The name La Catrina is full of meaning for the Mexican eatery in Collingswood. It represents a centuries-old symbol linked to the Day of the Dead in Mexico. It’s an enduring part of Mexican culture. Of course, it’s also the perfect name for an authentic Mexican restaurant.
La Catrina serves traditional Mexican food from two specific cities in Mexico—Mexico City and Puebla. This means they don’t offer the typical Americanized dishes often found at many fast casual eateries throughout New Jersey. “We combine regional dishes to make our Mexican food more flavorful,” says Jose Medina, business manager.
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Traditional Mexican Cuisine
Popular menu items include the trio enchiladas (red, green, and a white habanero sauce), mixed fajitas, and carne asada. They’re also the first South Jersey restaurant to serve blue handmade corn tortillas for tacos. In particular, Jose says his favorite menu item is the mixed fajita, which combines chicken, shrimp, and steak.
La Catrina also specializes in a number of fusion recipes. For instance, the Ribeye a La Catrina is a 10-ounce steak with guajillo sauce and grilled shrimp. They serve this dish with sauteed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, rice, and beans. “What makes us stand out would be our seasoning on every Mexican dish we serve; and how affordable it is,” Jose says. “We’re also dedicated to authenticity and freshness.”
About the Restaurant
The décor at La Catrina boasts a modern Mexican vibe with colorful hues. The restaurant can seat up to 64 guests, and plans to add two umbrella-covered tables outside in 2024.
Owners Gloria Palillero Morales and Geovanni Farfan Perez both have experience working in restaurants. Gloria is from Puebla, Mexico and spent years cooking at restaurants in Philadelphia. She excels at making dishes like adobo, pipian, and mole that are both flavorful and complex. Meanwhile, Geovanni is from Mexico City. His strengths are regional foods like tacos campechano. This dish mixes steak and Mexican sausage in handmade corn tortillas topped with cilantro and onion.
Visit La Catrina at 655 Collins Ave in Collingswood. Look for them online to find out more.
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La Catrina FAQs
Yes, they accept reservations online.
Yes, they have gluten-free options.
La Catrina offers vegetarian options yes.
They do offer takeout, yes.
Yes, they offer delivery services through DoorDash and GrubHub.
No, they do not serve alcohol.
They have a kids’ menu, yes.
Top Photo: © @ramplephl
Body Image: © La Catrina Mexican Restaurant
