In the heart of Stockton, you will find Cancun Restaurant, the façade of which visually displays brightly colored handpainted traditional scenes, a restaurant established in 1976.

Initially, the eatery was located in the southeast corner of El Dorado Avenue and Miner Street.
However, following the city’s downtown revitalization plans, Cancun was relocated a block east to its present location, 135 East Miner Street. “I started the business with a small corner with a maximum of 40 to 50 client capacity,” stated Juan Ruvalcaba, the restaurant’s proprietor. “Now we have capacity for 390 clients.”

The restaurant theme reflects its name. Architecturally the theme was designed mirroring the pyramids of Cancun, Yucatan, Mexico. The water fall sounds coming from the water fountain strategically located in the center sounds like the natural water falls found in the Yucatan Peninsula.

The ambiance within the restaurant enhanced by water cascading sounds, the interior design includes high ceilings, and the friendly family reception provides the backdrop to the enjoyment of a good time along with good food and beverages.
The menu includes a variety of traditional foods. Tacos, enchiladas, tamales, tostadas burritos, or quesadillas are among the lunch options. Dinner options include chile relleno, steak ranchero and other traditional combinations.

Specialties are the famous fajitas and sea food dishes.
The dishes include the classic complementary beans and rice. The beans are traditionally refried with lard that give the right textured finished, and the rice has a regional flavor. Of course, the dish includes a fresh salad of greens and Roma tomatoes that balances the visual presentation of the dish. The tortilla for the taco is hand fried individually.

They are not prefabricated boxed shells. The meat is cut to bite size pieces, with cheese, sesame, and lettuce granting the consumer a good core entrée. “Tacos are definitely one of my favorites,” said Gerardo Garcia, a client of the restaurant. “The facility, the location, the prices, and flavor have made into a client,” remarked Garcia.

Cancun is well known during lunch time, it is one of the biggest eateries downtown. Noted politicians and music celebrities have visited the restaurant as of the new millennium. The former Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante made a stop at the restaurant during his campaign for Governor in the recall election. State Senator Michael Machado debated with candidate Gary Podesto during the 2004 election.

Cumbia Kings, the well known music group of the late TexMex singer, Selena, stopped to eat there on their 1999 tour. “The success of the restaurant is the community’s success,” said Ruvalcaba, humbly.