As if the name Arturo’s Puffy Taco wasn’t intriguing enough, driving up to this small and somewhat homely structure made me sit back and think, “This place has got to have a story to tell.” Sure enough, it does, and it has got people listening everywhere.
Gloria and Arturo Lopez started Puffy Taco when they bought it from Arturo’s brother in San Antonio, Texas. After some time, rough circumstances inspired them to move to Southern California with their daughter, Maria, and their son, Juan. Juan started working at the California location when he was just 13 years old. Anyone can see that the family loves working together and serving their devoted customers.
One man, Gordy Johnson of La Habra, has been eating at Puffy Taco for the past 30 years. He and his family have been coming there since its first California location opened in La Habra in the ’70s. When it moved to Leffingwell Road in Whittier, the Johnson family was along for the ride. “We like the rancheros,” Johnson said. His favorite Puffy Taco dish is part of why he has been such a loyal fan. But he was quick in mentioning the delightful owners as the rest of the reason for his loyalty.
“She [Gloria] and the kids have been here since the early ’70s,” he said. Johnson has enjoyed seeing and supporting the familiar faces.
The great relationship between the Lopez family and their guests is not just one-sided. When asked what her favorite part about owning the restaurant was, Lopez replied emphatically, “the customers!” She said that college students like to come to her restaurant because, “It’s good service, good food, and the prices aren’t bad.”
The other reason people like Johnson make Arturo’s Puffy Taco a part of their family for life? The incredible, homemade Mexican food. For only a few bucks, customers can buy one of their specialties, the puffy taco. This taco is a homemade corn tortilla that has been cooked and “puffed” to a golden crisp, according to the family’s long-lived secret recipe. Mine was filled with big chunks of tender white meat chicken and fresh lettuce and cheese. Two filled me up perfectly, and accompanied with a delicious horchata I spent less than $6. Other items include an enormous rancheros “wet” burrito, a Texas burger and chile relleno.
As if anyone needed more convincing, they could check out the Food Network feature Arturo’s Puffy Taco received in 2001. The report enthused a line from the outside counter back into the street next to a public phone booth. LA Weekly and the Whittier Daily News have also picked up on the Puffy Taco buzz.
The name is only the beginning of the fun at Arturo’s Puffy Taco. Eating here is like being at the border. It’s authentic and delicious, affordable and fresh, and is accompanied by a friendly family who would love to get to know your name and story.
