A&E

Kucara Makara offers a kaleidoscope of Mexican flavors

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Left to right: Choco Fresa, Chamango and Raspado Fresa at Kucara Makara.
Photo: Steve Marcus
Greg Thilmont

On the outside, Kucara Makara announces itself with playfully swooshy pink lettering. On the inside, it’s the well-lit home to a snacktastic cavalcade of Mexican treats. From gargantuan shrimp cocktails and elotes (corn niblets) topped with crimson-orange crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos to purplish unicorn ice cream sundaes, the mom-and-pop shop’s offerings are eye-boggling.

Taking its name from a Spanish-language children’s counting rhyme (think “Eeny, meeny, miny, moe”) Kucara Makara has a right side dedicated to seafood. A wall of photos shows off a roster of elaborate dishes like the Torre Zota ($15), a lofty and hefty cylinder of poached prawns, octopus and white fish topped with avocado slices and a shower of spicy chili sauce. Other selections include citrusy aguachiles ($16.50) and tostadas piled with zesty crustaceans ($10).

The left side of the restaurant leans to the sweet, beginning with an ice cream case filled kid-friendly flavors dominated by various chocolate and vanilla combinations (fitting for a shared Central American origin). For chilly sips, go with raspados ($5.95)—slushies available in tropical flavors like pineapple, coconut, lemon, tamarind and guava. Or, try chunks of sweet mango jazzed up with a piquant pepper drizzle. Everything can be topped with a host of nuts, sugar sprinkles, sour chewies, whipped cream and more.

This is all just a start. Kucara Makara also serves nachos, crepes, sandwiches and more. It’s a lot to take in on the first visit—a count-off rhyme just might come in handy to whittle down the delectable options.

Kucara Makara 4225 W. Sahara Ave, 702-202-0741. Daily, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

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