Modern Mexican is what’s on the menu at Quiubo

Quiubo, pronounced “cue-boh,” has been dishing out contemporary Mexican-inspired cuisine from its hip eatery located at the corner of Water Street and S. Webster in downtown Naperville’s Water Street District.

The March 2017 opening was years in the making, according to Julio Cano, who is a partner in the Bien Trucha Group, which owns Quiubo as well two other restaurants: Bien Trucha in Geneva and A Toda Madre in Glen Ellyn.

“We are happy to finally be here,” said Cano, the group’s chief business officer. “We already have a lot of repeat customers; it has been word of mouth; our food and drinks are why people know about us and keep coming in.”

Here’s the dish on this local favorite.

What’s on the menu? The menu is not large, and that is purposeful, Cano said. Each item is deliberate and carefully selected, from the appetizers to the desserts and everything in between. Starters like a Maine lobster and tilapia ceviche or freshly made guacamole pair well with a cocktail or craft beer.

The seven unique varieties of tacos will change the way you think of what’s sandwiched between a tortilla. Entrees like the chicken pipian are a hit, as are the desserts like churros, flan or bunuelos, delightful fried dough balls served with ice cream.

About the owners: The Bien Trucha Group consists of six partners including Cano. Quiubo is Mexican slang for “what’s up.”

Mission statement or philosophy? Quiubo’s goal is “to create dishes that highlight Mexican traditions and flavors while also using local and seasonal ingredients in a modern way.”

Decor: Cano said it was exciting to create Quiubo’s atmosphere because it was a brand new location and virtually a blank canvas. It’s both industrial and eclectic, with concrete walls and unique splashes of color that are reminiscent of a 1950s style that would be found in Mexico or Acapulco.

Spaik, an acclaimed Mexican street artist, was brought in to work his magic on the walls, which include bright designs near the bar area and rear of the restaurant.

Food specialties? Quiubo’s menu changes seasonally so they can offer fresh and unique items. For starters, try the grilled oysters or the ahi tuna tostada, which includes avocado, onion, cilantro, lime citrus squid ink and pineapple emulsion on a guajillo tostada or their unique “guacamole of the day” which pairs fresh avocados with interesting fruits like pineapple, mango or even strawberries.

Customers rave about the camaron tacos, which include sauteed shrimp, pumpkin seed, mole verde, chicharron and micro greens. Entrees like the pork belly or the pollo pipian are crowd pleasers as are the many interesting cocktails.

We’re different because: Always fresh, never frozen or canned ingredients is what sets Quiubo apart from others. Their intimate setting matches their thoughtful menu, which changes based on what’s seasonal. “We work as a team and get involved in every dish that is on the menu,” Cano said.

Extras: Look for patio seating to be available in the upcoming months when the accordion-style windows that span the streets are opened.

Price range: Appetizers range from $7 to $14, tacos from $11 to $13 and entrees (with a side of rice or beans) start at $19.

Logistics: Quiubo is located at 120 Water St., Suite 122, in downtown Naperville. They are open for lunch Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and for brunch Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The “pachanga” or happy hour is from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. and offers a bar and appetizer menu only. Dinner is available Sunday through Tuesday from 5-9 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 5-10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5-11 p.m. Call 331-702-2711 or go to www.quiubomx.com.

Jane Donahue is a freelance writer for the Naperville Sun.

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