A Massive New Felipe’s Taqueria to Open on November 21

Photo courtesy of redjar/Flickr

Just in time for this year’s Harvard vs. Yale game, Felipe’s Taqueria will be opening its massive new location on November 21. Located at 21 Brattle Street in the former Bertucci’s space, the Mexican restaurant will span three floors and over 2,300 square feet. That’s twice as large as its former location at 83 Mount Auburn Street.

Co-owner Tom Brush took over the new location back in October 2013, but has been beset by construction delays over the past year. For the last six months, Felipe’s Taqueria has had to operate out of Brush’s other Harvard Square restaurant, Flat Patties.

Major draws at the new Felipe’s include 12 al fresco dining seats on the patio and a rooftop deck with views across Cambridge. The restaurant will be able to seat up to 170 guests and Brush says that, with standing room capacity, can fit closer to 250 patrons.

In addition to the extra space for diners, Felipe’s will have two commercial kitchens, one dedicated to quick-service burritos and tacos, and another for catering, special events, and Felipe’s forthcoming sit-down service.

When Bertucci’s liquor license transfer is completed by the ABCC—something which Brush predicts could take another month—Felipe’s will have a full bar with eight beers on draft and a heavy focus on tequila. They’ll also be expanding their food menu to include house-made tortillas, seafood, and other made-to-order specialties, something more akin to their location in New Orleans’ French Quarter.

“We’ll have cod and Gulf shrimp tacos and burritos right from the get-go,” Brush says. “But as soon as we can get our liquor license we’ll be implementing table service with new items like enchiladas, chili rellenos, tamales, ceviches, queso dip, shishito peppers, and other nice appetizers.”