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Presley lives at Mexican restaurant

A life-size replica of Elvis Presley may seem out of place anywhere else, but at the Azteca in Garden Grove he is right at home. / photo by Reina Santa Cruz
A life-size replica of Elvis Presley may seem out of place anywhere else, but at the Azteca in Garden Grove he is right at home. / photo by Reina Santa Cruz

Valerie Rojas
Co-editor

There are some restaurants people enjoy because the food is incredibly delicious. There are other restaurants that offer such an inviting atmosphere; patrons have no choice but to flock to it. And then there are those restaurants that are simply too fascinating to turn away from.

Lucky for us, the Azteca Mexican Restaurant and its adjunct bar known as the Crooner’s Lounge, located in downtown Garden Grove, Calif., have it all, so be it a little on the over indulgent side.

Family owned and operated for more than 50 years, this eatery prides itself as “So. Cal’s only Elvis restaurant and lounge” with more than 1,000 pieces of Elvis Presley memorabilia.

From the outside, the building looks seemingly normal, aside from the life-size replica of Elvis Presley, circa 1956, that stands perched on the balcony just above the entrance. But after entering this quaint little dining hole, nestled between a slew of antique shops and delicatessens, it’s obvious that this won’t be your average Mexican dining experience.

It takes a few seconds to adjust to the darkened lighting resulting from the mix of red Christmas tree lights that line the walls and the orange and blue lamp-shades littering the surroundings. But it takes the average diner even longer to take in all of the historical goodies affixed to every inch of the place. Elvis-related memorabilia is everywhere. From the average collection of framed vintage T-shirts, movie posters and vinyl records that decorate the walls; to special editions of TV Guide, Elvis inspired Barbie dolls, wine bottles and Dia de los Muertos figures of the one and only King of rock ‘n’ roll, the Azteca is indeed a treasure trove for any Elvis enthusiast. It would take many visits to even dream of soaking in every inch of Elvis mania.

Next to the saloon style doors that lead to the Crooner’s Lounge are a collection of framed cease and desist letters from Elvis Presley Enterprises, requesting the immediate termination of the use of Elvis’ image and likeness.

Under the letters one will find a reply: How can we forget about the King? This is where the King lives—words of Azteca manager J.J. Jauregui.

Thankfully, the Azteca has more than just scenery to keep customers coming back. Its menu offers a satisfactory selection of traditional Mexican cuisine at reasonable prices. But of course, a place like this has to offer something with a little more pizzazz, and that’s what these folks do with the food.

Billed as Aunt Connie’s Garlic Salad Dressing, this deliciously explosive garlic sauce jazzes up any dish and can be added to salads, tacos, tostados or even steaks by the cooks behind the scenes at the Azteca. It’s even available to purchase for at home use. But consider yourself warned: this dressing is powerful stuff, and only true Garlic lovers should give it a go.

With good food and even better surroundings, what more could a hungry Elvis fan want? How about a classic car show every Friday night and Elvis Karaoke every Saturday evening?

The Azteca Mexican Restaurant and Crooner’s Lounge is definitely worth checking out, if for nothing more than saying you’ve been to the only Elvis-themed restaurant in Southern California. But lucky for you, this rock ‘n’ roll joint has much more on its plate than simple souvenirs.

A statue of Elvis “The King of rock ‘n’ roll” Presley stands alone overlooking Historical Main street in Garden Grove. Opened in 1957, Azteca moved in 1980 and debuted Elvis. Hailed as Southern California’s only Elvis restaurant and lounge, the Azteca serves a side of rock ‘n’ roll with its Mexican cuisine. / photo by Reina Santa Cruz
A statue of Elvis “The King of rock ‘n’ roll” Presley stands alone overlooking Historical Main street in Garden Grove. Opened in 1957, Azteca moved in 1980 and debuted Elvis. Hailed as Southern California’s only Elvis restaurant and lounge, the Azteca serves a side of rock ‘n’ roll with its Mexican cuisine. / photo by Reina Santa Cruz
It’s not one of the friendly servers at Azteca waiting to greet you as you enter, but Elvis Presley himself stands ready to welcome you to one of the most enjoyable and interesting dining experiences you could ever have. / photo by Reina Santa Cruz
It’s not one of the friendly servers at Azteca waiting to greet you as you enter, but Elvis Presley himself stands ready to welcome you to one of the most enjoyable and interesting dining experiences you could ever have. / photo by Reina Santa Cruz
Wall-to-wall Presley mania captures the attention of hungry patrons before they can even sample the food, including the famously explosive Aunt Connie’s Garlic Salad Dressing. Elvis isn’t the only Presley featured at this eatery. His daughter Lisa Marie Presley’s framed albums decorate one corner of the Azteca restaurant. / photo by Reina Santa Cruz
Wall-to-wall Presley mania captures the attention of hungry patrons before they can even sample the food, including the famously explosive Aunt Connie’s Garlic Salad Dressing. Elvis isn’t the only Presley featured at this eatery. His daughter Lisa Marie Presley’s framed albums decorate one corner of the Azteca restaurant. / photo by Reina Santa Cruz
As satisfied patrons leave the Azteca Restaurant, many stop to admire the collection of Elvis oddities, including a miniature replica of Graceland, lunchboxes, playing cards, ceramic figurines and Elvis Presley coasters hiding inside a glass case. / photo by Reina Santa Cruz
As satisfied patrons leave the Azteca Restaurant, many stop to admire the collection of Elvis oddities, including a miniature replica of Graceland, lunchboxes, playing cards, ceramic figurines and Elvis Presley coasters hiding inside a glass case. / photo by Reina Santa Cruz
Valerie Rojas, Editor in Chief
Valerie Rojas
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Reina Santa Cruz
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