This Mexican spot started as a VW bus in the Yucatán. Now it’s opening in Miami Beach
The new taqueria in Miami Beach began its life on wheels as a 1963 Volkswagen bus.
Purchased in Mexico City and brought to the Yucatán Peninsula in 2006, the bus was destined for taco greatness. The engine and transmission were yanked out. Seats were exchanged for cooking equipment, and the bus was transformed into Tacombi, a rolling taco stand on the warm sands of Playa del Carmen.
In 2010, Tacombi opened its first U.S. restaurant in New York. Now a brand with 15 locations, Tacombi is opening in South Beach in a Miami Modern, Morris Lapidus-designed building. This second Miami-Dade location — the first is in Miami’s Design District — is 2,800 square feet in size and located on the corner of Meridian Avenue and 17th Street.
Tacombi is known for authentic tacos, cocktails and (of course) cold beer. The menu represents different regions of Mexico, with corn esquites, tacos, “gringa” quesadillas with Al Pastor roasted pork and burritos (even a vegan burrito with sweet potato, kale and poblano).
Margaritas, piña coladas and daiquiris are on the drink menu, along with the Spiked Hibiscus, made with mezcal and served with a Hibiscus flower. You can also order homemade agua frescas if you want to go the non-alcoholic route.
The new opening will add to the impact of The Tacombi Foundation, a nonprofit group to advance Mexican communities through education and food accessibility. These are tacos served with a conscience: The Tacombi Community Kitchen donates thousands of meals, and over the past year the brand has donated 15,000 meals in Miami in partnership with Miami Rescue Mission and Village (Free)dge.
The organization will also work with Lotus House, a shelter for women and children and youth at risk for homelessness.
The Tacombi restaurants are spread across New York, Washington, D.C., and Miami, with two more planned for Brickell and Wynwood in 2023.
Tacombi
Where: 1688 Meridian Ave., Miami Beach
Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily; happy hour 4-7 p.m. Monday-Friday with $5 beer, $9 margaritas, $5 micheladas
Information: Tacombi.com
This story was originally published January 6, 2023 at 4:30 AM.