by Michael Vyskocil, photography by Nikola Tzenov
The next time you’re driving down Liberty Road in Sykesville, take a break from your travels as you transport your taste buds beyond Carroll County.
For close to a decade, Los Aztecas of Sykesville has given Carroll County residents a taste of authentic Mexican food in an inviting, family-friendly environment.
According to Fernando Bejarano, one of the operating partners of Los Aztecas, the inspiration behind the dishes on the Los Aztecas menu reflects the culinary diversity of Mexico, including the central and northern Mexican states of Jalisco, Sonora and Tamaulipas.
“Many of the dishes are based on recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation within our families,” he says. “Each partner brings something unique from their region, whether it’s a specific flavor, cooking technique or traditional dish.”
When you come to dine at Los Aztecas in Sykesville or its second location in Mount Airy, you’ll encounter a fiesta of flavors in every meal. One of the most popular appetizers on the menu, guacamole, is prepared tableside and served in a traditional stone molcajete, accompanied by warm, freshly made chips.
Fajitas are another guest favorite. The Ixtapa Fajita, in particular, is more than something to eat; it’s a visual statement. Featuring grilled chicken, scallops, onions and peppers, the Ixtapa Fajita comes to the table in a hollowed-out pineapple shell, set atop a sizzling cast-iron skillet.
In classic Mexican restaurant fashion, Los Aztecas prides itself on creating tantalizing tacos. Birria tacos, which have become popular in the United States over the last several years, are not to be missed.
Los Aztecas uses corn tortillas to hold a mixture of cheese, tender shredded birria meat, cilantro and onion. Served with a hearty consomé, a broth, the birria tacos will perk up any winter-weary palate.
Whether they’re in Sykesville or Mount Airy, Los Aztecas loyalists love the Burrito Norteño. Filled with carne asada or grilled chicken, onions and tomatoes, this burrito gets topped with a homemade cheese dip and fresh pico de gallo. During February and March, guests can sample pozole. This hearty soup, made with pork, hominy and several spices, is a delicious, comforting dish that chases away winter’s chill.
The Los Aztecas staff is continually seeking ways to say thank you to customers. A digital loyalty program, available via a downloadable VIP pass, allows guests to receive $10 loaded directly to their pass before their birthday. Each month, the restaurant holds a raffle. One lucky raffle winner gets to eat for free once a day for a month.
For Bejarano and his team, giving Carroll County a taste of Mexico provides great purpose and pleasure. “Without a doubt, the best part is the people,” Bejarano says. “Over the years, we’ve received an incredible amount of love and support from the community.
We’ve watched children grow up from the time we first opened to now seeing them heading off to college. We’ve seen couples who were here on a first date, and now they visit us with their babies. We’ve celebrated milestones together, and we’ve shared life’s challenges too.
“That kind of connection is something you can’t plan or force,” he continues, “it’s something that grows naturally over time. We truly feel a sense of belonging in this community, and we are deeply grateful for the trust and affection Carroll County has shown us.”
Los Aztecas Sykesville
1213 Liberty Rd. Suite F, Sykesville, MD
410-552-8009 • losaztecasmd.com
Los Aztecas Mount Airy
1604 Ridgeside Dr. Suite 101, Mounty Airy, MD
301-703-8066 • losaztecasmd.com
