Hispanic Heritage Month runs September 15 to October 15. You don’t have to leave the neighborhood to celebrate it.
Every year from September 15 to October 15, the country celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. This year’s national theme is “Unidos, Somos Más,” or “Together, We Are More,” and it fits MetroWest well. Ours is a community built by people from everywhere, and one of the easiest places to see that is at the table.
Within a few minutes of each other, you can eat your way across four countries. Here’s where to start.
🇻🇪 Venezuela
El Toque Restaurant Metrowest (6405 Raleigh St.) is one of the neighborhood’s most loved kitchens, and for good reason. Come for arepas, cachapas, and the towering pepito sandwich, or start your day there since they open at 8 a.m. for breakfast. A little farther north, Memories of Venezuela (129 N. Kirkman Rd.) serves pabellón empanadas and Venezuelan-style hot dogs with a lineup of house sauces worth sampling.
🇲🇽 Mexico
Tacos Don Andres (2433 S. Hiawassee Rd.) is one of MetroWest’s newest neighbors, and it has quickly become a go-to for birria tacos, fresh salsa, and a lively atmosphere on game nights. For something small and homestyle, El Sabor de los Recuerdos (5505 Old Winter Garden Rd.) turns out tacos, tortas, and huaraches from a tiny kitchen, with a Taco Tuesday deal that draws a line.
🇨🇴 Colombia
Mecatos Bakery & Café (2900 S. Kirkman Rd.) is the neighborhood’s morning ritual for many: Colombian empanadas, quesitos, fresh bread, and a proper cortadito. It doubles as a quiet place to work or catch up with a friend.
🇵🇪 Peru
La Granja Metrowest (3120 S. Kirkman Rd.) keeps it simple and satisfying with Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken, yuca fries, and a sauce bar that rewards experimentation. Family-friendly and easy on the budget.
Keep the celebration going downtown
MetroWest is part of the City of Orlando, and the City has two free events on the calendar this month.
- Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibit Opening Reception, Tuesday, September 15, 5 to 8 p.m., Terrace Gallery at Orlando City Hall, 400 S. Orange Ave. Ribbon cutting, live entertainment, and works by local artists inspired by this year’s theme. RSVP required through the City’s event page. The exhibit itself stays up through November 5.
- Hispanic Heritage Month Community Celebration, Monday, October 12, 5 to 8 p.m., Marriott Orlando Downtown, 400 W. Livingston St. Latin food, live music, art, and dance with Mayor Buddy Dyer and the City Council.
Details for both at orlando.gov.
Help us finish the list
We know we’ve only scratched the surface. If there’s a MetroWest restaurant, bakery, café, or market with roots in Latin America that belongs here, tell us in the comments. And if you own one and would like to share your story, submit your business through our Thrive Business Spotlight form by clicking here.
We’ll feature your picks in a follow-up before the month is out. ¡Buen provecho, MetroWest!
