A few weeks ago, in my roundup of Fresno openings I was excited about, I mentioned Masa Madre, a new Mexican restaurant and tortilleria opening on the northeast corner of Palm and Bullard, and flagged their unique plan to offer tortilla making classes on Saturdays as something that had me particularly intrigued. I’m happy to report I’ve officially had a chance to visit and enjoyed lunch with coworkers there this week.
Masa Madre is located at 742 W Bullard Avenue, tucked into the shopping center behind the Red Carpet Car Wash. They are currently in their soft opening phase, open from 7am to 7pm with hours subject to change as they get settled, so it’s worth checking their social media for the latest before you head over.
When my coworkers and I arrived for a late lunch today, we were greeted warmly by one of the owners, the husband and wife team behind El Mariachi restaurant, which served the Fresno community on Marks and Bullard for more than two decades starting in 2001. Masa Madre is not so much a brand-new venture as it is a reimagining — bringing that same family ownership, experience, and dedication to quality under a fresh name and concept built around homemade tortillas and a rotating menu of special dishes and salsas designed to keep things exciting and flavorful for returning customers.
The inside is comfortable and casual, with painted cactus murals on the walls that give the space some personality.
Now, let’s talk about the salsas, because they deserve their own paragraph. When you’re seated, seasoned chips arrive alongside a fresh red salsa with good depth of flavor and a medium spice level. The real showstopper on our visit was a creamy green salsa made with toasted ground almonds that one of the owners brought out for us to try. The flavor was layered and complex and I could not stop going back for more chips just to have an excuse to keep eating it. I also got to try their house green salsa, which lands in the mild to medium range, and their habanero salsa, which is exactly as bold and spicy as you’d hope. The salsa game at Masa Madre is strong.
For my meal, I ordered the taco plate with asada tacos, because I wanted to experience those handmade corn tortillas and they were very good – tender, and sizeable, too. The tacos were generously filled, two to a plate, and typically served with beans and rice (I went with all rice this time). My coworkers tried the shrimp diablo tacos, filled with sauteed shrimp in a spicy red sauce on handmade tortillas, and a carnitas torta that was hearty enough to easily count as two meals. Everything that came to our table was generously portioned, and served with kindness.
The owner, who was gracious and attentive throughout our entire visit, shared that they are still putting the finishing touches on a few things, including permanent outdoor signage, a restroom remodel, and a counter and table setup that will allow them to begin hosting the much anticipated tortilla making classes. There has already been significant interest in the classes, and they are hoping to launch them by mid-August if everything comes together on schedule. Sign-ups will be taken in advance, and updates will be announced on their social media, so give them a follow if you want to be first in line.
Masa Madre is still finding its footing in its new space, but the foundation runs deep. With more than two decades of restaurant experience behind them, this husband and wife team clearly know what they’re doing. I am looking forward to going back to explore more of the menu, and I’d love to take a tortilla making class as well (when I’ve tried on my own, my tortillas always come out too thick, more like gorditas, so I could use the guidance). Keep an eye on this one, Fresno — the best is still to come!
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