Estrella’s Cafe serves tasty Mexican American cuisine

At Estrella’s Cafe in Nanuet, authentic Mexican American dining is the name of the game. Named after owner Justa Feria’s daughter Estrella, the family-owned spot serves everything from classic diner food to traditional Mexican dishes, such as a variety of enchiladas and huaraches, which are made with homemade corn tortillas. 

Originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, Feria has worked in restaurants all her life. In 2012, she was presented with the opportunity to buy and start her own breakfast and lunch spot. Though she was initially hesitant, Feria eventually decided to take on the challenge.

“I worked a lot in restaurants, so somebody gave me the opportunity to buy one…At first I said no, but then I thought about it and said OK,” said Feria.

In its over-a-decade run, Estrella’s Cafe has grown a dedicated customer base, these  loyal customers—in addition to services like UberEats—allowed the restaurant to stay open over the course of the pandemic.

“We were blessed that people were ordering with Uber,” said Estrella Feria, the cafe’s namesake. “I think that’s the only thing that kept us afloat.”

The younger Feria went on to say that in order to run a successful diner like Estrella’s Cafe, one has to be a “people person,” citing her mother as the perfect example.

“She’s been doing great. She has a love for food and she also enjoys people. It’s the way she loves seeing people, serving people good food and getting to know everybody.”