Lucky Tortillas brings you south of the border

  During these times of fast food chains like Taco Bell, Moe’s Burritos and others, family restaurants seem to have bit the dust over the years. However, Lucky Tortillas Tex-Mex Restaurant, nestled on the corner of Washington Avenue and North Lake Street in Downtown Albany, has quietly made a name for itself within the community.

   At first glance, it may not look like much. There are almost plastic looking windows covering the store, low income apartments surround the eatery and it is placed in an area where few would wander alone. Lucky Tortillas Tex-Mex Restaurant, however, reminds one to not judge a book by its cover.

   As you walk in, the smell of salsa and fresh tortillas fill your lungs, and then your stomach with hunger. The vibrant yellow walls are accompanied by yellow tables and friendly servers to give the customer the feel of being on vacation in Acapulco.

   The menu boasts countless items that would instantly make your mouth water, if it hadn’t already, such as perfectly spiced homemade salsa and guacamole. The enormous Burritos are to die for. Overflowing with beans, lettuce, tomato, Spanish rice and your choice of meat, the classic burritos are the size of a UAlbany lineman’s forearm. Reasonably priced at $4.50, the burrito, along with their special platters that consist of chicken, steak, rice, beans and tortillas are the most sought after items on the menu.

   What many do not realize is that Lucky Tortillas was only established in the Capitol Region for about a year. Previously, they were known as Fresh Tortillas in New York City between 14th Street and First and Second Avenue.

   “Our reputation was just as good, if not better in the city than it is here,” says Gen Chen, a UAlbany student who, along with his family, runs the new Mexican hotspot.

   From humble beginnings in the hustle and bustle of New York City to the often reserved capital region in Albany, their attitudes have not changed. The genuine care for their customers is represented in their food and their prices.

   “The lease had ended and we needed a new, familiar place to relocate to,” he said, “I was already attending the University, so my parents decided to move up here, for my sister and I.”

   The question is often asked – why Mexican and not Chinese food?

   “It’s simple, that was what my parents first learned when they immigrated here from China,” Chen says, “and we’ve been doing it ever since.”

    Life has truly changed for these two hardworking UAlbany students since the relocation.

   “They have put a lot of responsibility on us since day one,” he said, “attending class as well as running a business is not fun at all.”

   It’s not hard to see the dismay on Chen’s face while he sits in the restaurant waiting for business.

   “Things are running well right now, but it could be better,” he said, “But in the summertime, we experience a huge drop-off with school being out and all.”

   The steady drops are consistent and they knew of the situation even before relocating, but they have kept pushing. Handing menus to pedestrians, on campus and the nearby neighborhoods have kept a steady client base.

   Good “luck” comes to those who wait, and for the Chen family and Lucky Tortillas, business will soon be booming as the Long Branch Tavern, located right across from the restaurant will plan to re-open within the next year.

  “I hope things will get better after that and I’m excited,” said Chen.