More than two years after Miami shut down this Mexican restaurant, it’s finally open
After two-and-a-half years of closure, one of Miami’s favorite homey Mexican restaurants has reopened.
Taquerias El Mexicano, which closed in August 2021, has opened its doors again, serving tacos, burritos, enchiladas, chile rellenos and other classics in a colorful, casual dining room.
Cousins Guillermo and Mario Martinez opened the familiar spot in 1985, modeling it after the taquerias they frequented in the Mexican neighborhoods of Chicago. The restaurant was sold a few years ago to Mad Room Hospitality, whose owners Zack Bush, Ben Bush, Bill Fuller and Darius Green also own the nearby music venue Ball & Chain.
The reopening of Taquerias El Mexicano was delayed by fallout from a lawsuit Mad Room Hospitality and Altos Mexicano filed against the city of Miami in September 2021 that alleges violations of federal and Florida law.
The restaurant was shut down because the city revoked its certificate of use, claiming there was a building code violation. This action became the basis of the suit filed days later.
The lawsuit has not been resolved, but the city recently approved a permit to allow Taquerias El Mexicano to open, according to Zack Bush. The restaurant reopened on Feb. 8.
“After years of litigation, which is still ongoing, the city finally did what’s correct and finalized our building permit, which allowed us to open,” Bush said.
He said the Mad Room owners have been fans of Taquerias El Mexicano for a long time, adding that “to carry on this incredible legacy is something we are proud of.”
“Taquerias El Mexicano is offering the same amazing, made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine that the restaurant has been proudly serving for 39 years,” Bush said. “Soon, we’ll add tableside guacamole. We truly look forward to welcoming everyone back home to the restaurant.”
The upstairs speakeasy Los Altos, which specializes in mezcal, is expected to reopen sometime in March.
Last year, Mad Room’s Bill Fuller won a civil lawsuit against Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo and were awarded $63.5 million in compensation. The suit claimed he had violated their First Amendment rights by pushing police and code enforcement to target their properties because they supported a political opponent.
Taquerias El Mexicano
Where: 521 SW Eighth St., Miami
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday, Wednesday-Thursday, Sunday; 11 a.m.-midnight Tuesday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday
More information: calleochotacos.com
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