For nearly two decades now, Chuys Taqueria, located at 208 Railroad Ave., in the heart of Winters, has been a relaxed, family-run restaurant dishing up plentiful portions of traditional Mexican dishes.

“We have a family-friendly vibe here,” said Alejandro Salazar, the manager of Chuy’s. “People have grown up here. I was a waiter for 10 years before becoming manager, and I’ve watched people grow up and return after they leave for college.”

How important is it to Salazar and his father to keep that vibe? According to Salazar, that vibe allows everyone of all ages to enjoy Chuy’s at all times.

“I think it’s very important because there have been many times that I’ve tried to convince my dad that we should try to be a little more like the places around us that have a nightlife and bar,” Salazar argued. “But my dad always said he doesn’t want to lose the family-friendly atmosphere. So the setting is very important to us.”

At Chuy’s Taqueria, you can order popular dishes such as a super or wet burrito, the taco salad, crispy potato tacos, chile rellenos or anything else you might fancy. The best part, however, according to Salazar? Enjoying authentic cuisine won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

“A lot of regulars here in Winters come by because they know our prices aren’t crazy and we serve quality food,” Salazar said. “Anyone can come to eat here whether they have money or not. Everyone can eat at Chuy’s.”

Set for their 20th anniversary later this year, in August, Chuy’s has managed to stay open that long thanks to the strong community support, as well as only serving the freshest ingredients and quality foods. According to Salazar, that’s one of his father’s main rules.

“My dad is super strict about us serving and cooking fresh food every morning while still keeping the prices fair for everyone,” Salazar said. “We also give jobs to people locally, so in many ways, it’s a very important place for the community.”

That importance goes both ways for Salazar, who mentions they could not have stayed open so long without the Winters and the surrounding community.

“I’m so appreciative to be around here, and I thank the community for supporting us for 20 years,” Salazar said. “That is why we try to make sure we do things right and give people a good product so that they keep coming back. We take care of our customers.”

A new thing they have been trying on a limited basis is a combined, collaborative effort with a neighboring restaurant, Preserve, called The Back Alley, located, as you may have guessed, in the alley behind both restaurants.

“It’s been pretty awesome so far,” Salazar said. “We have only done a few open to the public, but the catering has been really good. It’s more business for us, which we always appreciate. It’s cool to get a little bit of the nightlife business. The Preserve enjoys that we bring the regulars or locals, and then we get some of their customers into our place as well.”

The vibe of The Back Alley is described as a casual and lounge type of place where one can hang out and grab a quick drink or bite to eat. It will be on an event and weather-depending schedule since it’s outdoors. The Back Alley is open on select weekend evenings from 4 to 8:30 p.m.

Those interested are encouraged to call either the Preserve or Chuy’s Taqueria to see if they will be open.

For more information on Chuy’s Taqueria or their menu, please visit their website at https://208chuystaqueria.wixsite.com/chuystaqueria.