Jonas W.'s Profile

No longer as good as it was when it was named Casa Fiesta (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). Unfortunately, Casa Fiesta became Lupita's after a series of raids by ICE cost CF some of its servers, its owner--and by the taste of it, its best cooks.

Lupita's remains an acceptable, inexpensive Mexican restaurant in a small town in suburban Ohio, but the food is no longer anything to rave about and the business on the whole is less friendly. If you're looking for locally sourced foods and Mexican inspired tastes, check out Agave on College Street instead; if you're dead set on a particular meal rather than a generic burrito or massive nachos, Lupita's is the place to go.

Unrelentingly awful. The food was bland where it wasn't actively unpleasant; the olive oil used in my dish was rancid, while my date's cut of meat was extremely fatty and pink through despite being ordered medium. Even the bread served before the meal was still frozen in the center.

I had no interest in eating even after I left Presti's; the experience had put me off food for the evening. Don't go here.

In every respect, a mediocre establishment.

Where to begin?  Well, the food is so good it deserves some opening acts, so let's start with the decor.  The Gypsy Wolf is a somewhat-dilapidated-looking turquoise building on the outside, but once you're inside, you're surrounded by Gypsy Wolf signs in various artistic styles, any number of cool-looking masks, and of course the strange (but very nifty) papier-mache geckos (one of which is at least the size of a person) on the ceiling.  All these add up to a really terrific atmosphere.

The staff are friendly and helpful... and, oh hell, I can't hold off on the food any longer.  Suffice it to say that it's fantastic.  From the chips and freshly-made salsa they start you off with to the last bite of your entree, this is possibly the tastiest restaurant I've ever eaten at.  I remember going there as a small child and enjoying it (which is saying something, since I had a childhood fear of masks), but I didn't fully appreciate it until I visited last year with my parents.

I had the Spirit of This Valley Vegetarian Burrito.  Given that this happened back in June, the fact that I remember that might maybe give you a hint that it made an impression.  The burrito, rice, and beans were about as tasty as I've had, and the garnishes- a tomato and some yellow squash- were unbelievably tasty.  I generally think of little side garnishes like that as extra credit: probably not worth the extra work that goes into them.  Not at the Gypsy Wolf.

Final words:
I cannot compliment this eating establishment highly enough.

P.S.- Okay, those weren't my final words; if you're curious what the place looks like, check out Steph Goralnick's images here:
http://www.flickr.com/...
http://www.flickr.com/...

There tends to be a bit of a wait, which is okay, because it reminds you how good the food that you're waiting for is going to be.  The pancakes and omelets tend to be excellent.  For extra credit, try an omelette with feta cheese, mushrooms, and olives.  Be warned, though: may produce a foodgasm.

EDIT: I'm somewhat less enthusiastic about this joint now that it has changed ownership and become Lupita's.

Original review: The staff is friendly, the food is damn tasty, and the service is fast as hell.  Possibly my favorite place to eat in Oberlin, all things considered.  "El Tapatio" and the combo are my personal recommendations, but most everything is worth a try.