By Jim Boyce | While the sign for the new Lucky Lopez has been up a while, this Tex-Mex joint only just opened in the alley beside Nearby the Tree and behind Yashow Market in Sanlitun, so I popped in for a late lunch today. With a 20 percent “soft opening” discount, my pork carnitas burrito (rmb28), chili cheese fries (rmb20) and ginger ale (rmb8) came to rmb46, extremely good value that put a smile on my face until that massive meal slowed my blood flow and left me in desperate need of a siesta.
That burrito is hefty, and could double as a hand weight, although it needs more spice. The fries are hand cut and tasty although, again, that chili needs fire. (I’m tempted to crack into my precious Taco Bell hot sauce supply and bring a few Fire packets next time.) The ginger ale was ginger ale-ish.
There are plenty of Tex-Mex places in the area, from Luga’s Villa to Cantina Agave, and I’d rank the Q Mex burritos quite a bit above Lucky Lopez, although they are also more than double the price.
The food menu is straight forward: six options, including fajita beef, carnitas pork, chicken, southwest veggie, crispy fish and Texas chili, and four styles, including burritos, soft shell tacos, rice platters and salad bowls. They range in price from rmb24 to rmb32. There are ten sides, including chicken wings, tamales and guacamole and chips, a few desserts and some drinks, including boozy ones. Given the prices and portions, it should be enough to keep the average customer happy.
The Lucky Lopez space was previously a warehouse and is nice enough, in terms of decor and seating, to plop down with your laptop and do some work. It replaces the old Lucky Lopez in Jianwai Soho. The staff is friendly, although new and still getting up to speed, and the owner says he’s opening from lunch through dinner and ultimately plans to serve until 11 AM or midnight, a nice option for the many people coming from or going to a drinking session in Sanlitun. For those who prefer the comfort of home, Lucky Lopez also delivers.
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