La Esperanza Lindenwold, NJ
If you’re willing to trade in your regular Miller Light and football game for a Corona and soccer match for an evening, La Esperanza is the place to do it – and it’s worth the sacrifice.
La Esperanza is a bright pink building located off of the White Horse Pike in Lindenwold, NJ. Owned and operated by the Cordova family for years, this restaurant has some of the best Mexican and Hispanic food you can find in our area, and you don’t even have to cross the bridge into Philly to get it.
The lively atmosphere offers classic options to die for like your usual tacos and burritos (which are heavenly). I had mine with the melt-in-your-mouth al pastor (marinated pork). Insert heart eyes emoji.
If you’re feeling adventurous, however, they also have some delicious, authentic Hispanic dishes like their marinated steak dish, Bistec a la Mexicana, or their slow-cooked-then-fried pork dish, the Carnitas de Puerco. Yum.
The guacamole is made fresh for every individual order, served in a molcajete bowl, and all I have to say is, “Wow, just wow!” La Esperanza’s guacamole might just be the best I’ve ever tasted, and I’ve had a lot of ‘guac and chips’ moments in my life. Oh, and they even make their tortilla chips in-house. Did I mention this place is authentic?
If you weren’t already convinced, La Esperanza has also won numerous awards, including over ten “Best of South Jersey” awards in the Courier Post, a “Best of Philly” winner, and named to the “Philly Hot List.”
With a setting like a bright pink exterior and colorful flags, pinatas, and beautiful decorations on the inside, it feels like Cinco de Mayo every time you walk in.
The bar also serves an incredible collection of top-notch Tequilas, if that’s your thing. And by the way, if you’re into margaritas, La Esperanza has an entire list of homemade margs to choose from, which is pretty much non-negotiable. Their “Fresh Margarita” is unbelievable and if you’re one of the lucky ones that doesn’t think cilantro tastes like soap, I highly recommend the Fresh Cilantro Lime margarita.
The next time you’re in the mood for Mexican, this South Jersey spot is a hidden gem that you have to check out. ¡Salud!
