After moving to the US from Peru in 1992, the Egoavil and Anguiano families dreamed of owning their own restaurant. Now, El Tule – which serves traditional dishes from Peru and Mexico – is celebrating just over 10 years in business; the family-owned restaurant has been a staple of Lambertville since 2011.
“We had no experience beyond loving to eat,” says co-owner Jack Egoavil. In fact, prior to El Tule he conducted restaurant inspections for a health department. But that hasn’t stopped the successful restaurant from drawing a loyal customer base. The cozy interior seats 45, in addition to heated outdoor tents on the patio that seat about 60 diners. “It’s filled with murals and ornaments from Peru that represent different areas of the country,” Jack says about the design.
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A Menu Mixing Mexican & More
“Each part of the menu has its own cuisine,” Jack explains. For instance, he and his mother recently visited Peru and have taken cooking classes; using their new skills and recipes to enhance the menu at El Tule. “Everything on the menu we grew up with and has special meaning to us. We serve authentic food that is homemade, it’s like you’re eating at grandma’s house,” he adds.
In particular, their specialty is ceviche, a Peruvian fish dish that can be either appetizer or entrée. “It’s the highlight of our menu,” Jack says. Meanwhile, the tacu tacu dishes are also a hit. For example, the red snapper and crab tacu tacu features pan roasted snapper topped with crab meat. Likewise, the picante de Marisco tacu tacu combines seafood in a Peruvian pepper sauce. Click here to see the full menu.
Patrons also love the Lomo Saltado (steak strips in a red wine sauce). But Jack’s favorite dish is the Picante de Camarones (marinated shrimp with peppers). Just don’t forget to save room for dessert, such as their homemade tres leches cake; as well as their suspiro Limeño (dulce de leche topped with meringue) or churros with ice cream.
Daily Deals & Outdoor Dining
El Tule hosts a few weekly theme nights. During Taco Tuesdays, they offer three tacos for $10 all day. Then, on Locals Wednesdays, they serve a three-course menu (app, entree, and dessert plus Peruvian coffee) for $25. Similarly, they serve fajitas at lunch prices all day long every Thursday. Other options include family meals as well as a catering menu.
Meanwhile, the restaurant’s outdoor patio is a well-kept space that now offers year-round dining. During the colder months, El Tule provides large tents with heaters inside that enable patrons to comfortably dine outdoors. Inside the tents are seating arrangements ideal for up to six guests per table, as well as tables for two.
Visit El Tule at 49 N Main St in Lambertville. (Click here to see them on Google Maps.) To learn more: Click here to visit their website | Follow them on Facebook | Click to give them a call.
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El Tule FAQs
Yes, they take reservations.
Yes, they serve gluten-free options.
El Tule offers vegetarian options, yes.
Yes, they do offer takeout.
Yes, via Uber Eats, DoorDash, and their own delivery.
No, they are a BYOB restaurant.
Yes, they have a kids’ menu.
All Photos: © El Tule
