Authentic Mexican Cuisine Meets Hillsborough

Top from left: tamales, torta de quesillo, tostadas

La Costenita

450 Amwell Road

Hillsborough, NJ

908-874-0091

Mon- Sat 6AM-9PM

Sun 8AM-7PM

Tucked away in the corner of a strip mall overlooked by hungry Bagel-Bistro (formerly known as “Bagel Bop”) seekers is an ethnic experience unlike any other for this Wonderbread town. La Costenita is the epitome of food espagnol. Throw away the taco-bell notion of Spanish food… La Costenita is the revolution of whatever you thought Mexican food was.  People complain to us about their quest to find decent Spanish food in the tri-state area. And before this place, we pointed our fingers to chipotle. One day, needing to use the restroom, we stumbled upon one of the better, quainter, and overall more delicious restaurants around.

La Costenita, meaning “the little kitchen,” made us feel right at home in the midst of a Spanish grocer.

To test the waters, we played it safe with a “torta de quesillo” (a cheese sandwich native to the the owner Alicia’s home country, Mexico). This sandwich was served on a Kaiser roll (fresh, of course). Before you think this is some white person's interpretation of Spanish food, let us explain…. The cheese, oaxaca cheese, is imported and unusually salty, chewy, and fresh. With this is a layer of homemade refried black beans, lettuce, tomato, avocado, onion, and mayonnaise. But what really sets this sandwich apart was our choice to add cilantro and their homemade salsa verde (green, spicy, and original). Needless to say, eating this sandwich for the first time was nothing short of a religious experience.

Along with this single [wonderful] dish comes friendly service. The women behind the counter still recognize and welcome us each time we return. Although you might want to brush up on your Spanish before visiting for your first time, nothing bad can ever be said about the latin ladies working in the kitchen that are willing to make your experience something special.

Many dishes are served here – from tacos, to enchiladas, to burritos, to picaditas… They are well known in the local Spanish community for their homemade Mole (a spicy chocolate stew to pair with meat). Their tacos are made in fresh tortillas, with the choice of beef, chicken, or pork with fresh cilantro and a slice of lemon… a true cantina taco. Enchiladas are smothered in wonderful green and red sauce and delicious fresh cheeses, with the same meats listed above. Of all the choices, we prefer the Tortas (“sandwiches”)… all available with the classic selection: beef, chicken, or pork.

Next time you pass by Bagel Bistro or Victors Pizzeria, stop in and send a big HOLA for us to the neighborhood’s newest establishment… delicioso!

-Jackie and Greta