All the food was served steaming, with a scent that immidiately filled the room. The refried beans were very flavourful and smooth, and mixed well with the rice. The food also came with crisp, cool lettuce that blended with the tacos perfectly.
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Ultimately, I was very pleased with my experience. While the location leaves something to be desired, and parking can be difficult, the character of the restaurant more than makes up for it. Decorated in Hispanic and South American apparel, with Spanish music playing on the surround sound, you really feel like you’ve walking into another culture. I suggest making reservations, as the restaurant is very popular, and often quite crowded.
I would recommend Castillos restaurant to anyone looking for savory, authentic Mexican food and friendly service, at a reasonable price.
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