Restaurant roulette
Shuttered East Austin Mexican restaurant finally reopens after 2-year hiatus

Keeping up with the rapidly changing Austin food scene often requires a flow chart. That’s especially true of east side favorite Takoba, which debuted some unexpected changes on November 13.
The original Takoba space will reopen as El Tacorrido by November 16, according to an employee. Meanwhile, Takoba has moved to the next-door side space that once housed tequila bar Cantina el Milamores and, more recently, Barzón. To add to the confusion, both restaurants are operating out of that same side space (El Tacorrido by day, Takoba by night) as the build-out is completed next door.
The series of switcheroos began in January 2018 when the owner of the two eateries, Jose de Loera, surprised locals with the shutter of his flagship restaurant along with attached tequila bar Cantina el Milamores. The hiatus was originally supposed to have been brief while the team freshened up the space and retooled the menus.
In June 2018, Takoba reopened for a series of World Cup parties. The reintroduction, however, turned out to be short-lived as the restaurant again closed after the last goal was scored.
The property's two spaces remained dark until this past March when Barzón snuck into the bar space with a focus on agave spirits and micheladas and snacks like queso fundido, flautas, and ceviche. (Barzón is now gone, but Takoba serves a similar drink menu.)
The new El Tacorrido will be sans its usual drive-thru but will serve a familiar menu of tortas and tacos. There is one major change — the spot will add homemade tortillas and other corn-based fare, hence it’s cheeky nickname, El Tacorrido y Mas-a.
And the interior has indeed been refreshed. Pale woods dominate the dining room, which is accented with a deep blue. A few striking photographs from the old space still adorn the walls.
Once both spaces are fully operational, Takoba will be open for dinner and late-night eats Sunday through Tuesday, 4-10 pm and Wednesday through Saturday, 4 pm-2 am. It will also serve weekend brunch from 10 am-3 pm.
El Tacorrido will remain open days, Monday through Friday, 7 am- 3 pm.