In 1994, long before Myrtle Ave. was an eclectic mix of posh boutiques, specialty stores, and trendy sports-grill restaurants serving adult beverages with double entendres names, Rudy and Rosa Castrellon opened their small restaurant on the corner of "hope" and "hard work". It seems location is everything, and now nearly 25 years later, Rudy and family have expanded to a large restaurant with a bar, a banquet room, and even a few of their original outdoor seating tables.
Like most places that have been around a while, people seem to have strong opinions about the place, its fare, and even the service. Such opinions are usually founded in experiences. If you're looking for pheasant under glass, best to try one of the French-inspired fusion places up the block.
But if you grew up in a large family, if you believe delicious food served by strangers who treat you like friends is an expression of cariñoso, if you feel that sitting around a table with large hot plates and cold drinks is more than just eating--rather, it's the glue that holds relationships together--then Rudy's is your place.
Portions are large and flavorful. I recently enjoyed the chicken fajitas, and my kids shared a plate of nachos. All were tasty and not over salted. The food does not have a lot of picante-level heat, but I dont take my younguns to a family restaurant for the heater... it's not their style there, and you should know that going in. Just about everything comes with rice and beans, and the gentle warning of "hot plate" when they drop it off.
I happen to be a pretty low-salt human being, so the low salt food, salsa, and main courses does just fine for me. Some complain that there isn't enough salt in the food-- there's a shaker on the table, Mildred-- but I generally don't touch the thing.
We visited yesterday to have "breakfast with Santa." The restaurant was a madhouse with kids running all over the place, Santa handing out gifts, servers navigating the packed restaurant with trays and hot plates, and a general melee of eating. I never--and I mean NEVER--have seen a server with an attitude or doing anything but smiling. On the contrary, they were kind to the kids, laughing with the little ones, patting their heads, smiling, and treating my children like they were their own nieces and nephews. Through it all, Rudy was there, walking around proudly admiring his dream-- and not just the dream of owning a successful restaurant... but serving parents and grandparents and children in a place where everyone is made to feel like family. It's almost always loud, it's sometimes too slow, sometimes too fast, there's hot food, and plenty of it. Enjoy these moments for what they are, and what they're not--yes, even the iced tea your kid spilled--because when they're gone, you'll miss them. read more