“Lindo” means “beautiful” in Spanish, but Mexico Lindo & Seafood ─ with its three locations ─ also means “excellent food,” according to long-time fans of traditional Mexican dishes.
Manuel Castro is the inspiration behind the vision of Mexico Lindo restaurants. He loved to cook and became a chef.
Fifty years ago, he dreamed of opening his own restaurant, where diners would come for delicious food and to have a wonderful time.
Keeping with tradition
When Mexico Lindo was in the planning stages, the menu proved challenging, but only when deciding which Castro family dishes would be served.
Manuel earned his well-deserved reputation by using traditional family recipes for the tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and seafood that he had learned to make as a child.
Manuel also had another card: Everyone in his family cooked. That meant he never needed expert help with cooking, plating, serving, and seating.
Today, not only is there plenty of help in the kitchens and the full bars at each Mexico Lindo & Seafood location but there is also a friendly “welcome to the family” vibe when customers come inside to eat.
The original Mexico Lindo
The first Mexico Lindo opened in Wrightwood in 2005. Manuel was the master chef, and his son and restaurant host Juan Castro was on hand to create the atmosphere.
Their popularity was not surprising considering the experience and teamwork that went into making the restaurant a success.
Every dish from the kitchen tasted like it was made by someone who likes to cook, and a new hometown, visitor, and vacation favorite “go-to” was born.
Expanding the empire
Soon, the Castro family began looking for a second Mexico Lindo location and decided on Phelan, a town with plenty of Mexican food lovers.
Pedro Castro became the manager at the Phelan restaurant when Mexico Lindo opened 14 years ago on April 17.
Tucked at the end of the strip mall with Anytime Fitness and several professional offices, Mexico Lindo had a successful start for the same reasons people loved the Wrightwood location ─ the wonderful food and superior service.
Mexico Lindo’s third location opened in 2019 on Phelan Road near the Hesperia Gateway Center. It faced challenges due to the pandemic but is now a popular and established restaurant in the area.
About the menu
About four months ago, regular diners were greeted with new menus with more colorful photos and descriptions of the dishes.
Items like Fajitas Mexico Lindo, with beef, chicken, and shrimp cooked to that signature sizzle with tomato, onion, and bell pepper, are a highlight. Favorites like arroz con pollo, chile verde, the carne asada burrito, and a fan favorite, the taco and enchilada plate, also known as No. 17, are also highlights.
The drinks are as colorful and tasty as the foods they enhance. Margaritas come in several flavors and the “Cadillac” version that has become a favorite. Flavors include mango, strawberry, and the Mangonada ─ frozen mango ─ margarita with the glass rimmed in Tajin.
The strawberry colada is another favorite drink, almost as fun to look at as it is to sip and enjoy.
Catering and fundraising
Pedro is a people person and enjoys catering events of all sizes. With a week or more advance notice, Mexico Lindo can manage catering events for up to 500 people, including service.
The Phelan restaurant had provided food for many school fundraisers. Pedro says the sports team fundraisers are among the most popular.
For information, visit the website www.mexicolindos.com. The Phelan location also has an unofficial Facebook page created by the restaurant’s devoted fans.
All locations offer dine-in and takeout options but do not offer delivery. They also offer happy hour food and gift cards.
When you go
What: Mexico Lindo & Seafood Restaurant, 4359 Phelan Rd., Phelan
When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday
Information: 760-868-6200, Kids menu available.
What: Mexico Lindo, 12693 Main St., Hesperia
When: Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Information: 760-947-0002. Watch sports.
What: Mexico Lindo & Seafood Restaurant, 1253 Evergreen Rd., Wrightwood
When: Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Information: 760-249-4100. Kids menu available.
Dining Around
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