Welcome to Becker, Los Ortizes!
Last Friday afternoon, the Becker Chamber held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Becker’s newest Mexican Restaurant — Los Ortizes, located in the old Jimmy’s Pizza location along Bank Street.
Owners Luis and Heidi Ortize interrupted their light afternoon crowd to make their opening official with a pair of big scissors ands some red tape. Attending the event were Chamber Manager Lynette Brannan, Mayor Tracy Bertram, Council Member Rick Hendrickson, Dr. Brandon Buesgens of Becker Spine, Darin Bohlken of Faith in Action, Candice Hanson and Jessica Kyllo of Sherburne State Bank, Connie Robinson and Marie Pflipsen of the City of Becker, Amy Chmielewski of American Family Insurance and staff from the Citizen-Tribune.
Los Ortizes is located at 14068 Bank St. The Ortizes also own Las Ranitas Mexican Restaurant in Thief River Falls and that dining establishment mirrors the one here in Becker with its colorfully-painted chairs and tables and authentic Mexican decor.
Los Ortizes offers a full menu of nachos, enchiladas, tacos, tostadas, burritos and quesadillas. They also have fajitas, chimichangas, tamales, combination dinners, salads and seafood items. Prices range from $10.99 for combo meals to $23.99 for a Locos Molcajete meal of pork, chicken, steak, shrimp and vegetables with rice, beans, guacamole salad and tortillas.
They also have a kids menu featuring chicken strips, french fries, mini corn dogs, cheeseburgers and Mac and Cheese. The eight choices are for kids 12 and under and cost a mere $5.99.
Los Ortizes has a plethora of soft drinks and features a full bar for adult beverages like margaritas, daiquiris and flavorful beers.
Don’t forget the desserts which include fried ice cream, xango, flan and sopapillas.
It’s a tradition for those who come in to celebrate their birthdays, to don a sombrero (if one desires) while dining or enjoying dessert. The restaurant has been open for more than a month and so far, they have been receiving rave reviews from their patrons. On their Facebook page, they have a 4.8 rating out of five stars from 46 reviewers.
“Ate here for the first time today,” said Amy Learon on the restaurant’s website. “Couldn't decide what I wanted, so I asked for suggestions. The very friendly and helpful waiter suggested the Arroz con Pollo. It was delicious and there was so much I was able to bring about half of it home and have it for dinner! I will definitely be back.”
Another satisfied customer gave their review a few weeks back.
“Tried Los Ortizes tonight,” said Dave Withrow. “Pleasantly surprised. Very good food and prices are reasonable. I am sure we'll be back. Glad to have another choice for going out to eat locally. Welcome to Becker and we wish you luck and much business!”
Another patron Adam D. Grant) had this to say: “Oh snap, absolutely incredible service, atmosphere, and most of all food! Five stars all the way!
Los Ortizes is still in the process of hiring help at their Becker site. For those interested in working in a fun atmosphere, the owners encourage those interested to stop on in or call 763-275-0270.
Los Ortizes is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun. - Thurs. and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri. - Sat. They can be found on-line at: Facebook.com/Los-Ortizes-Mexican-Restaurant.
“We just would like to thank everyone for all the support we have had over the last few weeks,” said Heidi.
