La Guarecita Restaurant
5304 E 5th St, Katy, TX 77493
laguarecitarestaurant.com
La Guarecita has been one of my regular taco stops for a few years now.
The food is always good, great service, friendly wait staff, fair prices. In addition to tacos I’ve also had their migas and other breakfast dishes. All good.
Today I had a barbacoa taco, a chorizo and egg taco (both on corn tortillas, which are excellent), and some breakfast potatoes. Terrific.
The word guarecita derives from the Purhépecha word guare, which means “woman” or specifically “woman who has borne a child.” Among Purhépecha speakers, women reportedly use “guare” or “guarecita” to address each other or other women respectfully or familiarly. In broader Mexican Spanish, especially in rural or regional folk contexts, it serves as a term of endearment for a young woman or girl from the countryside, often evoking simplicity, innocence, or indigenous heritage.
One time I asked a waitress there what it means as they had recently changed their name, and she explained it was a term of respect for women, a recognition of their many contributions in homemaking and nurturing family and others. I like that. Viva La Guarecita!
