BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A family-run restaurant known for its artisan street tacos, nachos, flautas and other Mexican favorites is expanding its footprint in the Lehigh Valley.
A second location of UNO Taqueria, a fast-casual eatery offering authentic Mexican cuisine at 1042 Mill Creek Road in Lower Macungie Township, is expected to open in early May at 15 E. Fourth St. in Bethlehem, according to Samuel Montoya, who operates the business with family members.
The south Bethlehem space was previously home to other dining establishments, including General Zapata and, most recently, La Kang Chicken & Rice.
“We’re excited to serve more people in another community,” Montoya said.
Montoya operates UNO Taqueria with his brother, Juan Montoya, and father, Froylan Montoya.
UNO Taqueria opened in late 2020 in the West Valley Marketplace on Mill Creek in Lower Macungie.
UNO Taqueria operates at 1042 Mill Creek Road in Lower Macungie Township.
Ryan Kneller
The business also features a mobile aspect, with the team operating multiple food trailers that make appearances at various public and private events.
In Bethlehem, the UNO Taqueria team will serve up the restaurant’s full menu that’s highlighted by more than a dozen artisan street taco selections such as chorizo, carne asada (grilled angus steak), al pastor (marinated grilled pork, fresh onions, cilantro and pineapple), cochina (slow-roasted pulled pork, cooked in banana leaves and topped with cilantro and pickled onions), Baja fish (beer-battered cod, chipotle coleslaw, mango sauce, avocado mousse and pico de gallo) and shrimp (beer-battered shrimp, chipotle coleslaw, mango sauce, avocado mousse and pickled red onions).
Tacos, which can be ordered individually or in groups of three, feature fresh, homemade nixtamal corn tortillas that are free of preservatives.
The business’ top seller is its birria tacos (beef stew with fresh onions, cilantro, cheese and a side of broth), Samuel said.
Customers also can enjoy Tex-Mex tacos (soft flour tortilla or hard corn tortilla with lettuce, pico de gallo, cheese and choice of protein), gringas (open-face flour tortillas with crispy cheese and choice of meat) and vampiros (open-face, handmade corn tortillas with crispy cheese and choice of meat).
Other menu highlights include a wide array of burritos, burrito bowls, nachos, quesadillas, empanadas, flautas and vegetarian options.
There are also soups such as tortillas and pozole; side orders such as rice and beans, queso with chips and esquites (street corn in a cup); and desserts such as homemade flan, churros and tres leches.
Additionally, specials change weekly, with this week’s specials including enfrijoladas (corn tortillas, shredded chicken, pinto bean sauce, crema, queso fresca, onions and cilantro) and taco de lengua (lengua cooked to perfect tenderness, served with onions, cilantro and limes).
The Bethlehem restaurant will feature indoor seating for around 24 guests at booths and banquettes, and there also will be seasonal outdoor dining on a side patio, Samuel said.
The Montoyas are excited to expand operations in a vibrant part of south Bethlehem, surrounded by a multitude of other restaurants and small businesses.
“We’re thinking of staying open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays because there are a lot of bars in that area, including Molly’s right across the street,” Samuel said. “We want to give people a place to eat if they’re hungry late night.”
In Lower Macungie, UNO Taqueria is open 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Hours are still being finalized for the forthcoming Bethlehem location.