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Local Mexican restaurant getting strong support from community
By David Yarger
Tribune Editor
One thing is for sure about locals in Western New York: We love our food.
People are always looking for the best that is offered to them, and if you’re looking for authentic Mexican cuisine, look no further than El Cubilete, 2050 Cayuga Drive Ext., on the corner, off Williams Road.
The restaurant got its start around four-and-a-half years ago with a location along Niagara Falls Boulevard. But after a lengthy construction process, a new location, just seconds away from the Niagara Falls International Airport, opened its doors Dec. 15.
The new establishment has seen a steady stream of business and, upon driving by, the parking lot has been filled with customers on numerous occasions.
El Cubilete owner Roberto Montes was pleased to see business flowing for the restaurant and gave credit to the new, unique location.
“I think it’s much better than the other one (location),” Montes said. “At the beginning, I said, ‘We’ll see, because we’re new.’ But no, it’s been good. The first couple days … they (customers) didn’t stop coming.”
Montes said the NF Boulevard location was under a lease, and now the Cayuga Drive site is under his ownership. He said the new setting is in a better spot than the NF Boulevard location, because it’s right on a corner where there is a four-way stop light, making it more visible to passing traffic. The boulevard location was more hidden to passing traffic.
The restaurant serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with over 20 options to choose from. Additionally, the dinner menu takes up almost two full pages of the menu, giving customers a plethora of options. The restaurant is also loaded with steak, chicken, pork and seafood options; desserts, appetizers, a la carte, a kids menu, soups, vegetarian options and a fully loaded bar with several margarita delights.
The sign walking into El Cubilete says “Best Mexican Cuisine,” and Montes said his restaurant definitely lives up to that billing.
“I’ve tested all around – in Buffalo, Clarence and Lockport – before I decided to come here. I went to all those places and I taste the food and I know that I can cook better,” Montes said.
Additionally, on the restaurant’s website it said, “Our talented chefs at El Cubilete treat you to the exotic, robust flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine. Roberto and his friendly staff strive to provide you with an authentic Mexican dining experience in a relaxed, casual atmosphere – we boast with confidence that we are the best Mexican cuisine in Niagara Falls, USA.”
In addition to reasonable pricing, customers receive a bang for their buck, as this writer’s fajita burrito lunch came with a full plate of beans and rice to complement the burrito. Menu price for a full lunch (and full stomach) was $6.75. Along with all that, customers are greeted with the restaurant’s homemade chips and salsa.
Montes said friends in the past recommended he raise prices, but he said “No,” wishing to keep the rates at a customer-friendly level.
El Cubilete also gives the customer a home feeling, with festive music playing, friendly staff and a clean environment.
Montes said he takes pride in putting the customers first at all costs.
“I try to give the best service. I always try to do my best in everything,” Montes said. “I always tell them (workers), ‘You know what, the most important (thing) is our customers.’ The customer is always right.”
A full El Cubilete menu can be found at www.bestmexicanusa.com/menu/.
El Cubilete is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from noon-7 p.m.
For more information, visit www.bestmexicanusa.com or call 297-4500.