REY AZTECA Mexican Restaurant

Business Profile by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

Think you have to wait for National Guacamole Day, Taco Tuesday or even Cinco de Mayo to celebrate and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine? Think again! At Rey Azteca, every day — especially in May — is a reason to celebrate!

Yes folks, there is a “piece of Mexico” right here in Newtown Square. Tucked away in the Edgmont shopping center is Rey Azteca, serving up authentic Mexican food made with high-quality ingredients. Since opening its doors in January 2020, patrons have been raving about their mouth-watering variety of delicious food served in a vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere. Their lunch and dinner menus are endless. And their margaritas are, quite simply, Perfecta!

Rey Azteca’s co-Owner Jenny Palacios grew up in the restaurant industry. She worked in her family’s multiple restaurants, at the cash register, as a Server and as a Hostess, but mostly learning the restaurant business from her father. Jenny fell in love with it but wasn’t sold on the idea of making it a career until she met and married Alan Lamarca, who shared her enjoyment of the restaurant scene. Jenny and Alan decided to team up and start their own restaurant.

Rey Azteca Newtown Square is the third of its kind that Jenny and Alan have recently opened in PA. They chose Newtown Square because it has few Mexican restaurants and they saw an opportunity to grow with an active, bustling community. “Even though Alan and I are the co-Owners of Rey Azteca, it is and will always be a family effort," Jenny said.

Their families are always helping them change up the menu, to add even more delectable dishes or to modify their guacamole and make it “just right.” And Jenny’s father and uncle came up with the name Rey Azteca. Rey means ‘King’ so why not be the King of the Aztecs and, well, of food.

Opening a restaurant just months before a global pandemic is not something any business owner anticipates, but Jenny and Alan are incredibly grateful for their fan-base of loyal customers. Jenny said, “We appreciate all the incredible support over this past year! By supporting us with take-out orders for food and margaritas, the restaurant was able to survive.” Customers showed up to financially support Rey Azteca, and many also used social media to leave rave reviews and offer recommendations on what to order.

Their success and ability to shift their operations to take-out during the pandemic allowed them to explore and expand to their fourth location, West Goshen. It will be right down West Chester Pike, and will primarily offer quick take-out menu items. There will be a few tables in the restaurant, and though that “piece of Mexico” will not serve alcohol, it will serve the same fresh, authentic Mexican meals.

Rey Azteca’s extensive menu offers everything that’s delicious and beautiful about Mexican cuisine: a variety of flavors, colors, spices, and fresh ingredients. From sizzling skillet fajitas and burritos to tacos and salads, there’s something for everyone, even a vegetarian selection. One of their most popular dishes, Tacos de Pastor, features three tortillas filled with marinated pork and pineapple and topped with fresh cilantro and onions. This dish wouldn’t be complete without a side of refried beans and Spanish rice. But be sure to save room for Churros drizzled with chocolate and topped with whipped cream and a cherry!

If the food alone isn’t enough to convince you to grab your sombrero and head over there, the margarita menu will! Jenny and Alan agree that their signature Rey Azteca Margarita is a powerhouse and, by far, their most ordered drink on the menu. It’s a delicious blend of Patrón Reposado Tequila, Patrón Citrónge Orange and Grand Marnier. In the mood for a margarita without the extra calories? Jenny says their Skinny Jalapeño Margarita is just as delicious. Other fun options are their Coconut Blue and El Jefe margaritas. They also offer a variety of wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages.

The staff at Rey Azteca is excited for warmer weather and outdoor dining this spring and summer! You can enjoy lunch or dinner on their beautiful patio every day of the week. Gather some friends for a great meal and drinks while enjoying live jazz music featuring the Santucci Trio every Saturday night. And get updates about upcoming events and food and drink specials by following them on Facebook (@ ReyAztecaOfNewtownSquare).

Combine all their authentic Mexican dishes, friendly and quick service, colorful decor, outdoor dining and music, and this new “piece of Mexico” could soon become your favorite mini staycation!

Rey Azteca at 4755 West Chester Pike (near the Regal movie theater) is open Monday – Saturday 12–9pm and Sunday 12–8pm. Head on over there sometime soon to enjoy lunch or dinner, or call 484-427-7803 to place a take-out order. And be sure to thank Jenny and Alan for bringing this superb piece of Mexico to our community and for being a Sponsor of our hometown Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors magazine!

www.ReyAztecaNewtownSquare.com

4755 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square

Mon-Sat 12-9pm / Sun 12-8pm

Reservations Accepted

Alcohol Available • Eat In/Take Out