PALMER TOWNSHIP, Pa. – A destination for chalupas, chiles rellenos and other Mexican favorites has ended operations in the Lehigh Valley.
Cancun Mexican Restaurant, a family-owned and -operated eatery serving authentic, made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine, has permanently closed at 755 S. 25th St. in Palmer Township, Northampton County, according to an announcement posted on the restaurant’s door.
Cancun Mexican Restaurant has permanently closed at 755 S. 25th St. in Palmer Township.
“With hearts full of gratitude, we wish to inform you that we will be closing our doors permanently,” the posted message reads.
“Thank you for allowing us to be a part of yours finest moments. We will always carry you in our memories. God bless you.”
The full-service restaurant opened in December 2022 in a renovated Palmer Town Center space that was previously home to a J’s Steaks & Subs location, which closed in 2021.
Preparations for the restaurant took more than a year, manager Ezekiel Palacios told 69 News shortly after its opening.
Cancun Mexican Restaurant is pictured shortly after its opening in December 2022 at 755 S. 25th St. in Palmer Township.
Ryan Kneller
The restaurant, with seating for around 100 customers, was owned by Palacios’ parents, who also operate other Mexican restaurants in the region, including another Cancun location in Fairless Hills, Bucks County.
Other eateries run by the family include a Rey Azteca location in Warminster Township, Bucks County; and La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant in Bensalem Township, Bucks County.
At Cancun in Palmer, customers could enjoy a wide array of Mexican favorites, including a la carte items such as hard and soft tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas and tamales; and nearly three dozen combination dinners, which included your choice of chicken, cheese or ground beef.
Other menu highlights included appetizers such as tableside guacamole and nachos; chicken dishes such as chicken and cheese flautas and pollo Azteca (grilled chicken breast, topped with sauteed shrimp, an onion flower and cheese dip, with rice, beans and tortillas); seafood selections such as a crab chimichanga and seafood burrito (scallops, shrimp, tilapia and more); steak options such as carne asada and hot chile rojo rib-eye; and pork dishes such as pork carnitas and a chile verde dinner.
Cancun Mexican Restaurant is pictured shortly after its opening in December 2022 at 755 S. 25th St. in Palmer Township.
Ryan Kneller
About a dozen specialty selections included taquitos, tostadas, taco salads, soft or fried chimichangas and a combination of empanadas (two chicken and two beef with mango sauce).
Prior to its opening, the Palmer restaurant was overhauled to include newly installed dry wall, tile flooring and kitchen equipment.
Aesthetic highlights included brightly colored walls and new chairs, tables and booths – featuring vibrant, intricately carved scenes – that were handmade in Guadalajara.