La Pasadita Cafe continues family tradition in Socorro

For more than 50 years, La Pasadita has been a staple of authentic Mexican cuisine in Socorro, and under the leadership of Mauro Portillo Jr., the family-run restaurant continues to thrive with fresh ingredients, community ties and a deep respect for tradition.

Portillo, who took over the business about eight years ago, grew up in the restaurant started by his parents, Mauro Portillo Sr. and Josephina Portillo.

“I was washing dishes as a kid,” he said. “That’s the best way to learn, from the bottom.”

The restaurant, now located at 1012 N. California St., moved from its original Garfield Street location after 45 years. The transition was a major step for the family.

“It was a big change,” Portillo said. “We’re just glad the community has been so supportive. That’s the only way we stay in business.”

Looking ahead, Portillo said there are plans to expand the restaurant into a sports bar-style lounge, pending approval of a liquor license. The unused half of the building will be transformed, with help from his cousin, into a new space for the community to gather.

La Pasadita is known for its homemade, fresh Mexican food, “like your grandma’s cooking,” Portillo said. The kitchen uses no frozen ingredients and the only canned item is their tomatoes, with all other produce sourced daily from local stores and farmers.

“I’d rather pick my own stuff, the best I can get,” he said.

The restaurant’s most popular dish is the classic enchilada plate, though Portillo insists, “You can’t go wrong with any of my plates.”

La Pasadita also offers catering nearly every weekend and recently participated in a local farmers market event, where Portillo and his team held a cooking demo and served samples to enthusiastic crowds.

“It was something different,” he said. “Everybody enjoyed it.”

Portillo said they are invited to do another demo next year, but have not decided yet if they will participate.

La Pasadita is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“We just want to thank everyone,” Portillo said. “Without the community, we wouldn’t be in business.”