Food is a universal language; a good meal resonates across linguistic, cultural and geographic barriers. Sharing a satisfying meal with loved ones is something we all have in common.
While the act of eating might generally be the same for everyone, food itself means something different in each corner of the globe. Every culture has its unique take on cuisine. From pho in the streets of Vietnam to pickled herring in the fjords of Norway, food reflects culture and the world around it.
Mexican food is no different. It stands out because of the rich harmony of flavors in every bite. It combines fresh ingredients, intricate sauces and recipes steeped in history that predate colonial times.
A prime example of this is El Caporal, which has been spicing up the dining scene for Louisville residents since opening its doors in 1990. Back then Louisville had few options for authentic, high-quality Mexican cuisine. Recognizing this gap in the market, the team behind El Caporal set out to change that.
The first location was out on Preston Highway and it was a huge success, with the community embracing and celebrating the flavorful dishes.
Now celebrating its 35th anniversary, El Caporal operates two locations at Blankenbaker Parkway and Meadow Lane. With a strong base of loyal customers, it continues to uphold its outstanding reputation.
Luis Angeles, owner of the Blankenbaker location, has been with El Caporal since 2003. Originally from Hidalgo, Mexico, he understands what this restaurant has meant to the Louisville community and why it stands out.
“When my partner, Jesus Leon, opened the first location on Preston Highway, it was one of the first authentic Mexican restaurants in the area,” he says. “We wanted to bring quality Mexican food to the people of Louisville.”
Mission accomplished.
Fresh ingredients are the standard for Mexican food, and El Caporal takes that standard seriously. Every entrée is grilled in its own natural juices, and the tortillas do not contain any preservatives or lard. The high quality and commitment to excellence are apparent with each bite. In addition to this, all of the salsas and sauces are homemade with fresh and dried chiles.
Great food connects with people, and El Caporal has that in abundance.
Its menu is vast, beginning with a large selection of alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. There is an impressive selection of Mexican beers, along with a variety of house-made margaritas.
For an authentic experience, the michelada is not to be missed. It features your favorite Mexican beer chilled in a 32-ounce mug with lime, salt, a hint of Cholula hot sauce, Clamato tomato juice and black pepper.
In addition to the drinks, El Caporal offers a wide variety of traditional Mexican dishes. From sizzling fajitas to savory enchiladas and crispy fish tacos, there is something for every appetite. Customers will find familiar favorites, as well as discover new tastes and spices.
With a variety of lunch specials and items for the kids, it is a great choice for the whole family.
There is also a large number of vegetarian options on the menu, like the Chiles Poblanos Rellenos. This is a fried, stuffed pepper bursting with flavor.
The menu also includes traditional Mexican desserts such as flan, churros, fried ice cream and even a cheesecake burrito. No, that is not a typo. The cheesecake burrito is made of creamy cheesecake wrapped in a golden brown pastry tortilla and finished with a dash of cinnamon sugar. Delicioso!
El Caporal is locally owned and operated, ensuring only the best for its hard-working customers. The staff at El Caporal want nothing more than to give back to their adopted hometown – a town that has embraced them so openly.
“I moved here in 1993, and Louisville has been and still is a great place to raise a family,” Angeles says.
Looking ahead, the team at El Caporal want to keep expanding around Louisville and possibly beyond, with more locations and more outstanding food. No matter how big the franchise gets, however, it will never lose sight of what made it a success in the first place – being a family-owned neighborhood restaurant.
“We’re still a family restaurant,” Angeles says. “We like to know our customers.”
35 years is quite a milestone for anything, whether in marriage, a career, or – especially – the restaurant industry. Through decades of change, wars, recessions and more, El Caporal and its dedicated team have stood the test of time. Success is never guaranteed, but as long as the people of Louisville appreciate high-quality, delicious food, it’s not going anywhere.
If you would like more information about El Caporal, visit their website at mycaporal.com, follow them on social media, or visit one of their locations.
Comments 2
Our family has been going to this restaurant for the past 8 years. I agree that El Caporal is a family business and makes a point to know their customers – we are part of their family, going there on a weekly basis. Delicious food, excellent service, but mainly the best people to know! Thanks for writing this article on this restaurant.
Congratulations on your 35th anniversary. We love El Caperol. Our favorite place to eat the best Mexican food! Keeping putting out the best!