Popular Restaurant To Close In Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, CT — A popular family-run Mexican restaurant in Middletown will close its doors for good this week. After 11 years in business, Iguanas Ranas Taqueria will close on July 3 and the family will hold a goodbye party for their loyal customers (at 6 p.m.), according to the Middletown Press. Iguanas Ranas Taqueria is located at 484 Main St. in Middletown.

“The Martinez family would like to thank you for your continued patronage of Iguanas Ranas Taqueria,” the family wrote in a post on Facebook. “For your friendship, for your support and for all the love you brought to our business and our family. We met so many amazing people over the past 11 years and for that we're thankful.! We are open Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. we would like to invite you to join us for a special evening of appreciation.

“Our time in Middletown may come to an end, but this is not the last you'll hear from us! We will miss you all!

“Sincerely, Polo, Angie, Julio, Lili and Martha Martinez.”

Fans of the restaurant were surprised and saddened by the news with many saying they had the best tacos in Connecticut.

One person wrote “Best authentic Mexican food in CT!! Will miss you dearly,” in the comments under the post on Facebook and another said, “This is sad. Middletown will lose the most authentic Mexican place around. You will be missed!!!”

Another person wrote, “Oh no!!! So sad to hear this...there are so few authentic Mexican places up here!! Just so you know...my daughter loves your lengua tacos...and was sad when she no longer saw them on the menu...she asked about them and you told her anytime she orders to ask if you have any and if you do you'd make her some...and I'd say anytime she asked you made them...and a happy girl!! Thank you for all the wonderful food and happiness...wishing you all the best...such a sad day!”

The Middletown Press reports the Martinez family cited the rising cost of rent, competition from several similar restaurants in the city, along with parking difficulties for customers as factors in their decision to close. It may not be goodbye for good, however, as Hipolito Martinez isn’t ready to completely retire, according to the Press.

Read more at the Middletown Press here and visit Iguanas Ranas Taqueria on Facebook here.