Name of business: Dos Coyotes Border Café
Type of business: Southwestern cuisine
Location: 3100 Hotel Drive
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Contact information: 209-250-1553
Specialty: Border Burrito
History of business:
Although it’s one of Turlock’s newest restaurants, Dos Coyotes Border Café was established in 1991 by Bobby Coyote, who had a desire to bring a place that combined a great, unique Santa Fe-inspired menu and an engaging atmosphere at an affordable price.
Since its opening earlier this month, Turlock residents have been able to enjoy not only Dos Coyote’s southwestern menu, but also its unique atmosphere that sets it apart from other eateries in town, according to manager Alexander Camaren.
“It’s a different experience here,” said Camaren. “The vibe when you walk in is different from other restaurants, from the set up to the atmosphere.”
The Dos Coyotes organization prides itself on serving delicious food and providing an engaging atmosphere, and is known as a “people’s restaurant,” taking advantage of the region’s diverse produce through seasonal specials. In addition to the tacos, burritos, enchiladas and other dishes that are expected of a southwestern restaurant, Dos Coyotes also offers “light” and gluten-free menus.
“The light menu is the food people already love, but made healthier,” said Camaren.
For example, tacos from the light menu don’t have cheese. Dos Coyotes also leaves salt out of their recipes as well, he added, out of concern for unhealthy sodium levels. While the restaurant does not have a bar, it does serve alcohol like margaritas, bottled beer and, soon, wine and beer on tap. The beverages pair well with customer favorites like the Shrimp Burrito or the Yucatan Chicken Salad.
Dos Coyotes has become a mainstay in cities like San Ramon, Elk Grove and Folsom, but Camaren said that Turlock is still catching on to the trend during the restaurant’s early days of operation.
“We’re a new business, and a lot of people here haven’t heard of Dos Coyotes,” said Camaren. “Once people try it, they like it because the food is flavorful. You don’t see a lot of restaurants like us. We’re different.”
