Driving North on Route 7, you’ll pass a smattering of local businesses. There’s La Pietra, Venezia Marble, and Your Style Upholstery. Next comes Route 7 Mason Supply, Fox Hill Luxury Real Estate Services, and Shalom Barber. A Days Inn Motel soon appears—and in that motel lies a hidden gem: Acapulco Grill & Bar.
Over the years, this space has hosted a revolving door of cuisines. Last March, a Mexican restaurant—Acapulco Grill & Bar—opened. And in October, new management took the helm, breathing life into the location.
Nory Martinez, who’s spent 12 years in the restaurant industry, saw an opportunity. She shared the idea of taking over Acapulco with her family. Soon, five members of the Martinez and Leal families were on board: Nory’s sister Claudia tends the bar, her aunt Mely helps with food prep, nephews Nelson and Alex are the chefs, and brother-in-law Manuel helps with the business side.
“For me, a good restaurant is defined by two things: good service and good food,” Nory tells us, her smile radiating kindness. “I love greeting each guest with a warm welcome, making them feel like they’ve entered our home.”
It’s clear this sense of hospitality runs deep. Whether crafting delicious margaritas with fresh fruit, cooking mouthwatering meals from scratch, or creating a welcoming, home-like environment, all of the family members bring so much heart to Acapulco.
“Many of our recipes remind us of our grandmothers’ cooking,” Nory shares. “We have so many cherished memories of them cooking for us with love and dedication. We want our customers to feel that same warmth, to enjoy food prepared the way we enjoyed it growing up.”
The first few months of managing the restaurant were challenging. Nory tells us they had so much food waste because of their commitment to serving only the freshest ingredients—and customers simply weren’t showing up. Except Shannon Capocci.
“From the first time I stepped into Acapulco, I knew Nory had something special,” Capocci tells us. “The food was some of the most delicious Mexican I've had in the area. Yet, more often than not, we found ourselves as the only diners there.”
Capocci took action, starting a grassroots social media campaign on various local Facebook groups.
“They have amazing food and incredible service,” Capocci goes on. “Nory has a wonderful way of making you feel like family every time you dine there. They care, they’re proud, and rightfully so. Acapulco deserves every chance at success!”
Capocci’s word-of-mouth efforts paid off, and Acapulco’s fate began shifting.
“I’ve had to hire extra help! It’s been incredible,” Nory shares, her eyes glistening.
Acapulco’s atmosphere—its traditional Mexican decorations, colorful tablecloths, and vibrant flowers—sets the stage for a homey experience. But the real star of the show is the food. From guacamole molcajete, to crisp tortilla chips, to their popular quesabirria tacos, everything is fresh and flavorful.
“We focus on traditional Mexican cuisine,” Nory explains. “When you come here, I want you to feel like you’re in our home, and our family is preparing your food with respect, with fresh ingredients, and above all, with love.”
Acapulco Grill & Bar is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. In addition to their regular menu, they offer lunch specials, happy hour specials, and kids’ and catering menus. With takeout via all major delivery apps, a bar area, and a private party room, Acapulco has something for everyone.
“The support we’ve received from the community has been overwhelming!” Nory tells us. “We feel so blessed and fortunate. We invite you to come visit us and be part of the Acapulco family!”