Many have already said goodbye to the taqueria, but it isn’t gone for long.
A liquor license application was recently submitted under the name Aztec for 1501 NE Broadway. The taqueria’s new owner Hasan Artharee told What Now Portland he is looking at a March 1 opening.
The restaurant was originally called Aztec Willie’s Taqueria, which opened in 1994 at the corner of NE 15th Avenue and NE Broadway. It became an Irvington spot for Mexican cuisine, as well as dancing and celebrating. It was founded by the parents of owner Willie Cardoso, who ran the restaurant prior to the closure.
Now, Artharee is bringing the popular spot back with familiar food options, and he hopes to “give it new life.” The former menu featured burritos, tacos, smash burgers and cocktails, along with combination plates like enchiladas and fajitas. He is working with Cardoso to get the restaurant running again.
In the application, it is listed there will be seating for 150 inside and 20 outside. Great Wine Buys is right next door, and the restaurant is across the street from McMenamin’s Broadway Pub and Peet’s Coffee. The status of construction has not been confirmed.
Artharee said he will be releasing more information on the reopening in January, and no announcement has been made on social media yet.
