By Chris Murphy
Modesto has great Mexican food heritage. So many places in so many neighborhoods. During the 60s and 70s, places like Carmen’s in McHenry Village were the place to go. Some of these families originally came from Burge’s Drive In and through Carmen’s, went on to start Marcella’s, Rick’s, Familia Juarez, Rosita’s, Familia Garcia and others Alfonso Lara was part of the Carmen’s team, learning from “Cip” Duran and Joe Gomez, and today, the Lara family owns Alfonso’s in Ceres, now in the hands of Alfonso’s daughter Sally Lara and her brother Al, who has the family taste buds.
The recipes here are legit and you will immediately love the big red booths, old school bar and the smell of great food that will make you really hungry.
If you are a first timer, a couple of things you need to know. The Al’s Special Burrito is a must, and my friend Steve Perry says the shredded beef is 100% essential. So with that out of the way, we dove in. The shredded beef tacos are amazing and the Al’s special with the shredded chicken and the green sauce is worthy of Alfonso’s name.
It was great to share history with Sally. Alfonso’s is celebrating 53 years in downtown Ceres. Opening in 1973, she started working in there in Jr High and still manages there today. Martha Lara encouraged Alfonso to go out start their own restaurant when he was at Carmen’s. When they were ready to open, “Cip” Duran helped them start and wished them well. It was all family, even filling their first cash register and supplying equipment.
It is said that the Tapatia was “invented” at Carmen’s and it’s on the menu and we tried it. Tasty salad over a variety of fillings on a tortilla. We next enjoyed the chicken fajitas. The chicken is so tender and grilled with peppers with rice & beans. Of course, we had to have the combo plate #5 with a taco and enchilada in red sauce. Wow.
There is so much more to try, like the New York steaks and camerones. Next time I am trying the Con Queso New York Steak.
There is a great bar with comfy stools in the dining room and this is a place to hang out with friends. Look for a new Happy Hour inspired by their 53rd Anniversary. Don’t forget a special Margarita. They make all of their own sauces and salsa and the chips are house made as well.
Alfonso passed in 2013 and Martha is still going, checking on the restaurant regularly. Sally and Al love the friendship that greets them daily and with their customers and many have been regulars for decades. Now it’s time for the next generation to discover Alfonso’s. If you have not tried Alfonso’s, put it on you’re your schedule soon.
Note: I learned about Alfonso’s when they had Alfonso’s El Castille on Yosemite, the former Cote D’Oro/Fusco Castle with the speakeasy tunnel connections. Sadly that building is gone now, but the trip to Ceres is easy at 4th and Lawrence.
Alfonso’s Mexican Grill
Open Mon – Sat 11:30 am – 8pm
Closed Sun & Major Holidays
2375 Lawrence St Ceres, California 95307
(209) 537-2671 www.alfonsosmexicangrill.com
