The team behind a Mexican restaurant in the Downtown Oak Park business district has shifted its focus from a grab-and-go burrito spot to a brightly colored taqueria serving margaritas and tequilas.
After operating as Suburrito for just over a year, the business at 1053 Lake St. closed in late October; two weeks later, Hecho en Oak Park opened, said manager Max Acuna. The restaurant’s name means made in Oak Park.
On Jan. 16, the village board approved a restaurant class B-3 liquor license for Hecho, and Acuna said they plan to serve a limited selection of margaritas, tequilas, beer and wine.
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The modern taqueria, which seats about 35 people, offers a smaller menu focusing mainly on tacos and sides, Acuna said. He stressed that “every taco is designed,” not simply topped with cilantro and onion.
When they moved into the commercial space — which has been home to a handful of restaurants in the past several years — in 2016, Acuna said they started focusing on burritos, which didn’t prove profitable.
“We were not pulling money in; just covering rent and expenses,” Acuna said. They were about to give up when Acuna mentioned to owner Saul Garcia the idea of a taco-focused spot with bright colors and a laid-back feel.
Garcia told the village board Jan. 16 “it’s not been easy” since originally opening in the space, but he believes the addition of a bar menu may help.
As they altered the concept, they outfitted the space with distressed wood and original artwork created by Acuna.
“Everything that is painted, is by me,” Acuna said.
Hecho’s menu focuses on flavorful ingredients and freshly made tortillas, Acuna said. Prices range from $3.50-9.50 for appetizers like elotes, guacamole and nachos; tacos, including carne asada, shrimp and a vegetarian option made with hibiscus flower, are $3.50 each. The restaurant also sells party trays.
Acuna envisions a margarita flight featuring pomegranate and coconut margaritas as well as a classic lime called the Oak Park margarita, with the colors of the drinks resembling the Mexican flag.
“We’re catered to Oak Park,” Acuna said. Garcia told the village board he also has a restaurant in Cicero.
Customers who’ve known the Lake Street restaurant as a counter service spot are adjusting to the new sit-down concept, Acuna said.
“They gave it a chance, and they’re coming back,” he said.
Shanon Williams, executive director of the Downtown Oak Park business association, said she’s not sure why other businesses have failed in that location, but is excited about Hecho’s concept.
“I like the rebrand. I like the inside. When you walk by, it has a different appeal,” Williams said.
Within the business district, Boss Burrito on Westgate Street has a solid following for burritos, she said, so Hecho’s focus on tacos and margaritas is a smart move, since there’s not many Mexican restaurants in the DTOP district.
Hecho en Oak Park, 1053 Lake St., is open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit www.hechoenoakpark.com or call 708-383-6900.
Caitlin Mullen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.