The Rich History of Taquerias El Mexicano

Cousins Guillermo and Mario Martinez arrived in Chicago within seven years of each other and quickly became a part of Chicago’s Lower West Side. They grew up in this predominantly Mexican neighborhood, immersed in the music, the culture, and the food. Chicago offers a varied and memorable food scene that embraces cultures from all over the world with open arms.

Taquerias El Mexicano - 521 SW 8th ST, Miami, FL 33130

Heavily influenced by the family-centric nature of the food experience in Chicago, the cousins knew that they wanted to share this kind of passion for food and family when they moved to Florida. A love of food connects us all, and everyone can learn something about another culture just by enjoying an authentic meal made with unique ingredients and recipes.

Mexican food in Miami is some of the best in the world, and the heavy influence of Cuban culture has created one of the most unique styles of Mexican dining. The food scene in Miami is second to none, and the cousins knew that they wanted to join this vibrant world and share their passion for culture and food with others.

Taquerias el Mexicano opens in Little Havana

In 1985, the cousins truly arrived in the Miami food scene when they opened up their first restaurant together. Calle Ocho was the location that they selected for their first venue together, Taquerias El Mexicano. The venue was designed as a celebration of Mexican food in the heart of Little Havana in keeping with their goal of creating a family-friendly place where homemade recipes and fresh ingredients could take center stage. Their flagship location on Calle Ocho and 5th Avenue became the meeting place for locals, tourists, international personalities, and dignitaries who were all looking for a true Mexican culinary experience.

Little Havana in Miami...

...is the best-known Cuban neighborhood outside of Cuba. The street life, ambiance, restaurants, and friendly people who live and work here make this one of the most special places in the world. Little Havana was added to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Most Endangered Places list in 2015, sparking a renewed effort by Floridians and those residing in this part of the city to renew their efforts to revive, support, and share this little slice of Cuba with the world.

Little Havana was originally a middle-class neighborhood in the 1930s but emerged at Little Havana in the 1960s. The Cuban influence that has made this area of the city so special took place in the 60s due to Cubans fleeing oppression and danger in their home country. Miami welcomed them with open arms, and Little Havana was born.

Many years later, in the spirit of always preserving what makes Little Havana the historic center of Miami, Taquerias El Mexicano continues to honor its legacy: delicious food with great ingredients in a delightful and authentic atmosphere that reminds you of a Mexican home. If you have been missing the delicious and comforting food of your grandmother, or you have never tried Cuban or authentic Mexican cuisine, you are in luck! Calle Ocho can offer you the chance to immerse yourself in a welcoming environment that comes complete with amazing food and drinks.

$5 Margarita Mondays, $18.95 Taco Tuesdays all you can eat, Birria and Beer Thursdays with free beer, and Familia Style Sundays at Taquerias el Mexicano