It’s lunchtime in Coral Gables, and the glass doors at this new establishment remain open to a welcoming Giralda Avenue full of umbrella covered tables with the name “Coyo Taco” printed on them.
As you walk inside, you are quickly transported to a Mexican themed restaurant full of life and laughter, as residents, local lunchers and tourists alike share guacamole with chips, tacos, and burritos in a festive environment.
COYO Taco describes itself as “Miami’s freshest Mexican street food experience.” The international restaurant company launched in 2015 and has restaurants in Dominican Republic, Panama, Portugal and in South Florida (Palm Beach, Wynwood, and Brickell).
“Our goal with this new COYO Taco location is to bring an all-encompassing dining and entertainment destination to the Coral Gables neighborhood,” shares Sven Vogtland, co-founder of COYO Taco. “A casual spot where locals can get together to enjoy both great food and music in an inviting setting.”
And the location offers just that.
We ordered the traditional guacamole which according to COYO Taco, is “smashed to order and tortillas are handcrafted on-site in an authentic Mexican tradition.”
It was very rich in flavor and the individually packaged tortilla chip bags were plentiful and fresh, making for a very satisfying appetizer.
Our team then ordered two of their most popular dishes, the Pollo al Carbon Tacos and the Chicken Quesadillas.
I must confess, I am not a taco lover, but these Pollo al Carbon tacos were incredible, and the Chicken Quesadillas did not disappoint.
We asked what made the COYO Taco’s food so distinctive and unique? The answer was simple, “our vegetables are farm fresh and locally sourced, and our meat and seafood are naturally raised and humanely treated.”
COYO Taco also makes fresh drinks, “Aguas frescas and margaritas are made from scratch. staying true to our todo fresco, or ‘everything fresh’ philosophy, our ingredients are 100% natural.”
As if the appetizer and meal were not enough, the manager prepared their specialty desert, Churros con Cajeta, which is Churros with Cinnamon, served with chocolate and dulce de leche dipping sauces.
After the meal, we were taken through a set of doors marked “Employees Only” to the COYO Taco Speakeasy. It is a large space, with a very modern and welcoming look, which is open for drinks and can also be rented out for events.
“Happy hour is offered in the lounge Monday through Friday, from 4:00 to 7:00PM featuring half-off liquors and cocktails. Special programming includes Sabor Thursdaysfeaturing Latin beats, open format nights, and more hosted by live DJ acts like Rich Medina, Damaged Goods, and other rotating talent. COYOTaco Coral Gables is located at 126 Giralda Avenue and open daily for lunch, dinner, and late-night dining from 11:00AM to 2:00AM For more information about COYO Taco, please visit coyo-taco.com.”
We were dinning here in Coyo Taco, we chose to eat outside and as we were eatin a vagrant insisted on os for money. Its the firat time this happens to us on Giralda but it will definitely turn us off to dinning outside if it becomes the norm.