Pupuseria La Familiar in College Park has carved out a special place in the local dining scene, offering a taste of El Salvador that resonates with a diverse clientele. From Latino families seeking the flavors of home to University of Maryland students eager to expand their culinary horizons beyond dorm food, La Familiar welcomes everyone into its warm, familiar embrace. This family-run establishment, whose name “La Familiar” itself speaks to the concept of “El Familiar” – the family, the home, the comforting and known – provides not just food, but an experience steeped in tradition and heartfelt dedication.
The heart and soul of La Familiar are undoubtedly the sisters who operate it. While the original article mentions four sisters, it highlights the collaborative spirit reminiscent of other successful sibling-run restaurants. Maritza Hernandez, Raquel Hernandez, Nelly Hernandez, and Elsy Carolina Claros are more than just restaurateurs; they are culinary ambassadors, bringing the authentic taste of El Salvador to Maryland. Unlike some sibling ventures born out of necessity, the sisters behind La Familiar consciously chose the demanding restaurant industry, driven by a passion to honor their heritage and, most importantly, their mother.
Their pupuseria is a loving tribute to Emilia Cruz Lopez, their mother, who once ran her own eatery in Cojutepeque, El Salvador. It was in their mother’s kitchen that the sisters learned the art of making pupusas, those thick, hand-made tortillas filled with savory ingredients that are a cornerstone of Salvadoran cuisine. La Familiar is not just a restaurant; it’s a continuation of their mother’s culinary legacy, a way to share her skills and flavors with a new community.
Tragically, Emilia Cruz Lopez passed away in a car accident just months before La Familiar opened its doors in October 2006. What began as an homage unexpectedly transformed into a memorial. Danny Claros, Elsy’s husband and the restaurant’s manager, poignantly notes this shift, underscoring the deep emotional connection embedded within La Familiar. Every pupusa served, every dish prepared, is a testament to their mother’s influence and a celebration of her life through the food she loved to create.
La Familiar stands out as more than just a traditional pupuseria. While it proudly showcases the authentic flavors of El Salvador, it also smartly caters to its student-heavy location. Recognizing the late-night cravings and varied tastes of college students, La Familiar expanded its menu to include popular items like burritos, quesadillas, and taquitos. This willingness to adapt and blend traditional Salvadoran cuisine with familiar favorites has created a unique hybrid: a “Sal-Col” experience. La Familiar effectively bridges the gap between authentic cultural food and the needs of a younger, diverse demographic, becoming a beloved spot for both genuine Salvadoran fare and satisfying, accessible meals. It’s a place where “el familiar” feeling extends beyond just family ties, encompassing a sense of community and welcome for all who walk through its doors.
