A Taste of Mexico in Lambertville

This is our second post in a series on Mexican restaurants in Bucks (and nearby). Our first was on Los Sarapes. Keep checking in for more reviews and let us know about your favorite Mexican restaurant.

by guest blogger Elisabeth Villarroel

If you are looking for authentic Mexican cuisine, Buho is the place for you. This little restaurant, tucked away on a small alley in Lambertville, has a menu filled with delicious Mexican delights.
  
I heard about Buho from my parents, who have been raving about it for months. My dad, I should mention, was born in Mexico City, so when he says, “This is the best Mexican food in the area,” it carries some weight. When they invited my husband and I for dinner on a recent Saturday night, we were eagerly looking forward to homestyle Mexican cooking.

Buho is BYOB, but conveniently located across the street from a liquor store. It was 5pm and the single room dining area was empty – but not for long. We had reservations and the hostess/waitress greeted us like family, giving us our choice of the 20 or so tables, many of which were marked reserved (by the time we left nearly all the tables were full). The room was warmly decorated, painted yellow and adorned with owl figurines (“buho” means owl in Spanish). She quickly brought over menus, water, chips, and three different homemade salsas varying in color, flavor, and heat, all very good.

The menu was almost overwhelming in its variety — everything from a long list of traditional Mexican dishes, like Mole Poblano and Tampiqueña, and mouth-watering appetizers, like Queso Fundido, to American favorites like Fajitas and Quesadillas.

Buho's Carne Asada

I decided to get Carne Asada, a dish of thin strips of grilled marinated beef. Being a standard at many Mexican restaurants, I knew I could use it as a good comparison. Because I have a number of food allergies, I always start my order with the list of foods I can’t have and ask if what I plan to order will be ok. The waitress had a thorough knowledge of the menu and because everything used in their foods is made on the premises, she was able to tell me the ingredients in my order down to the oils used, which is a level of detail I don’t often find readily available. My husband ordered Tampiqueña, a steak, pounded flat, covered in cheese and sauce, and served with two cheese enchiladas and rajas (fried chiles and onions). This was also a popular item that could be used as benchmark.
 
The appetizers arrived quickly. Our waitress recommended the house special, Nachos con Chorizo. These are not your typical nachos. A generous portion of chips, chorizo, rajas, lettuce, and tomato was covered in a variety of Mexican cheeses; no ground beef or cheese whiz here. As we worked on the nachos our waitress shared that Buho opened in January 2008. The owner/chef Jessica Hernandez, an El Salvadorian, shares cooking duties with one other chef, which ensures that the quality is consistent and always authentic.

Buho's Tampiquena

On to the main courses. The Carne Asada met and exceeded my expectations. The steak was tender and topped with rajas. The dish came with yellow rice, refried beans, and a small salad of lettuce, cucumbers and tomato, which also were delicious, and when I wanted more rice, it arrived quickly and at no charge. My husband’s Tampiqueña, also served with yellow rice and refried beans, was excellent and among the best he has had.
 
The dessert list was tempting, with traditional delicacies such as Flan and Tres Leches cake, but I had no room left. Next time I’ll try to have better control when the basket of chips comes!
 
Buho
13 Klines Court
Lambertville, NJ 08530
609-397-6767