La Fortaleza Clifton

- 590 Lexington Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011

Welcome to La Fortaleza Clifton, a beloved Mexican restaurant that has firmly established itself as a vibrant culinary and cultural destination for locals across North Jersey. Since its founding, La Fortaleza has aimed to be more than just a place to eat—it's designed to bring the very 'soul of Mexico' to every plate, reflecting a deep love for Mexican tradition and culture.

For residents of Clifton and surrounding communities like Passaic, Paterson, and Nutley, this restaurant provides a truly authentic dining experience, combining a diverse menu of traditional dishes with an atmosphere that is both cozy and lively. Whether you're a long-time fan of Mexican cuisine or looking to try specialties like Cemitas or rich Mole Poblano for the first time, La Fortaleza offers a culinary journey that is both satisfying and memorable.

This local gem is proud to serve the Clifton community, offering a taste of Mexico in every visit and bite, solidifying its reputation as a standout establishment in New Jersey’s competitive restaurant scene. They cater to a variety of occasions, from a quick and casual weeknight dinner to major celebrations, complete with unique and fun birthday celebrations that often feature lively drum performances and fireworks.

Location and Accessibility

La Fortaleza is conveniently situated at 590 Lexington Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA, making it an accessible spot for diners traveling from various parts of New Jersey. The location is easy to find, and the restaurant is dedicated to ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests, which is a major benefit for local users and their families.

Accessibility is a key priority at La Fortaleza, with features designed to accommodate every patron. These amenities include a wheelchair accessible entrance, a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot, wheelchair accessible seating in the dining area, and a wheelchair accessible restroom. Furthermore, the restaurant offers multiple convenient parking solutions, providing a free parking lot, free street parking, and even the option of valet parking, eliminating the typical stress of finding a spot in a busy area.

Services Offered

The restaurant provides a wide array of dining and service options to meet the needs of the diverse North Jersey crowd, including:

• Full-service Dine-in experience with table service and seating.
• Flexible dining times, including Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner.
• Quick and convenient Takeout and Delivery options.
• Catering services for large events and celebrations.
• Outdoor seating available for an enjoyable open-air dining experience.
• Reservations are accepted and generally recommended, especially during peak dining hours, though the restaurant does acknowledge that a wait may sometimes occur.
• A fully stocked Bar onsite offering a range of beverages.

Features / Highlights

La Fortaleza Clifton stands out in the New Jersey dining landscape due to a number of impressive features that enhance the guest experience:

• Authentic Cuisine: The menu features a vast selection of traditional Mexican dishes, including standout fan favorites like Tacos, Flautas, Cemitas, and the highly recommended Quesa-Birria.
• Extensive Beverage Program: The bar offers a wide variety of drinks, including Beer, Wine, Spirits, and an array of signature Cocktails, with a reputation for creating Great Cocktails.
• Specialty Menu Items: Patrons can enjoy specialty items such as the unique El Machete Fortaleza (an elongated corn-tortilla quesadilla), the rich Mole Poblano, and the spectacular surf-and-turf dish, Mar y Tierra.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The restaurant is welcoming to families and groups, offering a dedicated Kids' menu, high chairs, and a changing table for young children.
• Lively Entertainment: The atmosphere is often enhanced by Live Music and unique celebrations, such as the memorable birthday drum performances and fireworks mentioned by patrons, adding to the vibrant, Trendy, and Casual ambiance.
• Value and Convenience: Offerings include economical Lunch Specials, Happy Hour Drinks and Food, and late-night food options, all served with a reputation for Fast Service.
• Unique Desserts: They are known for their Great Desserts, which include indulgent choices like Chocolate Caramel Churros, Tres Leche, and Flan.
• Menu Variety: The menu caters to all tastes, with options for Comfort food, Healthy options, Small plates, and specific Vegetarian options.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or inquire about catering, you can use the following information:

• Address: 590 Lexington Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA
• Phone: (973) 478-7700
• Mobile Phone: +1 973-478-7700

What is worth choosing

For local New Jersey diners seeking an exceptional Mexican meal, La Fortaleza Clifton presents a compelling choice for several reasons, starting with its vast and authentic menu. Lunch is a standout, offering excellent value with affordable a la carte options like the Burrito Lunch or the Chimichanga Lunch, both priced to be quick and satisfying. For a heartier midday meal, the Lunch Special Combos, featuring popular items like the Mole Lunch Combo or Steak A La Parrilla Combo, offer a complete plate for $15.99.

When it comes to the full dining experience, the selection of Tacos is phenomenal, ranging from the classic Tacos to the specialty Baja Fish Tacos and Tacos Gobernador. However, for a true taste of a regional specialty, the Quesa-Birria is a must-try. The 'Fan Favorites' section features impressive, shareable dishes like the Supremio Fajitas and the enormous El Machete Fortaleza, a quesadilla that stretches up to two feet long and is packed with Oaxaca cheese.

For those looking for a truly authentic Mexican feast, the Entrees are spectacular. The Molcajete Fortaleza, an exquisite combination of marinated pork, grilled steak, and chorizo served with nopales and Oaxaca cheese, offers a celebratory presentation, as does the Parrillada Mixta, a mixed grill perfect for sharing. Seafood lovers are also well catered to with unique dishes like Aguachiles and the impressive, whole Red Snapper.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere is a major draw. Patrons consistently praise the "uniquely decorated" and vibrant setting, often mentioning the "glowing paint" and the friendly presence of live singers, which contribute to the festive vibe. It’s an ideal spot for celebrating birthdays, thanks to the restaurant's memorable and playful celebratory antics involving music and firework candles. Finally, the bar and cocktail program is highly regarded, with specialties like the Mango Chamoy Margarita and a variety of Mojitos, making it a perfect spot for happy hour or a night out with friends or family in Clifton.

In short, La Fortaleza Clifton delivers on its promise of authentic Mexican flavor and a lively, welcoming experience, solidifying its status as a must-visit local establishment in New Jersey.

La Fortaleza Clifton

590 Lexington Ave, Clifton, NJ 07011, USA