Family-owned and neighborly: Acapulco is Springdale's authentic Mexican restaurant

After many years of working in California's hospitality and food industry, Ruben Almazan and his family moved to the land of opportunity here in Northwest Arkansas. It was in Springdale that they would plant their roots and establish Acapulco Restaurant -- to the joy and fulfillment of the surrounding community.

The restaurant has been open for over a decade on East Robinson Avenue in Springdale, and Almazan has kept it a family business, with his wife and their two sets of twins all pitching in to keep it running smoothly. The oldest set of twins, his 24-year-old son and daughter, work as a cook and waitress for the restaurant. "My wife comes in to help when she can," said Almazan, "and our younger twins help out at the front counter on Sundays, taking to-go orders and hosting when we get busy."

Almazan and his family enjoy being part of the community, and they use their restaurant to give back and serve the people of Springdale. "We give food to the church and a lot of the local schools," Almazan said. The family-owned business makes frequent donations to local nonprofit establishments and genuinely cares about the city it calls its home.

Springdale resident Josefina Ramirez lives just five minutes from Acapulco Restaurant; where she has worked for the past ten years as a server and bartender. Her favorite dish is the Grilled Chicken Breast -- smothered with mushrooms, bell-peppers and onions, and jack cheese. "Everything here is good," she said, "but I like the Tortilla Soup and the Burrito Mexicano, too." Ramirez and the other servers enjoy working here, and it is plain to see from their playful attitudes. Coupled with the delicious, authentic food their customers have come to expect from Acapulco; the friendly service ensures people keep coming back year after year.

They have quite a large selection of new and signature dishes. Almazan's favorite creation is the Fajitas Mexicanas. A cut above the classic Tex-Mex staple; it's made with tender strips of steak, juicy chicken, tasty shrimp, and chorizo (Mexican sausage); mixed with grilled peppers and onions, salsa ranchera; served with lettuce, sour cream, guac, pico, tortillas, beans and rice. Don't forget to throw in a margarita or cerveza to complete your feast.

Staying true to its city-by-the-sea namesake, Acapulco offers a wide variety of seafood and fish specialties; from Blackened Shrimp and a Red Snapper filet to Catfish tacos and even Scallops. "I still really enjoy cooking," said Almazan. In fact, it's his favorite thing about owning his own restaurant. He has a passion for working in the kitchen, and it shows in the quality of his food. In addition to putting time in behind the scenes as a cook, the active owner also oversees the restaurant's catering service as part of his duties. Acapulco Restaurant is ready and happy to cater your next event.

Lunch specials run daily until 3pm, followed by happy hour 3 pm-close. On Mondays, save $2.99 per kid's meal with kids ages 12 and under. Every Tuesday is Taco Tuesday at Acapulco, where any taco is $1.50 and small margaritas are only $1.99! Stop by after work and grab a seat at the bar, or bring the family and enjoy the sunset while you wait for your Fajitas Mexicanas on their outdoor patio.

Acapulco Restaurant

Location: 1602 E. Robinson Ave., Springdale, AR. 72764
Phone: (479) 927-1012
Hours:
Sunday-Thursday: 11am - 9pm
Friday-Saturday: 11am - 10pm

Online: Facebook.com/AcaRest