Aztec Willie's, the late-night taqueria and salsa hub on Northeast Broadway, is set to reopen this spring under new ownership. The business will relaunch as Aztec on Broadway, with a soft opening planned for April 10 and a grand opening on April 11, 2026, at 1501 NE Broadway in the Irvington neighborhood. The new owner says he intends to keep the dance nights that made the place a neighborhood fixture while refreshing the menu.
The Cardoso family's Aztec Willie's closed in September 2025 after more than three decades in the neighborhood, a curtain call that hit regulars right in the nostalgia. The relaunch was detailed by KOIN, which traces the restaurant's roots to the parents of Willie Cardoso and notes the sale and relaunch plans.
New owner Hasan Artharee, who runs Coast Industries and Safeguard Security, told KOIN he wants to "carry on the Aztec legacy" while updating the menu and operations. Artharee's local-business and community roles have been covered in the community press before; a 2012 profile in The Skanner notes his leadership at Safeguard Security and Coast Industries.
What’s staying and what’s changing
Artharee says the venue will continue to host salsa nights, themed events and live DJs, while offering an upgraded food menu. The original Aztec Willie's website still advertises dance lessons and late-night hours, suggesting many of the club's familiar rhythms will return along with the new look.
City filings show size and plans
A City of Portland liquor-license filing flagged by local food site Bridgetown Bites lists the trade name Aztec on Broadway and a roughly 150-seat capacity. The filing adds weight to plans for a combined dining-and-music room.
When to go and what to expect
The soft opening is set for April 10 and the grand opening for April 11, 2026, dates first reported by local outlets. For those who want to jump right back onto the dance floor, the restaurant's site advertises lessons at 9:30 p.m. every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday along with late-night hours, so expect the relaunch to include both food and social dancing.
Regulars can expect familiar DJs and salsa nights mixed with fresh menu items and a new management team. Watch the city's public filing and the restaurant's website for updates as the April openings approach.
