Tacocraft to Open South Miami Location in May

It's been a little more than a year since Tacocraft Taqueria & Tequila Bar opened in downtown Fort Lauderdale, giving a much-needed face-lift to longtime Himmarshee eatery T-Mex Cantina.

In just a few weeks, the chef-driven taqueria will head to Miami-Dade and open in the former 100 Montaditos space in South Miami (5829 SW 73rd St.). The restaurant, owned by JEY Hospitality, is located next to sister eatery, Rok:Brgr. 

"We've had our eye on this location for a while, so when it became available, we jumped," Charles Hazlett, cofounder of JEY Hospitality, says. "We're really excited to gain more of a presence in Miami-Dade, and the City of South Miami has been really supportive. It's definitely going to create a Wynwood-ish type of corner there. They've taken a chance on us, and so far, Rok:Brgr has been a huge success."

Unlike Broward, Miami is no stranger to fast-casual or gourmet-style Mexican. Be it a quick bite after a long night or a lavish spot to spend the evening, locales such as Coyo Taco, Huahua's, Bodega, and Cantina La Veinte are known to attract large crowds by offering inventive takes on the age-old cuisine. But Hazlett insists Tacocraft will be different, beginning with a late-night taco window open till 4 a.m. and murals by local artists.
"It's going to be a full-service restaurant," he says, "but also fast-casual. It's a modern interpretation to Mexican street food. We want to try to create an authentic feel to tacos. And the artwork and the hand-painted murals will bring something different too."

The menu will mirror Fort Lauderdale's flagship location, using local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients. There will be a wide variety tacos, including braised chicken, baja fish, and short rib, all made with hand-crafted tortillas; homemade guacamole with red onion cilantro; hearty entrées such as carne asada and chili-lime roasted chicken; and a quesadilla bar. Make lunch or dinner boozy by pairing the food with a selection of more than 150 kinds of tequila and mescal. 

With Tacocraft's new location comes its favored specials as well. Expect two-for-one happy hour, $5 margarita Mondays, and an all-day taco Tuesday special featuring $2 tacos, $4 beers, and $6 margaritas. Its Tex-Mex-inspired Sunday brunch will be offered too, with hangover burritos, dulce de leche-infused French toast, and free bottomless sangria and mimosas for ladies. 

Though an opening date hasn't been officially announced, Tacocraft and Rok:Brgr will throw a Cinco de Mayo-inspired block party to celebrate the taqueria's expansion.

The restaurant will be open Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 a.m. For more information, visit tacocraft.com.

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