LOGAN SQUARE — A plant-based Mexican restaurant from a well-known local chef is coming to Logan Square’s Milwaukee Avenue.
James Beard Award-nominated chef Rodolfo Cuadros is opening Don Bucio’s Taqueria at 2763 N. Milwaukee Ave., according to a news release. It’s Cuadros’ third restaurant. A grand opening is planned for Feb. 18.
Don Bucio’s will serve plant-based Mexican fare, such as asada tacos stuffed with forest mushrooms instead of steak, as well as hand-pressed hibiscus tortillas, mezcal cocktails, margaritas and cerveza.
Executive chef Gustavo Ocampo, formerly at Cuadros’ Bloom Plant Based Kitchen, came up with the idea for the restaurant. Ocampo’s contributions include plant-based chicharrones and nopal milanesa with refritos, crema, pico de gallo, arugula, guacamole and pickled jalapenos, according to the release.
“Gustavo is our secret weapon,” Cuadros said. “He brings us the food he grew up with, and he’s really the driving force and idea behind the restaurant.”
Don Bucio’s is the latest venture for Cuadros, who runs Latin-fusion spots Amaru and Bloom Plant Based Kitchen in Wicker Park.
Cuadros, who is Colombian, opened Amaru in 2019, serving a tapas-style menu of South and Central American dishes. He launched plant-based Bloom out of Amaru’s kitchen during the pandemic before expanding the second concept into a ghost kitchen and then a standalone restaurant.
Last year, Cuadros earned a prestigious James Beard Award nomination for Best Chef: Great Lakes for his cooking at Amaru and Bloom.
Before opening the two restaurants, Cuadros was the executive chef at Latin-American spot Carnivale in Fulton Market.
Don Bucio’s has the feel of an “old-school taqueria but in a modern setting,” according to the release. A mural by local artist Ivan Vazquez greets patrons.
The eatery is named after Cuadros’ longtime friend and coworker, Bucio. The two have worked together for years, with Cuadro bringing Bucio, a kitchen prep worker, on board at Amaru and Bloom, according to the release.
“Our whole purpose is to become as sustainable as possible. We’re a Mexican restaurant that chooses to serve vegetables,” Cuadros said in the release. “We’re going to be a fun place. Bring your friends, eat some tacos and walk away having one of the healthiest meals of your week.”
For more information about Don Bucio’s, go to the restaurant’s Instagram.
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