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Since the city finished spicing up the Prince Arthur pedestrian street at the end of last year, at least one new venue has moved on in. Taqueria Arturo is in soft-open mode as of today, dishing up tacos and mezcal as promised last month.
It comes from principal Matty Mckean (Joverse, Cartel), who has hands-on experience running a bar in Monterrey. He’s joined by Jason Joyal, who developed smoking expertise as the owner of Diablos Smokehouse.
Mckean is calling the menu’s style “Quebexican”, saying it’s not striving to be Mexican-only, but a mix. The menu (see it in part below) suggests more than just Mexican or Quebec influences, given the presence of Peking duck and falafel tacos, or rib-eye marinated in smokey Korean chili paste gochujang, alongside well-trod traples such as pulled pork or chicken tinga. Drawing on Tex-Mex eats, there are a few classic burritos, a quesadilla and a tuna tostada to round out a compact menu.
Arturo has stuck to its plan to keep the prices accessible — tacos start at $2.50, and burritos max out at $9.
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Brunch is also on for weekends, featuring a brisket benedict, French-style sweet tostada made with brioche, and the requisite breakfast burrito, amongst others.
Arturo looks to occupy the space between bar and restaurant, and Mckean describes the interior as relaxed and informal; a casual mishmash.
“The space is pretty rustic, a bunch of recycled wood, some cool wallpaper, some church pews, no kitchy Mexican really, some vintage lighting, and a little velvet.”
There’s also a full bar — with a range of imported mezcals and tequilas; little surprise given Mckean’s familiarity with the spirit importing business — the full list in the menu below.
Taqueria Arturo Menu (partial) by Eater.com on Scribd
STATUS — Taqueria Arturo soft-opens Monday January 16 with an official opening January 20 at 64 Prince-Arthur East. Open 11:30 a.m. to midnight on Monday through Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday and Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday, and 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, with brunch served weekends only.
- Taqueria Arturo Hopes to Rescue Prince Arthur Street [EMTL]
- Taqueria Arturo [Facebook]