Taco Gato, a downtown Cedar Rapids restaurant that’s become known for its innovative take on Mexican, Tex-Mex and Southern fare, will be closing its doors later this month.
In a Facebook post Nov. 7, Taco Gato management said the final day for the restaurant will be Saturday, Nov. 23.
“Despite our love for this venture, we have realized that we need to focus our unique energy and talents in areas where we can truly thrive,” the Facebook post said. “It’s essential for us to make choices that align with our vision and where we can find lasting success.”
Taco Gato opened in April 2023 in the former Lost Cuban building at 209 Third St. SE. The restaurant features an eclectic menu far beyond basic Mexican fare, with drinks such as “meowgaritas” and “paw-lomas” playing off the restaurant’s feline theme.
Among the menu’s features are appetizers such as fried chorizo masa cakes and shrimp ceviche with sweet potatoes; “ricey” bowls with names such as “poke-ish bowl” and “almost bibimbap”; taco “bento boxes”; seasonal cocktails such as “spin me a tale” with aperol and aqufaba and an “Iowaxacan old fashioned” with Cedar Ridge bourbon, Xicala Resposado Mezcal, Nixta corn liqueur, burnt sugar, mole bitters and Palo Santo smoke; and a house ale brewed for the restaurant by Backpocket Brewing of Coralville.
Taco Gato had been in the works for nearly two years prior to its opening, but experienced some delays during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taco Gato is part of the Fun Not Fancy restaurant group, which includes area eateries such as LP Street Food, Cliff’s Dive Bar, the hip-stir and the Sacred Cow Tavern.
