It's been a long time coming, but word is finally out that Lucky Taco is ready to open the doors to its second Vancouver location.
The Mexican-style "cantina" restaurant will officially be serving up tacos, margs, and more in South Vancouver's River District starting Saturday, February 24. The restaurant is also expected to welcome in a few guests in the days leading up to the 24th as a little "soft opening" test phase.
Located at 8547 River District Crossing, Lucky Taco has been in the works since early 2022.
The restaurant's original location in Kitsilano debuted in the summer of 2016 and is the venture of Vancouver's Gooseneck Hospitality, which is behind some of the city's popular concepts Bells & Whistles and Bufala, each of which operates two locations apiece. However, Bufala has a third location in the works, also in the River District, that was announced the same time as Lucky Taco and should also be nearing completion.
“We first opened Lucky Taco in Kits because we ourselves were looking for this local watering hole-type place that was not only fun, bright, and high-energy, but also offered great eats and drinks,” said James Iranzad, Partner, Gooseneck Hospitality, in a media release.
“This is also what we hope to offer the River District community with the opening of our new Lucky Taco. People who want to have a quick happy hour snack and drink with a friend, or bring their family for an enjoyable dinner."
Lucky Taco's menu features tacos, nachos, beer and margs
To that end, the 1,050 square foot and 30-seat Lucky Taco River District menu will be similar to the original, featuring all their classics and guest favourites. Dishes include an array of tacos (i.e. Baja Pescado, Chicken Tinga, Crispy Cauliflower), nachos, and street corn. Drinks focus heavily on tequila and mezcal and include several margaritas (including Lucky's "fishbowl" to share), as well as cocktails, and Mexican and local beers.
The second Lucky Taco's interior was designed by Vancouver powerhouse Ste. Marie Studio and inspired by the notion of a "fun and rambunctious taco joint that celebrates the joyful spirit and freshness at the heart of Mexican culture and cuisine." You'll see lots of bright colours, corrugated metal, and concrete.
In the summer, guests will be able to enjoy Lucky Taco's forthcoming patio space for the new restaurant.
Lucky Taco is another feather in the cap for the River District, the planned community that has steadily welcomed tenants over the past few years. The new taco and drinks spot joins up-and-running restaurants in the development like Kokoro Tokyo Mazesoba, Sushi Mura, District Noodle House, and Local Public Eatery.
At launch, Lucky Taco's River District location will be open Monday to Thursday, from 4 p.m., and Friday to Sunday from 11:30 a.m. Follow @luckytacoyvr on Instagram.
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