Mexican goes upscale at Don Chepo’s in Boca Raton
The new Don Chepo’s Taco Shop in Boca Raton offers a combination platter of tacos, such as tempura avocado, butternut squash and roasted garbanzo.
Don Chepo’s Taco Shop
The owners of the 1-year-old Wellington taqueria have opened a second location in the former Blue Moon Mexican Café in the Boardwalk, a renovated plaza.
“Our Boca [Raton] location has a bigger space,” says Dustin Parfitt, executive chef and co-owner. “Our artist designed the walls, so it’s got a graffiti vibe for a fun theme. We expanded our menu as well, so there are more options in this location.”
One of his new favorites is the roasted garbanzo bean tacos ($9). “It’s a cool twist on tacos for those looking for vegetarian options,” says Parfitt, who is also a partner of Oli’s Fashion Cuisine and Whitehorse Fashion Cuisine in Wellington.
Other new additions include spiced cauliflower tacos ($10), enchiladas ($12-$17) and grilled marinated skirt steak with chile relleno and salsa verde ($22). Parfitt favors the al pastor tacos ($9). “We smoke the pork with our special blend of chilis and spices over hickory for eight hours,” he says.
Finales are caramelized plantains with dulce de leche sauce ($6) and churros with Nutella sauce ($7).
The La Verdad cocktail ($8) is punched with tequila, mezcal, cucumber and jalapeño.
A high ceiling houses Mexican décor with multicolored walls and Patron barrels. Gigantic lime umbrellas cover a patio deck overlooking a lake.
Lunch and dinner are served daily, plus weekend brunch. Musicians perform on Friday nights, and a DJ spins from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Saturdays. Games, such as Jenga Giant, beckon at the entrance.
This 18-year-old mini chain based in Phoenix has introduced its second South Florida location on the second level of CityPlace Doral, joining its West Palm Beach sibling.
A stage hosts musicians, and garage doors bridge the patio to the industrial interior with brick walls, two semicircular copper bars, and video and board games.
“The design is a combination of the other locations