New taqueria opens in former Kennewick coffee shop
A new taqueria has moved into the home of a former Kennewick coffee shop.
Taqueria El Asadero recently opened at 2521 W. Kennewick Ave. It’s the second location of the Pasco-based El Asadero.
Rafael Arriaga Sr. said it opened on Court Street in 2004, and the restaurant has continued to grow. His son, Rafael Jr., is a co-owner in the business and manages the Kennewick location, which has a simplified menu and is meant as a quick place to grab a bite like you would at a taco truck or lunch counter.
The restaurant’s menu is inspired by traditional Jalisco cooking and includes tacos and burritos with beef, chicken and pork, but also tongue, tripe and cheek. Quesadillas, tortas, ceviche de camaron, carne asada and pollo asada also are on the menu. Tortillas are homemade, and all ingredients are fresh, he said.
The taqueria is in the former location of The Rail Deli & Expresso, which closed late last fall. The coffee shop’s owners bought it in early 2012 from a couple who previously operated it as the Daily Grind, a coffee shop franchise based in Pullman and Colfax.
Arriaga Jr. said he was a fan of The Rail when it was open and made an early bid to take on the property when its owners shut down. But he ended up taking on their lease and spent months revamping the property, including installing all new kitchen equipment.
Traffic has been good for the taqueria’s first month. “I love this location,” he said.
Prices range from $1.50 for a basic taco to $21 for a whole roasted chicken special the taqueria offers on weekends from noon to 6 p.m. That comes with rice, beans, guacamole and drinks.
They also are applying for a liquor license.
The taqueria is closed on Wednesdays but is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
There is limited indoor seating and some outdoor seating. Customers can use the drive-through window, though the menu board still needs to be installed.
Ty Beaver: 509-582-1402, tbeaver@tricityherald.com, @_tybeaver
This story was originally published June 21, 2016 at 2:36 PM with the headline "New taqueria opens in former Kennewick coffee shop."