¡Vamos! Orlando’s lively food scene is about to get a whole lot louder.
Fat Rosie’s Taco & Tequila Bar, the Chicago-born Mexican restaurant known for its vibrant energy and scratch-made menu, will officially open its first Florida location on Thursday, March 5, at 4 p.m. at 749 North Alafaya Trail in the Waterford Lakes Town Center.
To mark the milestone, Fat Rosie’s will kick things off at 4 p.m. with an all-out fiesta, inviting the community to join in with music, mariachi performers, giveaways, exclusive merch, and plenty of opening-day surprises.
Known across Chicagoland for its high-energy yet welcoming, family-friendly approach to Mexican cuisine, Fat Rosie’s is a place where families linger over dinner, friends meet for margaritas, and birthdays get more animated as the night goes on. The brand is thrilled to bring the fiesta to Central Florida, opening in a vibrant shopping center to offer Waterford Lakes residents and shoppers a new go-to spot to celebrate over authentic Mexican food and hand-crafted beverages.
“At its heart, Fat Rosie’s is about people coming together for a good time,” said John Iannucci, CEO of Mas Mex, the restaurant group behind the brand in a statement. “We’re a place where birthdays get louder, happy hours last longer, and everyday dinners turn into something worth remembering. Waterford felt like the perfect community to bring that energy next.”
Every dish at Fat Rosie’s is made with fresh ingredients and care, with rotating specials that highlight seasonal flavors throughout the year. Much of the menu is prepared in-house daily, from salsas, cocktail syrups, and purées to slow-simmered mole and other key ingredients that power both the kitchen and the bar.
The menu starts with shareable starters like creamy queso fundido and Mexican street corn, followed by signature tacos, sizzling Kick-Ass Fajitas, and classic Mexican desserts like churros. Behind the bar, Fat Rosie’s delivers a beverage program that matches the energy of the meal. Ass-Kickin’ Margaritas made with 100% blue agave tequila are mixed with house-prepped ingredients, while playful touches like the brand’s signature tequila shot airplane add to the celebratory atmosphere. The Fat Rosie’s experience also extends to a lively brunch, where guests gather over favorites with a Mexican twist, including its signature Tres Leches French Toast and chilaquiles.
Each Fat Rosie’s location has its own personality, featuring colorful design elements, piñatas, sombreros, playful service, and custom artwork sourced from Mexico.
Fat Rosie’s Waterford Lakes location will be open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to midnight, Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Additional details about opening-day festivities, giveaways, and entertainment will be shared ahead of March 5. For updates and sneak peeks, follow Fat Rosie’s on Instagram or subscribe to the brand’s newsletter at fatrosies.com/location/waterford/
