Anne-Charlotte PasseraCalaveras is a Mexican restaurant nestled in the heart of Montreal’s Rosemont neighborhood. It offers a vibrant and flavourful taste of Mexico.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly restaurant that specializes in hearty food and want to experience Mexican cuisine, then head on over Calaveras. They have authentic dishes such as fajitas, tacos, and burritos. The restaurant offers dine-in or takeout from Wednesday to Sunday. It makes it the perfect spot to eat at if you are doing activities in the nearby Molson or Père-Marquette Parks.
From humble beginnings to being the talk of the hood, this Mexican restaurant enjoyed its first success and quickly outgrew its previous location. So today, Calaveras can be found on the corner of Beaubien and De Lorimier. Its cheerful interior and exterior along with large windows invite in light to create a welcoming space for guests to enjoy authentic Mexican flavors.
Meaning of Calaveras
Calaveras is a Spanish word that refers to the sugar-skulls people make for Day of the Dead, which is held on November 2.
This symbol can be found throughout Mexican art as it is meant to make death seem more joyful. This theme is very popular in Mexican culture and extends all the way to tombstones.
For Emilia, the owner and Chef of Calaveras, it’s a way to remember her loved ones that have passed on.
History of Calaveras restaurant
The restaurant first opened in a tiny local on Beaubien Street, not far from where the current location now stands. The original building proved too small for its growing clientele. Thus, they had to move locations after only two years of operation.
Once settled in its new location, Calaveras has been drawing local residents with the great Mexican food and authentic Mexican dishes that they serve up.
Humble beginnings
This Mexican restaurant has been more than just a business venture. It is the realization of an adventure that began more than 15 years ago when Emilia started selling hot dogs out of her bedroom window while living in Mexico. She was only 17!
In 2006, Emilia came to Montreal on vacation and fell in love with the city. She immigrated here from Manzanillo-Colima the following year and started working in restaurants with no prior experience.
From making sushis, cooking for day camps to being a home chef, Emilia’s Mexican adventure started to unfold.
After almost a decade working in restaurants, she decided to open her own Mexican restaurant. Her partner Lala, had a little boutique on Beaubien Street selling Guatemalan arts and crafts. Emilia set up her little taco and burrito stand at the back of the shop.
Despite only having a little portable stovetop and a small fridge, her business quickly took off. Emilia quickly realized her Mexican restaurant had a lot more potential than the little corner she set up at Lala’s store. Lala forgoes her store to make more room for Emilia’s blooming taqueria which could seat up to 10 people.
Calaveras today
When the lease was up for the shop, Emilia and Lala decided that it was the appropriate time to move. They expanded what they had into a Mexican restaurant with more space, more seating, and a real kitchen.
Thus began their new adventure and the beginning of Restaurant Calaveras. From the very first day, their restaurant was a huge hit. Word of mouth spread through the neighborhood and before they knew it, their Mexican restaurant was always packed with customers!
Calaveras – A family affair
Emilia has always had the entrepreneur vibe, at least when it comes to cooking. Lala is her balance and focuses her skills on the logistical and marketing side of the business.
Together, they run Restaurant Calaveras while raising two beautiful girls ages 11 and 13 years who also help out their moms from time to time.
The interior and the menus were all created by Lala with the painting done with the help of their daughters.
Their schedules are insane with Emilia being at the restaurant from the wee hours of the morning until late in the evening. She makes everything from scratch – from her guacamole, pico de gallo to Mexican sauces. EVERY SINGLE DAY!
Luckily, the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays so that Emilia can tend to her girls, help with homework and have a breather.
Emilia oversees the 6 hour meal prep while Lala hears the orders from customers and serves them.
Lala can do most of her business tasks from home which makes their family life a bit easier. Luckily, they have family that lends a hand in the restaurant, but Emilia manages it all.
They are an incredible couple, hard-working, passionate about their business, always cheerful, and great role models for their girls. Women can really do it all!
The popular dishes
Its Mexican-inspired menu is ideal for sharing and offers good deals on Mexican-inspired drinks and tasty desserts.
There are two menus available at Restaurant Calaveras: one for a sit-down meal and the other one for take-out.
The Mexican menu has delicious Mexican-style burritos, fajitas, and a Mexican tortilla such as their Calavera with fresh avocado, homemade pico de gallo, and the meat of your choice (17$).
For a family of four, including cocktails for the adults, you could expect to pay under 100$. Emilia recommends the combo for $60 which is a good size for 4 people if you want take-out.
I recently got the chicken burrito bowl for take-out and it was delicious. The Mexican rice was perfectly cooked in the Mexican style. Chicken with beans, Mexican cheese, guacamole, some fresh lettuce, and pico de gallo complemented the dish.
Drinks and desserts
For a more complete Mexican experience, you can also order some savory cocktails such as the typical Margarita or a raspberry mojito ($7). I personally tried both, and they were great.
The Limon Maria, a traditional Mexican dessert also known as Carlota de Limon, is also very tasty. Add a spoon of chocolate caramel to balance the bitter lemon taste.
Emilia told me that it’s super easy to make on your own. You can try THIS recipe and see how easy it can be.
The portions of pastries are quite generous and are reasonably priced.
I recommend this restaurant for both Mexican food lovers or anyone looking for a good meal at an affordable price.
For an added bonus, they sell their own spicy sauces all locally made which you can purchase through their website HERE.
Private events
Private events are available whether you want a private chef at home, rent out the restaurant or have a food truck come to your next outdoor office party.
Simply inquire by calling 514-701-0123.
The vibe of the restaurant
If you’ve been looking for a restaurant in Montreal that serves up authentic Mexican food, look no further than Calaveras. This gem located at 2040 Beaubien East is the perfect place to get your fix if it’s tacos, burritos, or quesadillas you’re craving! The friendly staff will greet and serve you with warmth and authenticity while Chef Emilia makes each dish from scratch with fresh ingredients.
The homy decor blends well with the authentic Mexican hearty food that is served, which makes it a relaxing place to hang out with friends and family. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a casual Mexican meal or even host your next birthday party!
The only thing on the menu that has been adapted to the North American palette is the Salmon Ceviche as it’s not something you would find in Mexico.
The interior of the restaurant is vibrant, colorful, and fun. It even has popular Mexican quotes up on the walls. Don’t forget your google translate app. From its Mexican decor to its Mexican music, it really makes you feel like you’re in Mexico!
For an added bonus, enjoy live music on Friday evenings. Come visit them today – they can’t wait to meet you!
What are some of your favorite Mexican dishes? Let me know what they are below in the comments section so I can try them next time I have a Mexican craving.
