Taqueria Chihuahua Hopes to Open Second Site Next Month

Taqueria Chihuahua, a local Mexican restaurant in Marina del Rey, is getting ready to open a new location in Culver City, located at 4437 Sepulveda Blvd.

The company’s second location is set to move into the former home of Allegra California Cafe, according to a recent liquor license application. Co-owner Mario Banda tells What Now Los Angeles that he doesn’t have an exact opening date but hopes to open as soon as December 16. He is waiting for permits and is giving the space a new paint job. When it opens, customers can expect a delicious, authentic taqueria serving various Mexican classics.

This is a massive accomplishment for Banda, considering this family-owned restaurant has existed since 1974. The concept was originally in Santa Monica, but the owners were forced to close and relocate after losing their lease on Olympic and 20th. The taqueria bounced around locations before eventually landing at 505 Washington Blvd. The owners decided to use the pandemic as an opportunity to remodel the restaurant in March 2020 and reopened 15 days later.

“I, Martha Miranda, with owner Mario Banda of Taqueria Chihuahua, want to share with you all the patience, understanding, and support from the customers who attended Taqueria Chihuahua before COVID-19 started and are still attending Taqueria Chihuahua,” Mario’s girlfriend, who is a close associate with the business, said on Yelp a few months ago. “Even though Mario has lost three long-time employees, we thank God that Mario has been blessed with the new employees at Taqueria Chihuahua now. Mario and I feel Taqueria Chihuahua will get better, and we want to thank you all for attending with your support.”