We came here for dinner after reading the reviews and were excited to try it. We got here and were immediately seated. The restaurant is small, with walls that are white on top and brown on the bottom, 3 booths lining the left wall and 2 booths on the right, and regular tables seating up to 4 guests. The Mexican flag is hung up on the right wall while Ecuador's flag hangs on the left and cultural items surround them as well. The drinks refrigerator can be seen in the back and the entrance to the adjoining store is found on the back by the left wall, with decorations on strings hanging over the entire restaurant. A soccer game was playing while we were there. We ordered the following: Lengua Forrada; Arroz y frijoles- Hubs thought this was ok. We weren't expecting an uncut tongue. Normally, when we order lengua, it's all diced up and put on tortillas. This time, we got a couple of whole tongues. It was a little weird. LOL. The rice and beans were good. Flautas- corn tortillas filled with chicken or steak and fried topped with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and cheese. I chose steak. I actually liked it because the flautas were nice and crispy. Enchiladas Mexicana Bistec; salsa Verde- corn tortillas rolled and stuffed with choice of shredded chicken or steak, topped with either red or green salsa. Daughter chose the steak with green salsa and said that this was pretty good. She thought it was flavorful and meaty and that it hit the spot. Tres leches - I got it to go. I found mold on top of the tres leches. You wouldn't be able to see it if you didn't open the lid because it was underneath their label. I don't know what made me open the lid but I'm glad I did. I returned it to the server and showed it to her but she never removed it from the bill. I didn't say anything about it but counted it as part of the tip. I'm giving this place 3 stars because of the mold on the tres leches and the server didn't take it off the bill after I returned it to her. I didn't say anything about it because there was a language barrier and I didn't know how to approach her saying it. While service was quick and friendly, I won't be returning here because of the mold and we got billed for it, anyway. read more

TLDR: Nice flavors in a low key spot The food had a nice balance of heat, sweetness, and salt. Some of the pork was overcooked and hard though. The salad was fresh and crisp - a welcome addition to the rest of the rich plate. At $20 the plate was an ok value. The restaurant was bustling and low key. I would consider coming again, but with so many other restaurants in the area I'd probably try something else first. read more

Rudy's Cafe And Restaurant - The Rudy's Special - Mexican Near Me - Hightstown, New Jersey

They open late which is a huge plus for people work late night. They're welcoming even at close to closing time. And food was made fairly quickly and with no comprises in the taste. Ordered chicken tacos and fish tacos. I'd say fish tacos should have been eaten there and not taken away, which made them soggy. But chicken remained super hot and soft. Food was delicious and I'd highly recommend this place. read more

Rudy's Cafe And Restaurant - Chicken tacos - Mexican Near Me - Hightstown, New Jersey

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Lovely, authentic, and quick service. A perfect spot for lunch or a quick dinner/takeout. read more

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I bookmarked this about half a year ago when I stopped nearby for ice cream. With so many great Hispanic options close to home I didn't have an urge to venture so far for tacos etc. But a few more 5 star reviews and the fact that I mentioned it to a coworker had me itching to try it. The online menu was enticing but I had 2 things in mind, tostadas and steak tacos. I arrived to a small shop with about 6 4 seaters all well spaced apart. A few were occupied at 12:30. My order was almost ready but I couldn't help but notice one diners entree, hominy in a yellow sauce with fried fish I think, even though I'm not entirely sure what it was, I want that next....... Curiosity got the best of me and I looked at my haul in the car. Good thing a phone call interrupted any idea of sampling it. Once home I dove into the tostadas, three huge homemade tortillas with a layer of black bean, grilled chicken and then topped with crema, cheese, guacamole, lettuce, onion and tomato. I added the green sauce they provided. I've had a lot of very good tostadas lately, but these were better. Thicker tortillas held ingredients better, but you ARE going to get messy eating this. I saved the tacos for dinner as they tend to reheat well. They used the same homemade tortillas and these were golden brown, the steak was tender with some char too. Included were condiments of sour cream, pico de Gallo and guacamole, nice touch. Both items are currently my favorite version of these dishes. I hope that this amazing restaurant can thrive in this little town, and with its more well known competitor a few doors away. You must be pretty confident in your cooking to open so close to an established business. I'm confident I'll be returning very soon! read more

Rudy's Cafe And Restaurant - Chicken tostadas (f'ing amazing) - Mexican Near Me - Hightstown, New Jersey

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Amazing place. Great food and fabulous service. 100% recommended. From the moment you walk in, you feel welcome. It is a warm place that makes you feel at home. read more

The standard that I always judge a better Hispanic restaurant is-how good are the beans? If you haven't dined at Rudy's in Hightstown yet, get yourself there! Enjoyed an amazing appetizer there for lunch which portion wise I could only finish a third of and ordered a side of their Red Beans. Came in a little cup with diced potatoes and the delicious broth the beans created as they had simmered. The beans alone are enough for a return trip. I had the Papusas with Queso con Loroco which also came with a side of carrot and cabbage slaw-delicious. My date ordered the Chilaquiles with steak and eggs. So good!! Atmosphere pleasant and a lovely waitress. Two thumbs up!!! read more

Rudy's Cafe And Restaurant - In a nutshell-steak and eggs 2.0. - Mexican Near Me - Hightstown, New Jersey

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I came with both my son and my daughter. Very nice breakfast. People are nice, and friendly. Me and my daughter also take out order for her boyfriend. He likes too. We also found street parking not far which is nice for winter. read more

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Late night food, that wasn't fast food. Food was good and the service was awesome. Was able to put in an order and it was hot and ready while we waited. read more

Terrific Mexican food in downtown Hightown. Huge portions cooked exceptionally well. Terrific owners and great service. It's really fine. Give it a try. I know you'll love it. read more

This unassuming place is definitely doing everything right. Excellent food served fast and with a smile. More than ample portions and reasonable prices. The quesadilla was filled with tender chicken and came with tasty sides. The burritos were big and stuffed, putting the chain places to shame. They serve breakfast and lunch too. Can't wait to try. read more

Fresh delicious food and attentive service. Nothing fancy, but yummy Mexican and South American food. We'll be back.

Rudy's Cafe is an excellent place to find authentic Latin dishes from Mexico and South America. It's a BYOB and Rudy provided limes for our Corona. The servers were sweet, and knowledgeable anticipating our needs. We had an Ecuadorian appetizer with fried plantains, seasoned ground beef, shrimp, and cheese that was to die for, and we decided then and there to have it every time we returned. I noticed that the chicken soup came with two pieces of chicken and was ordered by several patrons. It looked yummy and I plan to try it next time. I had the delicious shrimp Veracruz and my husband had a huge steak burrito which was very tasty. Both dishes were served with large portions of beans and rice. Rudy welcomed us in like we were family and was warm and friendly to his guests many of whom he knew personally. Rudy has opened a bodega next door with foods from around the globe. What a great find! We will be back! read more

The worst food I had in my life. It was bland and their rice and beans had no flavor at all. Would not go again.

I have eaten here on many occassions. The food is always delicious and well seasoned. It feeds my inner foodie. I especially love the El Especial. It feeds the carnivore in me. Their chicharon is so delicisous. The owner is very friendly and comes over to chat with us. The place is filled with people who are native to Central America, like myself, so you know that the food is great. I highly recommend eating at Rudy's. read more

What a gem! Every bite of my meal was outstanding. I ordered a chimichanga. It was the best Mexican I ever ate. The portions are large and enough for 2. read more

Food was okay. I personally think it lacked in flavor. Great portion sizes and great service for take out. I would definitely try it again.

The restaurant was a mix of a few nationalities, they had a lot of variety. Chicken tacos were authentic. Baleadas not as authentic since they used a flour tortilla, but still tasted fine. Order of pupusas vas very good, highly recommend. Looking forward to dining again. read more

Rudy's Cafe And Restaurant - Baleadas, pupusas, French fries - Mexican Near Me - Hightstown, New Jersey

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I've enjoyed every meal here. The fried porgy, chicken stew, beef stew, caldo de res (beef soup), tacos, pork chops, chicken mole, specials on their board, etc. I've been enjoying Rudy's cooking for years when he worked at various establishments. This latest one doesn't disappoint. Easy recommendation. read more

Don't sleep on Rudy's... solid neighborhood staple. My favorite is the steak tacos, which are served w sour cream, guac & pico de gallo. Rudy & his staff are always extremely friendly & hospitable. Salsa verde is out of this world! Make sure you try the horchata - a sweet rice drink! read more

Do it. Drop what you are doing and just do it. Go here now. Wow - this place is wonderful. My first order was something simple - chicken quesadilla. The one word to describe the meal - fresh. The salsa, pico de gallo, tortilla's, chicken - everything was fresh and felt homemade. I know there are a few good options in the area but this is definitely one worth checking out. Service and location are good. For me, the food take precedence over all else. Although the dining area is small, the food makes up for it. read more

Hey foodies, this place is a total gem. How has anyone not written about it? A small place few tables and busy take out. Recently opened, you must try their food. Its all about their food. I order the Grilled Sirloin, black beans, Rice. Lotta seasoning on steak. It's not a steakhouse thick sirloin, It's sliced thinner but seriously had a good amount of meat enough for me, plenty of fresh very tasty beef. The juiciness and sason, along with the tasty rice n black beans (outstanding), so good. A steak with real flavor, sabor! I can eat inside. Not fancy, but who cares when the food is so good People, it's all about the food here in this family owned restaurant. The owner himself Rudy was so wonderful and pleasant to us. Made us feel so welcomed. His hard working young staff was on point and friendly to all the customers. I have tried pretty much all the latin and non latin restaurants in the Manalapan, Marlboro, Old Bridge, Sayreville, Windsor, Freehold area. I would drive 15 or more miles just for the food here. But hey thats just me. This place is about food and food flavor. Decide for yourself. Nice park across the street if you wish to take out and enjoy the beautiful area and town. Worth checking out the food guys. Winner. read more

I was in the area and was fortunate enough to find Rudy's thanks to Yelp. The food was absolutely delicious and a steal for what you get! I got the Especial which is steak, pork, and chicarones with rice, salad, and tortillas. I live over an hour away but I'll make a special trip to come back here! read more

Good fresh food. Prices were good service was fast and food was amazing. I would definitely recommend this place and plan to go back again.

Use to hit Rudy's Cafe on Rt 33 never disappointed. Anyway Rudy moved to his new location and wow food is even better huge serving size.

We finally tried this place yesterday it's new to the community and in the middle of downtown. The order was for pick up so we didn't dine inside, I agree the place is small inside but very clean. The Food is the reason for my review and rating everything was fresh, homemade and great flavors. We had two appetizers Pupusa and Chapalla both were very authentic.. The main entrees we had were Chimichanga, Tostada and a wrap all filled with quality and fresh ingredients from Chorizo, steaks and pork. All entrees were excellent. The service was excellent we needed to modify a few items as not big bean fans and added cheese to some of our entrees and they were very accommodating. The sides of rice were excellent not bland and good size portions no complaint here. We are very pleased and will be back again for another visit. great to have new foods in the community and hope they continue to strive. read more

I love Rudy's just found it a few months ago, I am a local and didn't know about this place. I have ordered takeout probably once a week for the last three months. My go to is pollo guisado although I've had the carne guisado and fried chicken both delicious and authentic. The pollo guisado is one of the best I've had in terms of flavor and portion size. A generous portion of tender chicken, potatoes, carrots and rice and beans, with their hot sauce. Deliciousness! You will not leave this place hungry. As far as apps the chicken tostados and flataus were amazing, big portions, quality ingredients, better than most places I've dined at locally in the past. I've told friends about this hidden gem. It is a luncheonette so unless booked up front may not work for big parties. There are many really good restaurants in Hightstown after living in the area for many years I would rate Rudy's as one of the best recent places to come the area. Rudy and staff are the real deal just putting out delicious authentic food, good prices, one of those places you just want to eat at again and again! Well done Rudy and staff! read more