Opening an outdoor Los-Angeles-inspired taqueria in Lakewood in the middle of December sounds crazy, but Juan Vergara couldn’t wait. And neither could we. Hola Tacos is housed in a former ice cream hut just down the street from Barocco Arepa Bar, which Vergara opened in 2011. With an outdoor patio and pickup window, the small taco joint serves up refreshing takes on authentic Mexican taquitos, burritos and more. But almost nothing beats the birriacoa tacos ($13).
Topped with queso crema, queso fresco, cabbage, radishes, onions and cilantro, they pack quite a colorful punch and are best dipped in a side of consome ($2), the broth in which the birria beef is cooked. “The beef is slow-roasted and cooked with a bunch of chiles, and all these chiles give it a smoky flavor that just melts in your mouth,” says Vergara.
By this fall, Vergara plans on extending the restaurant into an adjacent 2,500-square-foot house and expanding the menu. “I wanted to start with something small people could get used to and that will allow us to grow into it,” he says.
12102 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-801-4666, hola-tacos.com
Hola Tacos Brings The Heat Even In Winter
The outdoor Lakewood spot opened in December because its owners, which also operate Barocco Arepa bar, just couldn't wait for warm weather.
