Chapala Mexican Cuisine Introduce
For residents and visitors in Central New Jersey, the search for truly authentic and vibrant **Mexican restaurant** experiences often leads to the discovery of **Chapala Mexican Cuisine**. Located at **1637 Vauxhall Rd in Union, NJ**, this establishment is a celebrated local gem that offers far more than just a meal; it provides a complete cultural and culinary experience. Chapala successfully blends delicious, well-plated, and authentic **Mexican food** with a lively, festive atmosphere that many New Jersey diners seek.
The menu at Chapala is an expansive journey through classic Mexican gastronomy, demonstrating a commitment to variety and quality. Diners can explore everything from robust **Meats/Carnes** platters like **Carne Asada** and **Bistec A La Tampiqueña** to an impressive array of fresh **Seafood/Mariscos**, including **Camarones A La Diabla** and **Fried Whole Red Snapper**. Signature items like the **Fajitas Chapala** and various enchiladas, such as **Enchiladas Suizas** and **Enchiladas Mole Poblano**, are customer favorites. One diner specifically praised the **steak fajita** and **enchiladas**, noting that the food was “good,” while others compared the quality favorably to established venues in New York City.
Beyond the main courses, the restaurant doubles as a lively **Bar** and social hub. It is particularly known for its extensive beverage program, with customers raving that the **drinks were amazing**. Whether you are seeking a carefully crafted cocktail, a wide **Beer** selection, or non-alcoholic options like refreshing **Aguas Frescas** or **Jarritos-Mexican Soda**, Chapala caters to every taste. The overall setting is described as having a "festive music" atmosphere, which, along with the friendly service, makes every visit a truly enjoyable outing for locals in the Union, NJ, area.
Chapala Mexican Cuisine is strategically situated at **1637 Vauxhall Rd, Union, NJ 07083**. This address is in a convenient part of Union, making it easily reachable for local patrons and those traveling from nearby towns in New Jersey. The location on Vauxhall Road benefits from a strong community presence and good local traffic flow.
Accessibility is a key priority for Chapala, ensuring all guests feel welcome and accommodated. The establishment provides comprehensive features for mobility ease:
- **Wheelchair accessible entrance** ensures smooth entry and exit from the restaurant.
- **Wheelchair accessible parking lot** is available, simplifying the arrival process.
- The dining area includes **Wheelchair accessible seating** and a **Wheelchair accessible restroom**.
For drivers, the restaurant offers hassle-free **On-site parking** with a dedicated **Free parking lot**, a major convenience in a busy commercial area. The central location within the 07083 zip code makes it a prime spot for both planned group outings and spontaneous dining decisions.
As a full-service **Mexican restaurant** and **Bar**, Chapala offers a wide array of services designed to maximize customer convenience, dining satisfaction, and entertainment.
- **Full Dining Service:** Includes **Dine-in** service with comfortable **Seating** for **Lunch** and **Dinner**, featuring professional **Table service**.
- **Convenient Ordering:** Options for **Takeout**, standard **Delivery**, and **No-contact delivery** ensure customers can enjoy their meals at home or on the go.
- **Beverage and Bar Services:** Features a full **Bar onsite** with **Alcohol**, **Hard liquor**, **Wine**, a **Great beer selection**, and highly-praised **Cocktails**.
- **Promotional Hours:** Offers **Happy hour drinks** and **Happy hour food**, providing great value and a reason for locals to gather after work.
- **Special Events and Ambiance:** Frequently features **Live music** and screens **Sports** events, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
- **Group and Event Planning:** Services include **Catering** for larger events and the ability to **Accepts reservations** for group dining and special occasions.
- **Family and Comfort:** Provides a specialized **Kids' menu** and **High chairs**, confirming its status as a **Family-friendly** location offering traditional **Comfort food**.
- **Modern Amenities:** Includes complimentary **Wi-Fi** for guests and accepts modern payment methods like **NFC mobile payments**.
Chapala Mexican Cuisine boasts several distinctive highlights that contribute to its popularity and strong reputation within the New Jersey dining scene.
- **Acclaimed Drinks Program:** A significant feature is the quality and selection of beverages, with customer reviews highlighting the **amazing drinks**, strong **Cocktails**, and **Great beer selection**.
- **Vibrant Atmosphere and Entertainment:** The inclusion of **Live music** and a focus on **Sports** viewing contributes to a festive, "trendy," and engaging ambiance that is ideal for groups and socializing.
- **Extensive Menu Diversity:** The menu is highly comprehensive, covering classic **Mexican food** staples, hearty **Meats/Carnes** (such as the four specialty 'Bistec' preparations), and dedicated **Seafood/Mariscos** sections, ensuring there is a delicious option for everyone.
- **Specialty Food Highlights:** The restaurant is known for its high-quality appetizers, with vegetarian-friendly options like the highly-rated **meatless nachos** and classics such as **GUACAMOLE - APPETIZER** and **Ceviche Chapala**.
- **Ownership Identity and Community Support:** The business proudly **Identifies as Latino-owned** and **Identifies as women-owned**, appealing to customers who wish to support diverse local businesses.
- **Inclusivity and Safety:** The atmosphere is highlighted as being **LGBTQ+ friendly** and a **Transgender safespace**, fostering a truly welcoming environment for all members of the community.
- **Operational Efficiency:** Known for **Fast service**, Chapala provides quick and efficient dining, which is highly valued for both lunch service and busy evening dining periods.
To place an order for delivery or takeout, make a reservation for a group, or inquire about the menu and festive atmosphere, customers in the Union, NJ, area can contact Chapala Mexican Cuisine using the information below.
**Address:** 1637 Vauxhall Rd, Union, NJ 07083
**Phone:** (908) 688-6666
**Mobile Phone:** +1 908-688-6666
The availability of both a primary and mobile phone line ensures Union residents can reliably connect with the restaurant to manage their dining needs, whether seeking a quick bite or planning a larger catered event.
For New Jersey residents, especially those in Union and the surrounding areas, Chapala Mexican Cuisine is a prime choice for authentic international dining that delivers on quality, atmosphere, and versatility. It is worth choosing Chapala because it solves the common dilemma of finding an authentic **Mexican restaurant** that also excels as a vibrant social destination. While many places offer tacos, Chapala distinguishes itself with an ambitious menu featuring specialty dishes like the "amazing" **Seafood/Mariscos** options and the acclaimed **Bistec** plates, ensuring a superior culinary experience that closely rivals high-end urban eateries.
The restaurant’s festive and cozy atmosphere, enhanced by **Live music** and a fantastic bar service, transforms a simple dinner into a memorable night out. The fact that the **drinks were amazing** according to patrons underscores the quality of the bar, making it an excellent spot for both pre-dinner cocktails and enjoying the generous **Happy hour drinks** and **Happy hour food**. Furthermore, the commitment to inclusivity (**LGBTQ+ friendly**) and the pride in being a **Latino-owned** and **women-owned** business resonate strongly with community-minded New Jersey diners.
Whether you are a solo diner looking for a **Quick bite**, a family needing a **Kids' menu** and a safe, welcoming space, or a large group requiring **Catering** and a reservable table, Chapala provides the solution. The consistent positive feedback on the food quality—from the **meatless nachos** to the **steak fajita**—combined with the excellent service and ease of access on Vauxhall Road, solidifies Chapala Mexican Cuisine as a highly recommended and essential stop for genuine Mexican flavor in Union, NJ.
Chapala Mexican Cuisine Menu
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Appetizers/Botanas
- Camarones En Salsa App $16.95
- Ceviche Chapala $17.25
- Ceviche De Camarones $16.95
- Chorizo A La Broila $13.50
- Empanadas $14.50
- GUACAMOLE - APPETIZER $14.00
- Nachos $13.50
- Quesadillas-Appetizer $13.25
- Queso Fundido Con Chorizo $13.95
- Super Nachos $16.25
- Tostadas $13.25
- Chapala Wings $14.25
- Chicken Fingers And Fries $14.50
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Beverages/Bebidas
- Aguas Frescas $4.00
- Cappuccino $6.00
- Chocolate Milk $4.00
- Espresso $4.00
- Fruit Frozen Virgen Drinks $8.00
- Jarritos-Mexican Soda $5.00
- Juice $4.00
- Mexican Coffee $8.95
- Milk $4.00
- Regular Coffee $3.00
- Soda $3.95
- Spanish Coffee $9.95
- Tea $3.00
- Bottle Of Water $2.00
- Iced Tea $3.95
- Mexican Coke $5.00
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Desserts
- Bunuelo $7.95
- Chocolate Lava Cake $8.50
- Churros W/ Vanilla Ice Cream $8.50
- Flan Napolitano $7.95
- Helado $6.00
- Helado Frito $8.25
- Lemon Sorbet $8.25
- Pan De Las Tres Leches $8.50
- Sweet Chimichanga $8.50
- Tartufo $9.50
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Entrees/Entradas
- California Burger $20.95
- Cheese Burger $20.95
- Fajitas Chapala $30.95
- Fajitas De Bistec $29.95
- Fajitas De Camarones $28.95
- Fajitas De Pollo $27.95
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Kid's Menu
- Kids Enchilada $8.95
- Kids Milaneza De Pollo Con Papa Fritas $10.95
- Kids Plato Arroz Y Frijoles $8.00
- Kids Quesadilla $9.95
- Kids Taco $8.95
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Meats/Carnes
- Bistec A La Tampiqueña $34.95
- Bistec Chapala $31.95
- Bistec Don Filo $34.95
- Bistec Guadalajara $31.95
- Carne Asada $31.95
- Chuletas A La Diabla $28.50
- Chuletas De Puerco $28.50
- Milanesa De Pollo $26.50
- Pollo Al Chef $25.95
- Pollo Chapala $25.95
- Pollo Puerto Vallarta $25.95
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Salads/Ensaladas
- Ensalada Con Camaron $18.95
- Ensalada De Nopales $12.95
- Ensalada De Pollo Con Aguacae $19.95
- House Salad $9.95
- Mexican Taco Salad $17.95
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Seafood/Mariscos
- Camarones A La Diabla $26.95
- Camarones Al Ajillo $26.95
- Camarones Borrachos $26.95
- Camarones En Salsa Verde $26.95
- Huachinango Chapala $29.50
- Huanchinango Ajillo $29.50
- Salmon A La Parrilla $29.50
- Tilapia Borracha Con Camarones $29.95
- Fried Whole Red Snapper $29.50
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Side Orders/Guarniciones
- Beans Side Order $6.00
- Extra Chips & Salsa $6.25
- French Fries $7.00
- Avocado Side $6.00
- Pico De Gallo $4.25
- Rice Side Order $6.00
- Rice & Beans Side Order $8.00
- Sauteed Brocolli $9.00
- Sauteed Spinach $9.00
- Shredded Cheese $5.00
- Side Of Sour Cream $3.00
- Extra Corn Tortillas (3) $3.00
- Extra Flour Tortillas (3) $3.00
- Extra Fried Egg $3.50
- Side Of Lettuce $4.00
- Small Salsa $3.00
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Soups/Sopas
- Sopa Azteca $9.95
- Sopa De Pollo $8.00
- Sopa Negra $8.00
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Specials/Especiales
- Burrito Chapala 12" $21.95
- Chiles Rellenos $21.95
- Chimichangas $18.95
- Enchiladas Chapala $21.95
- Enchiladas Mole Poblano $18.95
- Enchiladas Rancheras $18.95
- Enchiladas Suizas $18.95
- Flautas $18.95
- Tacos Dorados $18.95
- Tacos Mexicanos $18.95
- Texas Burrito 12" $20.25
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Vegetarian Plates
- Chiles Rellenos De Queso $18.95
- Enchiladas $16.95
- Fajitas De Vegetales $20.95
- Quesadillas Vegetarian $16.95
- Texas Burrito 12"-Vegetarian $18.25
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Appetizers/Botanas
- Camarones En Salsa App $16.95
- Ceviche Chapala $17.25
- Ceviche De Camarones $16.95
- Chorizo A La Broila $13.50
- Empanadas $14.50
- GUACAMOLE - APPETIZER $14.00
- Nachos $13.50
- Quesadillas-Appetizer $13.25
- Queso Fundido Con Chorizo $13.95
- Super Nachos $16.25
- Tostadas $13.25
- Chapala Wings $14.25
- Chicken Fingers And Fries $14.50
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Beverages/Bebidas
- Aguas Frescas $4.00
- Cappuccino $6.00
- Chocolate Milk $4.00
- Espresso $4.00
- Fruit Frozen Virgen Drinks $8.00
- Jarritos-Mexican Soda $5.00
- Juice $4.00
- Mexican Coffee $8.95
- Milk $4.00
- Regular Coffee $3.00
- Soda $3.95
- Spanish Coffee $9.95
- Tea $3.00
- Bottle Of Water $2.00
- Iced Tea $3.95
- Mexican Coke $5.00
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Desserts
- Bunuelo $7.95
- Chocolate Lava Cake $8.50
- Churros W/ Vanilla Ice Cream $8.50
- Flan Napolitano $7.95
- Helado $6.00
- Helado Frito $8.25
- Lemon Sorbet $8.25
- Pan De Las Tres Leches $8.50
- Sweet Chimichanga $8.50
- Tartufo $9.50
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Entrees/Entradas
- California Burger $20.95
- Cheese Burger $20.95
- Fajitas Chapala $30.95
- Fajitas De Bistec $29.95
- Fajitas De Camarones $28.95
- Fajitas De Pollo $27.95
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Kid's Menu
- Kids Enchilada $8.95
- Kids Milaneza De Pollo Con Papa Fritas $10.95
- Kids Plato Arroz Y Frijoles $8.00
- Kids Quesadilla $9.95
- Kids Taco $8.95
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Meats/Carnes
- Bistec A La Tampiqueña $34.95
- Bistec Chapala $31.95
- Bistec Don Filo $34.95
- Bistec Guadalajara $31.95
- Carne Asada $31.95
- Chuletas A La Diabla $28.50
- Chuletas De Puerco $28.50
- Milanesa De Pollo $26.50
- Pollo Al Chef $25.95
- Pollo Chapala $25.95
- Pollo Puerto Vallarta $25.95
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Salads/Ensaladas
- Ensalada Con Camaron $18.95
- Ensalada De Nopales $12.95
- Ensalada De Pollo Con Aguacae $19.95
- House Salad $9.95
- Mexican Taco Salad $17.95
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Seafood/Mariscos
- Camarones A La Diabla $26.95
- Camarones Al Ajillo $26.95
- Camarones Borrachos $26.95
- Camarones En Salsa Verde $26.95
- Huachinango Chapala $29.50
- Huanchinango Ajillo $29.50
- Salmon A La Parrilla $29.50
- Tilapia Borracha Con Camarones $29.95
- Fried Whole Red Snapper $29.50
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Side Orders/Guarniciones
- Beans Side Order $6.00
- Extra Chips & Salsa $6.25
- French Fries $7.00
- Avocado Side $6.00
- Pico De Gallo $4.25
- Rice Side Order $6.00
- Rice & Beans Side Order $8.00
- Sauteed Brocolli $9.00
- Sauteed Spinach $9.00
- Shredded Cheese $5.00
- Side Of Sour Cream $3.00
- Extra Corn Tortillas (3) $3.00
- Extra Flour Tortillas (3) $3.00
- Extra Fried Egg $3.50
- Side Of Lettuce $4.00
- Small Salsa $3.00
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Soups/Sopas
- Sopa Azteca $9.95
- Sopa De Pollo $8.00
- Sopa Negra $8.00
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Specials/Especiales
- Burrito Chapala 12" $21.95
- Chiles Rellenos $21.95
- Chimichangas $18.95
- Enchiladas Chapala $21.95
- Enchiladas Mole Poblano $18.95
- Enchiladas Rancheras $18.95
- Enchiladas Suizas $18.95
- Flautas $18.95
- Tacos Dorados $18.95
- Tacos Mexicanos $18.95
- Texas Burrito 12" $20.25
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Vegetarian Plates
- Chiles Rellenos De Queso $18.95
- Enchiladas $16.95
- Fajitas De Vegetales $20.95
- Quesadillas Vegetarian $16.95
- Texas Burrito 12"-Vegetarian $18.25
CHAPALA GRILL UNION [POS]-allday - Lunch menu
- AVOCADO SALAD $10.95
- CARNE ASADA $20.95
- CHIMICHANGAS $11.95
- DIABLA SHRIMP $19.95
- EMPANADAS $12.50
- ENCHILADAS RANCHERAS $11.95
- ENCHILADA SUIZAS $11.95
- FLAUTAS CHAPALA $11.95
- GARLIC SHRIMP $19.95
- GRILLED SALMON $21.95
- HOUSE SALAD $8.75
- KID TACOS $6.95
- NACHOS $11.25
- POLLO AL CHEF $18.95
- QUESADILLAS $11.25
- SMALL GUACAMOLE $1.95
- SOPA AZTECA $6.50
- SOPA DE POLLO $5.50
- SOPA NEGRA $5.50
- TACO SALAD $11.95
- TACOS DORADOS $11.95
- TACOS MEXICANOS $11.95
- TEXAS BURRITOS $11.95
- TOSTADAS $11.25
- WINGS $9.95
Chapala Mexican Cuisine Details
From the business
- Identifies as Latino-owned
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Live music
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Assistive hearing loop
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- On-site parking
- Parking
Chapala Mexican Cuisine Photos










Chapala Mexican Cuisine Location
Chapala Mexican Cuisine
1637 Vauxhall Rd, Union, NJ 07083, USA
Chapala Mexican Cuisine Reviews
margaritasbarguacamolemusicenchiladassteakfood and serviceentreesfajitasseasoned
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Our group of 4 adults fully enjoyed ourselves, with the festive music, the well plated and delicious food. This was our friends second time here, and they wanted to bring us to taste and see for ourselves. We are always on the hunt for a Mexican restaurant that compares with one in NYC's, village area. This is very close to it. The meatless nachos were VERY good, as was the rest of our meals.
May 30 · susan brunoAtmosphere and service was nice. Food was good. We ordered the steak fajita and the enchiladas. The drinks were amazing.
October 07 · Jessica lopezWe went here for a friend's birthday during the middle of the week. The food here is pretty good. I had the Carne Asada and it was delicious. The cocktails here are pretty good too. The staff is what made the experience great. They took care of us for our friends birthday with special cocktails and shots. Definitely would come back.
May 18 · Joshua John VillahermosaI recently came here for a nice family dinner & it was an all around good experience. The restaurant is very clean & service was great which is always important. The chips & salsa came out quickly & was delicious. The drinks are strong but pricey & can add up quickly. The food was ok but nothing special which is why I gave 3 stars. I wish the food has better flavor when compared to other Mexican cuisine in town.
December 05 · Kris MIt took awhile for our food to come, but it was delicious. They said it was a party inside so it was busy. I had outdoor seating.
July 23 · Bobbie Priscilla
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