This is not a drill, this is a tradition.

The origin of the crispy shrimp taco remains a mystery, all we know is we’ve been making them for years and they have become a family favorite. In times like these, a taco (or four) & margaritas are here to get us through.

We are here to share them with the world.

The Beginning - 1985

Rafael Rodriguez can’t remember a time in his childhood where cooking wasn’t an intregal part of his family culture. Helping his mother prepare moles, tortillas & interior Mexican dishes for his father, sisters & brother was a way of life.

Papi’s shrimp tacos were inspired by travels in Veracruz & when he couldn’t get his culinary team to nail the texture he wanted, he created it himself. After several, upon several trial runs and taco eating contests - the most prized of these recipes, the legendary crispy shrimp & potato taco became a family staple.

A perfectly crispy outter shell with savory shrimp & red potato pate, piled high with cabbage, fresh radish, lots of lime & salsa.

Taco night has never been the same.

The Partnership - 2017

Raf’s travels landed him in LA, South Texas & in constant travel to Central Mexico with his family. Landing in Austin, Texas years later - nothing really compared to the interior Mexican cuisine he was exposed to early on. The taco nights continued, and this special tradition brought family and friends together on the reg. 

In May of 2017, his strong desire to bring his families recipes to the community led him to co-found and open a vibrant new brand of food and service - Loteria Hospitality,  with partner Bethany DiBaggio. Beth’s extensive culinary background in South American Cuisine and high volume event catering + his notalgic food story were a match made in heaven.

Loteria Hospitality boasts a colorful portfolio that delights in bringing people together through fun, Latin inspired, thoughtfully delicious food.

If you have ever played Loteria, you know it is a party of family, friends, lots of great food & plenty of tequila. That spirit of celebration can be seen accross their sister concepts - La Dama Grazing Board Co. & La Pera Catering.