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“After nearly three decades of pouring his heart into this mom-and-pop gem, my father is closing the doors,” Mary Lopez Veliz wrote of Taqueria Y Fonda La Mexicana, her dad’s restaurant, which he opened at 968 Amsterdam Avenue (between 107th and 108th streets) in 1999—the same year she was born.
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Jorge Lopez, 69, sold the restaurant due to rising rents. Taqueria Y Fonda will be closing Saturday at 10:30 p.m., and will open at 1 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.
“My father came to this country with a dream and turned it into something special that touched so many people,” Mary said of the longtime Columbia haunt and inspiration behind Vampire Weekend’s “Horchata.” She adds, “From college students craving a late-night bite, to families who grew up with our enchiladas and horchata, we’ve been honored to be part of the UWS story.”
While the restaurant is closing, Jorge and Mary are planning on getting their famous sauces into supermarkets. Follow @taqueriayfondanyc on Instagram for updates.
“This restaurant has been more than just a place to eat—it’s been a neighborhood fixture, a second home for regulars, and a labor of love run by a man who never stopped showing up, day after day, sometimes until 3 AM, to serve authentic Mexican food with soul.”
A new restaurant is set to open at 968 Amsterdam Avenue (between 107th and 108th streets) in a similar style, but under a different name and, of course, different ownership.
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Oh no! I LOVE Tacqueria Y Fonda. Their food is incredible and always a cool vibe in the restaurant–feels like you’re in somebody’s kitchen. THANK YOU for feeding the neighborhood and wish you the best. But you will be missed!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! THIS IS HEARTBREAKING.
This is such sad news. My husband and I have been coming here for 10 years, getting their amazing tortas, burritos, huevos, chile rellenos and more. And of course their amazing hot sauces. The nicest people and the best Mexican food around. It’s a damn shame this city is increasingly only a playground for the rich; rising rents have shuttered so many great local businesses over the last several years. The neighborhood won’t be same without this place. Much love.
Silver Moon hurt, a lot. Absolute hurt even more. But this…I’m truly devastated! My favorite Mexican restaurant in the world!! Their food and service were always phenomenal, so friendly. Thank you Taqueria y Fonda for the many great years!