PHILLIPSBURG, NJ – Fans of authentic Mexican food will enjoy top-tier tacos with a side of stellar sights at a new restaurant coming soon to the Delaware River waterfront.
Vista Taco, offering specialty tacos and other Mexican fare, is expected to open in early August at 7 Union Square in Phillipsburg, co-owner Kristina Haas told 69 News.
Vista Taco is coming soon to 7 Union Square in Phillipsburg.
Ryan Kneller
The fast-casual eatery will operate next to Jimmy’s Doggie Stand, at the foot of the Northampton Street Bridge, colloquially known as the Easton-Phillipsburg “free bridge,” offering picturesque views of the bridge, Delaware River and downtown Easton.
Haas and her partner, Rojelio Romero, decided on the restaurant’s name as vista refers to a broad, scenic view or panorama.
“Shortly after we open, the next phase will be renovating the deck that is on top of Vista Taco,” Haas said.
“Vista means view. So, when you walk up the steps, it’s going to be a beautiful space where you can eat, hang out and check out the gorgeous views of the bridge, water and Easton. We hope to have that area ready by fall.”
Romero is no stranger to the local dining scene.
He’s earned acclaim at the almost two-year-old La Maya Mexican restaurant in Hellertown, and he also opened another Mexican dining establishment, El Charro del Rio, in Milford, New Jersey about six years ago.
At Vista Taco, Romero’s partnering with Haas, a hospitality industry veteran with extensive experience in hotel sales.
To help develop Vista Taco’s menu, the pair enlisted executive chef Andrés Meza, who also helped curate La Maya’s menu.
Vista Taco guests will be able to enjoy authentic, hand-crafted tacos, including marinated pork and chicken trompo tacos, where the meats are cooked on a vertical rotisserie, Haas said.
Ryan Kneller
“Trompo tacos are very traditional tacos, and you’ll find them in a lot of taquerias in central Mexico, including Puebla, where they originated and also where Rojelio is from,” Haas said.
“So, we’ll be doing pork marinated with pineapple as well as chicken.”
Other taco options will include thinly-sliced ribeye steak, grilled shrimp, fish and vegetarian.
Tortillas will be handmade on-site in an open kitchen, and guests also will be able to enjoy other Mexican specialties, including La Maya favorites such as corn ribs, guacamole and nachos, Haas said.
Fresh juices and lemonades also will be featured.
“The Vista Taco concept is kind of like La Maya’s little brother,” Haas said.
“There also will be a similar aesthetic, with a colorful and playful décor that includes a custom orange bench in the back.”
Vista Taco will feature interior seating for around 20 guests at counters and tables, along with seasonal outdoor seating.
Dine-in and takeout services will be available.
Hours are still being finalized, but the tentative plan is for the eatery to serve lunch and dinner daily, with late-night hours until 2 a.m. being offered on weekends and possibly other nights as well, Haas said.
“There are a lot of people who work third shifts – whether they’re hospital workers, warehouse workers, etc.,” Haas said. “So, we definitely want to be open those individuals.”
Vista Taco is coming soon to 7 Union Square in Phillipsburg.
Ryan Kneller
Vista Taco will occupy a renovated space that was previously home to The Barbecue Boys, a popular barbecue business that is continuing to operate in south Bethlehem.
Improvements will include updated counters, ceiling tiles, wall paint, furniture, bathrooms and more.
In addition to the deck dining that will debut later this year, Vista Taco also will feature outdoor tables right outside of the restaurant’s entrance.
“We’ll also be BYOB,” Haas said.
“So, people will be able to bring their own cervezas, and there’s a liquor store connected to our building right around the corner.”