March 25, 2021

Jacky’s Burrito Express has been using its expanded seating area now for a few months, and it has been a big hit with customers.

“A lot of families, they come to eat now,” said Roberto Lopez, who oversaw the expansion. “Before, we had families come in, and there was no place to eat, so they would leave or eat in the car.”

The quick-serve Guatemalan restaurant at 2315 W. 12th St. took over the former H&R Block space next door in late summer, and the remodeling wrapped up several months later.

The original space had five tables. Now, there are three small booths there, and the new dining room can seat about 60 customers, Lopez said. There are booths, tables and a high-top counter that looks out the front window.

Leslie Reyes, the daughter of founder Jacky Vanloh, operates the restaurant.

“She used to work downtown with her mom, and then her mom decided she can take over this location, and she’s doing really, really good,” he said.

Lopez said they decided to drop a plan to offer a “sit-down menu” in the new area. The restaurant has been tweaking its menu, however. The newest addition is the trendy birria taco. Grilled corn tortillas are filled with shredded beef and topped with diced red onion and cilantro. The signature element is the sauce for dipping.

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