Si, El Huarache fits

Order ahead or drive through to pick up uniquely good Mexican food

“Jugamos con los sabores (We play around with the favors),” El Huarache’s new owner Jose De La explained alongside his brother, Francisco Perez, who co-owns the Oaxacan restaurant. “No es receta de abuela, no es receta de mama. Es receta de mi hermano y yo. (This isn’t your grandmother’s recipe or mom’s (recipe). It’s my brother’s and mine.)” 

The outdoor covered patio was in no hurry to dry, but the small interior proved cozy. While waiting for my order, the brassy music coming from the kitchen could be heard to have the live Spanish accompaniment.

I ordered what I thought was a regular, mango flavored lemonade but it still proved to be refreshing and not overly sweet. What looked and tasted like shaved, frozen mango was dispensed on top of the slushy drink making for a tastier whipped cream substitute. The ‘Don Juan’ lemonade slushies are unique to El Huarache. Growing up, strawberry was De La’s favorite flavor. 

Perez shared an item from their ‘secret’ menu: the pambazo. “Es una tortilla enchilada roja con papa y chorizo. Llena de queso mexicano y salsa verde al lado. (It’s a red tortilla with potatoes and chorizo, filled with Mexican cheese and green salsa on the side.)”

The brothers take pride in their unique offerings and educating patrons who may be trying something new. A common question the restaurant receives is regarding their nopales ingredient. They take the time to explain what they are and how they are cooked.

My vegetarian huarache had cactus (nopales), pineapple, peppers, and crumbly cheese atop beans, of course. The fried, doughy base was fresh, crispy, and soft. The dish looked large, but I ate it all.

The brothers hint at future business ventures including a clothing store. For now, you gotta try a huarache. 

El Huarache
517 Butternut Dr, Holland, MI 49424
(616) 510-6024
“El Huarache” on Facebook.com