Feb. 6, 2025

The new Antigua Taco House featuring Guatemalan and Mexican food has opened on the east side of downtown.

The restaurant is in the original location of Jacky’s Restaurant at 702 E. Eighth St.

It’s owned by Leslie Reyes of Jacky’s Burrito Express on West 12th Street — the daughter of Jacky’s founder Jacky Vanloh — and Roberto Lopez, who has worked for Vanloh and most recently Reyes for almost a decade combined. The name, Antigua Taco House, is a nod to Reyes’ Guatemalan heritage. Antigua is a city in the Central American country.

The menu is similar to Burrito Express but focused on items that will appeal more to workers downtown, Lopez said. “More tacos, enchiladas, burritos,” he noted.

Meat choices include steak, ground beef, grilled chicken, shredded chicken, shrimp, chorizo, carnitas, al pastor, which is marinated pork, and lengua, or beef tongue.

Burrito Express’ top sellers are served, including birria tacos, the birria burrito and California Burrito, which has a choice of meat, fries, nacho cheese, pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole.

One of the new offerings is Mole Enchiladas with a creamy tomatillo sauce, Lopez said.

Seafood offerings include a half-dozen shrimp dishes, three kinds of ceviche and three soups.

The restaurant offers a couple of daily lunch specials, which will rotate, Lopez said.

There are seven breakfast offerings, which are served all day along with the full menu, and a half-dozen kids meal options.

The counter for ordering includes a dessert case filled with single servings of tres leches cake, tiramisu, rice pudding and several varieties of cheesecake.

Customers enter through the restaurant through a door that leads to the counter for ordering. An adjoining space includes the dining room and a small bar.

There are a few Mexican and domestic beers on tap and several more options in bottles and cans. Malt-based margaritas also are available. Nonalcoholic offerings  include Pepsi products, horchata, agua fresca and other drinks.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The restaurant plans to eventually add delivery through DoorDash.