Armando Hernandez is shown in the family’s El Cerrito Mexican Restaurant in downtown Tama. The painted wall mural depicts the family’s ancestral home of El Cerrtio in Mexico. News-Herald/John Speer

“It’s authentic Mexican – not “Tex-Mex,” Armando Hernandez says of the menu at El Cerrito Mexican Restaurant in downtown Tama. Armando and three brothers have operated the downtown Tama eatery since late last fall offering a full menu of what he says have become favorites among customers.

Armando’s three brothers, Jose, Livorio and Salvador have other jobs and help out in the business when they can. While new in Tama, they are not strangers to restaurants having worked in other establishments since coming to the U.S. 12 years ago.

Armando says they also gained additional knowledge working in establishments in their native country.

Whether it’s tacos, tortillas or dishes not quite so familiar, he says, “We make everything here.”

Offered are lunch specials from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Monday-Saturday along with a dinner menu seven days a week. El Cerrito is open seven days a week from 11a.m.- 10 p.m .

On Friday and Saturday nights he says it is not unusual for them to continue serving until 11 p.m. or midnight.

Desserts are available to accompany meals and the restaurant features beer and wine service.