Tucked away in an unassuming strip mall in Lacey, Mi Pueblo is a Mexican restaurant bursting with authentic Guadalajaran flavors. Since opening in 2012, it has quietly built a loyal following through word of mouth, thanks to owner Oscar Alvarez’s dedication to excellent service and genuine, home-style dishes. “I don’t really have recipes. All these dishes, I learned from my mother, grandmother, or mother-in-law. I never wrote them down—I just learned them over the phone,” Alvarez shares.
Originally from the Guadalajara region of Mexico, Alvarez came to the United States at age 14. His culinary journey began in California, where he worked as a busboy at a Mexican restaurant. Instead of resting during the two- to three-hour breaks between lunch and dinner, he spent the time honing his kitchen skills. Impressed by his precision and care while prepping vegetables, the restaurant owner promoted him to the kitchen. By the end of the year, Alvarez earned the title of “cook.”
After three years, he moved to Washington and started at Puerto Vallarta in Gig Harbor as a dishwasher. Once again, he worked his way up, eventually becoming a chef after helping open Puerto Vallarta in Yelm. Encouraged by his boss to pursue his own venture, Alvarez realized his American dream when Mi Pueblo opened its doors in March 2012.
Mi Pueblo’s menu features familiar favorites like tacos, burritos, and nachos, but its true gems are found on the carnes (meats) page. Here, diners discover authentic delights such as birria de chivo, a “poor man’s stew” of juicy roasted goat served with rice and beans; beef tongue (lengua) with red or green sauce; and guilotas (quail) in a rich, spicy sauce. Other standout offerings include chicharrón (pork rinds) and costillas de puerco, pork ribs served with nopales (cactus leaves).
While the restaurant offers vegetarian options—Alvarez proudly claims his chile relleno is the best—the carnes menu truly showcases Mi Pueblo’s expertise. Portions are hearty, often larger than the trays servers use to bring drinks. The restaurant also features a full bar, complete with Mexican beers, an array of tequilas, and specialty margaritas, rounding out a dining experience that’s as authentic as it is satisfying.
“Our food is all homemade. These traditions are important because people see the difference. People know it’s authentic.” - Oscar