Let’s face it, we have enough clam shacks and seafood eateries on Cape Cod. So when I heard a new Mexican restaurant opened in Orleans, Mass., I made a beeline down Route 6A to Guapo’s Tortilla Shack.
Don’t let the name fool you – unlike the original, more casual Guapo’s in Brewster, the Orleans location is a full-scale restaurant with an upscale bar area and seating for 68. The vibe is casual, cool, bright and all Mexican “fiesta-y” fun. Whether sitting at the bar or in the dining area, you’re served all-you-can-eat house-made chips and salsa. And while you could easily make a meal of those alone, the menu is too tempting and price tags too low not to dive in. Smothered Enchiladas ($13.95), Fish Tacos ($4.25), Shack Tips ($15.95), Cowboy Burgers ($8.95), Cheese Fajita Quesadillas ($7.99), Herb’s Insane Nachos ($9.95), and Mexican Street Corn ($10.95) are just a few of the house favorites. For the more adventurous eater, the El Jefe Burro – a burrito stuffed with chicken or steak, french fries, melted cheese and BBQ sauce ($8.25) – is supposed to pack a punch. My personal fave is the Chimified Guapo’s Burro.
Like any Mexican restaurant worth its salt, the margaritas are the stars of the cocktail menu. The drinks, served in mason jars, are made from house-made sour mix and agave nectar. There’s a full line-up of cocktails, too (I don’t know what a Mexican Railroad is, but the name alone makes me want to try one), along with draft and bottled beer and wine ($5 for a glass of house wine — hard to beat that.
The bar area is cool enough to take out-of-town guests for drinks and comfortable enough to go by yourself and work on your laptop (they have free WiFi).
Business must be brisk because the owners plan to purchase the space next door and expand with additional seating and a take-out window next month. Speaking of the owners, they’re a local family that grew up on the Cape and believe in giving back to the community. They host “Guapo’s Gives” events monthly where they give 10% of sales to a local non-profit group.
Viva La Fiesta, amigos!
Guapo’s is located at 136 Route 6A in Orleans MA. www.guaposcapecod.com . Tel. 508-255-3338.
About the Author:
Marci Tyldesley is a publicist and event planner living on Cape Cod. Among her passions are her three dogs, the beach, running and yummy food. She is forever in pursuit of the best pizza around. Contact her at marci@capepr.com.
More Cape Cod articles:
Self-serve dog wash cleaning up Cape Cod pups
Visiting Nantucket on a budget
Loving Red Barn Pizza in Eastham
Cape Cod summer travel ideas
Finding affordable Cape Cod beach lodging
Why you should consider a Cape Cod vacation rental
Chatham Candy Manor is one sweet place
Taking in a Cape Cod Baseball League game
Visiting beautiful Chatham
