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 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,” Jenny said, “it is and will always be a family effort.” 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 was not something any business owner anticipated, but Jenny and Alan were incredibly grateful for their fan-base of loyal customers. Jenny said, “By supporting us with take-out orders for food and margaritas, the restaurant was able to survive.” Customers not only showed up to financially support Rey Azteca, but many also took to social media, leaving rave reviews and offering 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 is right down West Chester Pike, and primarily offers quick take-out menu items. There are a few tables inthe restaurant, and though that “piece of Mexico” does not serve alcohol, it serves 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. They recently introduced some new menu items that will make your mouth water. The Mas Chingon Burrito is a 10” burrito filled with grilled chicken, Spanish rice, and refried beans and topped with a slice of skirt steak, home green tomatillo sauce, pico de gallo and a fried jalapeño. Other new items include Enchiladas El Patron and Pollo Al Gusto.
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. New to the menu are their Margarita Towers and 39oz Monster Margaritas topped with fresh fruit. 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 summer! Make plans to 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 music and mariachi nights. 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” will soon become your favorite mini staycation!
Rey Azteca at 4755 West Chester Pike (near the Regal movie theater) is open Monday – Thursday 11am–9pm; Friday and Saturday 11am–10pm and Sunday 11am–9pm. 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!