Siblings Bring Puebla’s Culinary Soul to Route 66

Puebla Sunrise Café, at the corner of Route 66 and Beaver Street, just south of the railroad tracks, fills the space that was formerly the home of Altitudes Bar & Grill since 2003.   

Known for its rich history, Puebla, Mexico’s culinary legacy stretches back to the Mesoamerican age, according to SeriousEats.com and is known for mole, a chocolate-tinged sauce with ingredients such as pumpkin seeds, chilis, tamarind and sesame seeds.

The Puebla-born siblings made their debut in the United States about 30-plus years ago. Successfully gaining citizenship, they are proud of their heritage and excited to share their classic Puebla menu with Flagstaff.  

“It took time to get our citizenship here, but we got it, and we are grateful to be American,” said Edgar. Four of their children have served in the armed forces.  Edgar’s daughter, Stephanie, joined when she was 17 and continues to serve. Photographs of their military photos grace the walls of their café.

“We have been wanting to open a restaurant for a very long time,” said Edgar. “We didn’t give up. We made it happen. The owner of the building here gave us the opportunity.”

The Puebla Sunrise Café menu features breakfast and lunch fare, with their signature Mole Poblano salsa made with chocolate, ground chiles, almonds, raisins and spices. Local favorites include Chicken Mole Poblano, Chilaquiles, Pork Green Chili Omelet and classics such as Chicken Fried Steak, Eggs Benedict, Biscuits and Gravy, and even Chicken and Waffles.

Drinks, such as daily blended Aqua Frescas are offered with watermelon, cucumber and lime juice. “We sweeten them lightly and some are spiced with tamarind,” said Mauricio

“Everything is homemade using the same techniques as our grandmother,” said Norma.

She remembers well how her grandmother prepared food. “She would make her gorditas and salsas fresh in her molcajete (mortar and pestle}. She always wanted her food to be perfect, that’s how we learned to cook.”

“The chicken mole was fantastic,” said Amy Daggett of Flagstaff. “It was rich and velvety and so delicious. The family cooked, served and welcomed us like old friends. The restaurant atmosphere was nice, and the prices were reasonable. I can’t wait to go back.”

“The mole is hard to make so we source from Puebla,” said Edgar. We also serve Café de Olla [Mexican spiced coffee],” said Edgar. “We also procure this from Puebla.”

“I really like working here,” said Norma’s son, Brian Rodriguez. “Every day we get busier.”

“We had the flautas for lunch and they were fantastic, lots of chicken and [they had] a good crunch,” said Tara Gautney of Flagstaff. “It was very enjoyable to sit out on the patio. We had a nice breeze and service was great. I definitely plan to come back.” 

“We are so thankful to everybody who has supported us,” said Mauricio. “I have wanted to open my own restaurant for a long, long time. To open Puebla Sunrise Café with my brother and sister is such a blessing. They are very good chefs and having family working here is such a joy.” FBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN

Puebla Sunrise Café is open every day from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 2 South Beaver Street. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio.

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focus Photography: Mauricio Rodriguez, Mario Lopez, Edgar Rodriquez and Edith Rodriguez welcome guests to the café on Beaver Street, just south of the railroad tracks.