Your Guide to Local Culinary Treasures
While Mercer County’s dining scene features many well-known establishments, some of its finest culinary experiences fly under the radar. Among the best-kept secret restaurants in our area, two standouts deserve special recognition: La Taqueria and Vidalia Restaurant. Each offers a distinct dining experience that locals have come to treasure, and both have earned their reputations through consistent excellence rather than flashy marketing.
La Taqueria: Authentic Mexican Soul Food
Address: 1143 Lawrenceville Rd, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Phone: (609) 882-2273
A Family Legacy
What makes La Taqueria stand out among Mercer County’s best-kept secret restaurants is its unwavering commitment to traditional Mexican cooking methods. The Martinez family has been quietly perfecting their craft here for over a decade, creating dishes that transport diners straight to the streets of Puebla, Mexico. Three generations of the family work together in the kitchen, ensuring recipes and techniques are preserved and executed perfectly.
The Space
The restaurant’s modest exterior opens into a warm, inviting space where the focus is squarely on the food. Simple wooden tables and chairs, colorful Mexican artwork, and the enticing aroma of grilled meats create an unpretentious atmosphere that lets the cuisine take center stage. The open kitchen concept allows diners to watch the skilled cooks at work, adding to the authentic experience.
Culinary Highlights
- House-Made Tortillas: Every morning begins with fresh corn tortilla preparation, a labor of love that forms the foundation of their outstanding tacos. The process starts at 6 AM daily, ensuring fresh tortillas throughout service.
- Al Pastor Excellence: Their vertical spit-roasted pork is marinated in a complex blend of chilies and spices, then shaved to order. The marinade recipe, a closely guarded family secret, takes three days to prepare.
- Salsa Selection: Six distinctive house-made salsas range from mild tomatillo to fiery habanero, each made fresh daily. The salsa bar is constantly monitored and replenished to ensure freshness.
- Regional Specialties: Weekend-only specials like lamb barbacoa showcase traditional cooking techniques. The barbacoa is prepared in small batches, starting at midnight for the next day’s service.
Service and Value
The staff’s genuine warmth makes every visit memorable, while the reasonable prices ($3-4 per taco, $12-15 for combination plates) offer exceptional value for the quality. Their efficient service makes it suitable for both quick lunches and leisurely dinners. The restaurant recently introduced a loyalty program where regular customers receive special benefits and early access to weekend specials.
Seasonal Offerings
Throughout the year, La Taqueria celebrates various Mexican holidays with special menu items. During Día de los Muertos, they offer traditional Pan de Muerto and hot chocolate. Cinco de Mayo brings extended hours and special Puebla-style dishes honoring their heritage.
Vidalia Restaurant: Elevated Mexican Dining
Address: 21 Phillips Ave, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Phone: (609) 896-4444
The Vision
Under Chef Maria Rodriguez’s guidance, Vidalia Restaurant has established itself as a sophisticated destination for Mexican cuisine. The restaurant combines traditional flavors with contemporary culinary techniques, creating an experience that stands out in Mercer County’s landscape of the best-kept secret restaurants. Chef Rodriguez spends several weeks each year traveling through Mexico’s culinary regions, bringing back inspiration and authentic ingredients.
Atmosphere
The thoughtfully designed interior creates an upscale yet comfortable environment. Warm lighting, comfortable seating, and elegant décor set the stage for a memorable dining experience. The space manages to feel both special and welcoming, perfect for various occasions from romantic dinners to business meetings. Live acoustic guitar music on Thursday evenings adds to the ambiance.
Menu Standouts
- Signature Mole Poblano: A complex sauce featuring over 20 ingredients, including various chilies and chocolate, served with tender chicken. The sauce takes three days to prepare and is made in small batches to ensure consistency.
- Tableside Guacamole: Fresh avocados prepared to order with your choice of additional ingredients, including unique options like pomegranate seeds and toasted pepitas.
- Innovative Cocktails: House-infused tequilas and mezcals form the backbone of a creative program. The bar maintains a rotating selection of over 100 premium tequilas.
- Seasonal Specials: The menu evolves with the seasons, incorporating local ingredients when possible. Chef Rodriguez collaborates with local farmers to source specialty ingredients.
Distinctive Features
- Sunday Brunch: A popular service combining Mexican breakfast classics with American favorites, featuring live mariachi music monthly
- Private Dining: An elegant private room accommodating up to 20 guests, with customizable menus for special events
- Special Events: Regular wine dinners and tequila tastings led by visiting experts and distillers
- Chef’s Tasting Menu: Available by request for special occasions, featuring off-menu items and creative interpretations of Mexican classics
Culinary Education
Vidalia Restaurant has recently begun offering monthly cooking classes where participants can learn traditional Mexican cooking techniques. These intimate sessions, limited to 8 participants, include hands-on instruction, recipes, and a shared meal.
Comparing These Culinary Destinations
While both restaurants qualify as best-kept secret restaurants in Mercer County, they serve different dining needs:
La Taqueria
- Price Point: Most meals under $15 per person
- Best For: Casual dining, authentic street-food experience, quick service
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11 AM – 9 PM
- Atmosphere: Casual, family-friendly
- Specialties: Street-style tacos, traditional Mexican dishes
- Parking: Free lot with ample spaces
- Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible
Vidalia Restaurant
- Price Point: Dinner entrées $22-35
- Best For: Special occasions, business dinners, upscale dining
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 5 PM – 10 PM (Sunday brunch 11 AM – 3 PM)
- Atmosphere: Sophisticated, refined
- Specialties: Contemporary Mexican cuisine, craft cocktails
- Parking: Valet service available weekends
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with elevator access to second floor
Planning Your Visit
Both restaurants accept major credit cards and offer takeout options. Reservations are recommended for Vidalia Restaurant, especially on weekends, while La Taqueria operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Both establishments can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice.
Best Times to Visit
- La Taqueria: Weekday lunches tend to be quieter, though the weekend specials are worth braving the crowds. The first Tuesday of each month features Mexican specialties.
- Vidalia Restaurant: Early dinner service (5-6:30 PM) typically offers easier seating, and Sunday brunch provides a unique experience. The monthly tequila tastings are particularly popular events.
The Verdict
These two establishments represent different yet equally valuable additions to Mercer County’s culinary landscape. La Taqueria offers an authentic, casual Mexican dining experience with exceptional value, while Vidalia Restaurant provides a refined, innovative approach to Mexican cuisine in an upscale setting.
Whether you’re seeking street-style tacos or an elevated dining experience, these best-kept secret restaurants in Mercer County deliver quality, authenticity, and memorable meals. Their continued success speaks to their ability to maintain high standards while creating distinctive dining experiences that keep customers coming back for more.
Be sure to check out our other blog posts for more best-kept secret restaurants!