Las Cazuelas Mexican Taco quietly flipped on the open sign Friday in a compact 1940s-era building on West St. Paul Avenue, serving tacos and family-style catering favorites on a stretch of Waukesha that once hosted a 1960s drive-in. The shop, with seating for roughly eight tables, is run by Gerardo Hernandez, a longtime caterer stepping into restaurant service for the first time.
Las Cazuelas officially opened April 24 at 818 W. St. Paul Ave. The spot had "coming soon" signs up for nearly a year, and the roughly 1,000-square-foot conversion took longer than expected, as reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
The building itself dates back to the 1940s and once housed The Bun, a 1960s-era drive-in along this commercial and industrial stretch. Property partner Andrew Borgstrom told Waukesha city officials the renovation was "more of a passion than anything else," according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Menu, Seating and Service
Hernandez, who operates a catering business, is leading a staff of about a half-dozen and is serving Mexican standards such as tacos and burritos alongside more elaborate recipes pulled from his catering repertoire. The small dining room holds eight tables, including four booths, and the business is offering takeout while it sets up a DoorDash account for delivery. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, as reported by AOL.
A Name With Local Momentum
The Las Cazuelas name already appears at other spots in the area, and chilaquiles and taco concepts have been gaining traction around Milwaukee. A West Allis location has been expanding and filed plans for a Fox Point spot earlier this spring, according to the Milwaukee Business Journal.
For Waukesha diners, Las Cazuelas adds another affordable option for Mexican fare in a small, nostalgic setting. Early business will focus on dine-in and takeout while delivery gets finalized, and the compact footprint makes it a neighborhood counter to watch as it settles into St. Paul Avenue.
