New taco shop opens in Johnson County, serving made-to-order tortillas, burritos, more
Despite keeping his new taco shop’s opening quiet, owner Derrick Lam’s business has had a relatively busy first few days.
His restaurant’s first day was last week at 10049 W. 87th St. in Overland Park.
One of the biggest draws to Tacos Borrachos? It serves tacos with fresh tortillas, hand-cranked, then cooked in front of the customers.
To demonstrate during a visit this week, he rolled the dough through the tortilla press, then tossed it on the skillet.
“We’re making the tortillas to-order. … That’s what sets us apart,” Lam said.
Skewered pork slices rotated behind him, ready for his employees will cut the meat and serve it in al pastor tacos.
A few of the other taco options on his menu: chicken tinga, mushroom (vegetarian-friendly) and carne asada. He also serves burritos, Mexican ice cream bars from local business Frutopia, burrito bowls and more.
Customers can bring their tacos over to a self-serve salsa bar and load them up with whatever they please.
Eventually, once his liquor license goes through, he’ll serve cocktails. He also hopes to offer grilled cactus tacos, a popular Mexican dish.
Tacos Borrachos —meaning “drunken tacos” — is quick-service, but its tables and graphic art are meant to invite customers to stay for a while, if they so choose. Screens surrounding the dining room will broadcast sporting events on big game days, and Lam plans to offer taco Tuesday specials that will differ every week.
While this is Lam’s first Mexican restaurant, it isn’t his first business venture.
A few doors down is his other restaurant, ABC Cafe. Its offerings are vastly different, serving Asian dishes like chicken dumplings, shrimp wonton and egg drop soup.
His aunts opened the restaurant 14 years ago, but Lam took over 10 years later.
Lam earned his culinary degree at Johnson County Community College, and he said his experience working in various restaurants in the Kansas City area has given him an increased appreciation for Hispanic cuisine. His executive chef is also bringing authentic Mexican flavors to Tacos Borrachos.
The new restaurant is open from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily.
