Two New Chilacates Locations Open in Chestnut Hill and Mission Hill

The Mexican restaurant group doubled in size this past weekend, and it isn't done growing yet.

By Jacqueline Cain· 2/11/2019, 10:55 a.m.

Chilacates is now open at the Street in Chestnut Hill, Newton. / Photos provided by Chilacates at the Street

UPDATE, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 9 a.m.: As anticipated, Chilacates has indeed opened its new, South End location. The Shawmut Ave. taqueria debuted on Sunday, Feb. 17, and is now open daily at 11 a.m. It closes Sunday-Thursday at 10 p.m. and at 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. In two weeks, brunch will begin at the South End Chilacates location, and the hours will extend to open Saturdays and Sundays at 9 a.m.

PREVIOUSLY:

The Hills are alive with fresh Mexican cuisine. Chilacates opened two new locations over the weekend, in Chestnut Hill at the Street on Friday, Feb. 8; and in Mission Hill on Sunday, Feb. 10. The new outposts double the size of the Jamaica Plain-based restaurant group, but Chilacates isn’t done yet: owner Socrates Abreu presently has three additional restaurants in the works, and he tells Eater Boston that a South End taco shop could also open this week (see update, top).

Chilacates is beloved by customers and critics alike for its range of fresh fare, including tacos on hand-made tortillas, burritos, tostadas, and enchiladas; as well as house-made beverages and desserts. All locations serve lunch and dinner daily from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., with weekend brunch options added on Saturdays and Sundays.

The ownership debut for JP native Socrates Abreu and his sister-in-law Kaurys Ramirez, Chilacates started in 2015 near the Samuel Adams brewery, and expanded onto Centre Street in early 2017. Along with the Newton and Roxbury locations, and the soon-to-open spot in the former Wholy Grain Bakery and Café space on Shawmut Ave., Chilacates is also headed for Roslindale, taking over the former Redd’s in Rozzie restaurant and a former market next door. Abreu is also revamping the Grass Fed burger joint in Jamaica Plain (605 Centre St.). Grass Fed could reopen in about a month, Eater Boston reports.

Like the JP restaurants, Chilacates in Chestnut Hill features vibrant art in homage to Frida Kahlo. The mural inside the Newton restaurant was hand-painted by Boston artist Ray Liriano.

“We have put our heart and soul into this location and are excited to finally bring our family’s recipes from our Street to your Street,” Abreu said in a press release from the Street. The taqueria is another counter-service option for the retail destination, alongside the likes of Shake Shack, the Bagel Table, and Tender Greens. The open-air mall is also home to Legal Sea Foods, Aquitaine, Ronsky’s, Del Frisco’s Grille, and more dining options.

The Mission Hill location is something of a homecoming for Abreu, who worked at a pizzeria in the neighborhood when he was growing up. The Tremont Street restaurant is also open daily from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., including for weekend brunch.

Chilacates at The Street, 33 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, Newton; 1482A Tremont St., Mission Hill, Roxbury, 617-238-5437; 224 Amory St., 617-522-6000; 658 Centre St., 617-522-6000, Jamaica Plain; coming soon to 275 Shawmut Ave., South End, Boston, 857-350-3292, chilacates.mx.