Welcome to TacoLu, a favorite taco spot in Jacksonville Beach. It’s loved by both locals and visitors. Known for its tasty food, community spirit, and colorful artwork, TacoLu stands out in the Jacksonville Beach dining scene. Starting in a small building, it now calls the Homestead building home, offering authentic Mexican dishes and a laid-back vibe.
Even with its growth, TacoLu still sees long lines, with waits of 10 minutes on Tuesdays. Its quality and focus on the community have made it a cherished spot.
Key Takeaways
- TacoLu is a renowned taco joint in Jacksonville Beach, known for its consistently delicious Mexican cuisine and vibrant, community-focused atmosphere.
- The restaurant has grown from a small building to its current location in the iconic Homestead building, but it still maintains a high demand and a typical 10-minute wait time.
- TacoLu’s ability to blend its authentic Mexican flavors with a chill, surfer-inspired vibe has made it a beloved local institution in the Jacksonville Beach dining scene.
- The restaurant’s commitment to quality and community engagement has solidified its reputation as a must-visit destination for Mexican food enthusiasts.
- TacoLu’s unique offerings, such as its signature tacos and Mexican street corn, have earned it a loyal following and a reputation for excellence.
A Brief History of TacoLu’s Journey in Jacksonville Beach
In 2008, Don and Debbie Nicol opened TacoLu’s first spot on Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. The original TacoLu had 140 seats. It was known for its unique decor, like a vintage Volkswagen van and Day of the Dead and masked wrestler themes.
From Small Beginnings to Current Location
Despite its small size and limited parking, TacoLu quickly became a hit. People loved it so much that there were always long wait times. In 2012, the Nicols moved TacoLu to a bigger space, the former Homestead building on 1712 Beach Blvd.
The Homestead Building Transformation
The Homestead had a rough past before TacoLu. It closed in 2007 and reopened in 2008 with a fancy menu. But it closed again. The Nicols turned it into TacoLu, adding valet parking and a text system for when your table is ready.
The move to the Homestead building was a smart choice. TacoLu now gets great reviews and more customers than ever. Its journey shows how innovation, hard work, and a love for Mexican food can lead to success.
TacoLu Jacksonville FL: Location and Accessibility
TacoLu is in the heart of Jacksonville Beach, in the historic Homestead building. It offers delicious Mexican food and a unique dining experience. The address, 1712 3rd St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250, is easy to find from all over the city.
One great thing about TacoLu is the free valet parking. This solves the parking problems of the area. It makes arriving and leaving easy for everyone. The staff texts you when your table is ready, so you can enjoy the area while you wait.
TacoLu is a top spot for those wanting Mexican food in Jacksonville Beach. It’s welcoming to locals and visitors. The restaurant’s focus on a great dining experience makes it a standout in the area.
| TacoLu Address | Parking at TacoLu | Nearby Jacksonville Beach Restaurants |
|---|---|---|
| 1712 3rd St N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 | Complimentary valet parking available |
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“TacoLu’s prime location and accessible parking make it the perfect destination for a delightful dining experience in Jacksonville Beach.
The Unique Dining Atmosphere and Ambiance
At TacoLu, it’s not just about the food. The place is filled with local art and a lively vibe. It makes you feel like you’re part of Jacksonville Beach’s culture.
Interior Design and Local Artwork
Walking into TacoLu, you’ll see a colorful space that celebrates local talent. The walls are covered in murals, sculptures, and paintings. These pieces show off the creativity of Jacksonville Beach.
This focus on TacoLu decor and local art makes it a special place. It’s perfect for those who love art and great food.
Outdoor Patio Experience
The Jacksonville Beach patio dining at TacoLu is amazing when the weather is nice. The patio has comfy seats and heaters for cool nights. It’s a great spot for catching up with friends or trying new drinks.
Community Engagement
TacoLu does more than serve food. It hosts events that bring people together. From live music to tasting nights, it’s a place where everyone feels welcome.
Signature Tacos and Menu Highlights
At TacoLu, you’ll discover a variety of signature tacos. They show the restaurant’s dedication to real Mexican cuisine. From the classic fish taco to the Cheeseburger Taco, each dish is made to excite your taste buds.
The fish tacos at TacoLu are loved by many. They have grilled fish, creamy, spicy sauce, and a perfect balance of flavors. Don’t miss out on the scallop tacos when they’re available. They offer 3-4 seared scallops in each bite.
The Cheeseburger Taco is a standout. It combines the taste of a cheeseburger with a taco, creating a unique fusion. It’s a must-try for any taco lover.
| Taco Dish | Description | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Fish Taco | Grilled fish with a creamy, spicy sauce | Perfectly seasoned, balanced flavors |
| Scallop Taco | 3-4 perfectly seared scallops per taco | Delightful seafood option |
| Cheeseburger Taco | Fusion of cheeseburger and taco flavors | Unique and innovative |
Whether you prefer traditional or adventurous dishes, TacoLu has something for everyone. Try the best tacos in Jacksonville Beach and enjoy the authentic Mexican cuisine.
The Famous Mexican Street Corn and Appetizers
At TacoLu, the appetizers are the stars that show the restaurant’s love for Mexican flavors. The Mexican street corn ($2.99) is a must-try. It’s a mix of Mexican cheese, tangy chipotle crema, and fresh lime.
The queso options at TacoLu are also amazing. The classic queso ($6.25) is a favorite. But, the queso fundido is a richer, more indulgent choice.
Exploring the Queso Variations
For a spicier twist, try the chorizo add-on ($1.50) with your queso. Whether you choose the classic queso or the queso fundido, TacoLu’s queso will please your taste buds.
The Must-Try Street Corn Experience
No TacoLu visit is complete without the Mexican street corn. It’s a taste of Mexico, with charred corn, Mexican cheese, chipotle crema, and lime. It’s a flavor explosion.
Whether you love the classic queso or want to try the street corn, TacoLu’s appetizers show the restaurant’s dedication to great Mexican food in Jacksonville, FL.
Specialty Drinks and Margarita Selection
At TacoLu in Jacksonville Beach, the specialty drinks and margaritas are the stars. You can enjoy a classic house margarita or try something new. This place has something for everyone.
The house margarita is a favorite, made with top tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice. It’s refreshing and loved by many. For a unique taste, try the Sangria Margarita. It mixes sangria’s lively flavors with the classic margarita, making it a stunning and tasty drink.
TacoLu’s bartenders are creative and skilled. Nearby, Sidecar Jax won the best to-go cocktail award. Flying Iguana is also famous for its margaritas, winning Best Margarita by Folio Weekly and Void’s #1 in the 904.
| Specialty Drink | Description | Awards and Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Sangria Margarita | A fusion of sangria and classic margarita, offering a unique and visually appealing cocktail experience. | – |
| House Margarita | A timeless, refreshing margarita made with premium tequila, triple sec, and freshly squeezed lime juice. | – |
| Strawberry Margarita | A sweet and fruity twist on the classic margarita, featuring fresh strawberry puree. | Cantina Louie’s to-go specialty drink |
| Sangria | A vibrant and flavorful Spanish-inspired wine-based punch, often served as a to-go cocktail option. | Cantina Louie’s to-go specialty drink |
Whether you choose a classic margarita or try something new, TacoLu has it all. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a drink with your Mexican meal. Don’t miss out on this coastal gem in Jacksonville Beach.
Unique Fusion Creations: Beyond Traditional Mexican
At TacoLu in Jacksonville, FL, the team loves to mix things up. They’ve created the Cheeseburger Dilla, a quesadilla with seasoned beef, cheddar, pickles, and more. It’s a mix of Mexican and American flavors that people love.
TacoLu doesn’t just stop at the Cheeseburger Dilla. They also have special tacos like the Carne Royale taco. It has marinated steak, Brie cheese, and grape salsa. This shows their skill in combining flavors in new ways.
The menu at TacoLu is always changing. They keep adding new taco ideas. If you want something different, TacoLu’s specials are perfect for you.
The Cheeseburger Dilla Innovation
The Cheeseburger Dilla is a standout at TacoLu. It’s a quesadilla that combines a cheeseburger with Mexican flavors. It has seasoned beef, cheese, pickles, and more, all in a tortilla shell.
Creative Taco Specials
TacoLu also offers special tacos like the Carne Royale. It has steak, Brie cheese, and grape salsa. This taco shows their talent in mixing flavors.
TacoLu keeps their menu fresh with new taco ideas. They mix Mexican traditions with modern twists. This means there’s always something new to try.
Fresh Seafood Offerings and Daily Specials
At TacoLu, seafood lovers will find joy in the fresh and tasty catches. The menu boasts TacoLu seafood and Jacksonville Beach fish tacos that are a hit.
The Mahi fish taco is a must-try. It has seasoned and grilled mahi-mahi in warm tortillas, topped with vibrant sauces and garnishes. The scallop taco is also a favorite, with seared scallops in a seafood-rich dish.
TacoLu also offers a swordfish taco, a unique twist on the fish taco. All fish dishes are well-prepared, with each bite full of sea flavors.
But there’s more. TacoLu has daily specials that highlight the freshest catches. These specials offer innovative seafood dishes, making every visit memorable.
“The fish tacos at TacoLu are truly exceptional. The seafood is always so fresh and flavorful, and the creative daily specials never disappoint.
Service Excellence and Staff Culture
Despite the busy atmosphere, TacoLu in Jacksonville Beach offers top-notch customer service. The staff is always calm and focused, making sure every guest has a great dining experience. This dedication to service comes from the strong team culture at TacoLu.
The restaurant runs smoothly, even when it’s packed. Servers are quick to help, and the kitchen team works well with them. This teamwork ensures food is made and served efficiently.
TacoLu’s staff gets better with ongoing training. They learn more about the menu, drinks, and how to make guests happy. This helps them give better service, making every visit special.
“The staff at TacoLu always goes above and beyond to ensure we have a fantastic dining experience. Their attention to detail and genuine hospitality make every visit truly special.”
Even with the lively vibe, TacoLu keeps its service top-notch. The team’s culture and training make sure guests get the best service. This focus on service makes TacoLu a top choice in Jacksonville Beach.
Conclusion
TacoLu is a top spot for the best Mexican food in Jacksonville. It started small but now attracts many people. Its focus on real Mexican flavors and great service has made it a favorite.
Looking for traditional Mexican dishes or something new? TacoLu has it all. Their famous tacos, appetizers, and drinks are loved by many. The fun decor and lively vibe make every visit special.
When you’re in Jacksonville, don’t miss TacoLu. It’s known for its TacoLu review, best Mexican food Jacksonville, and unforgettable dining. It’s a must-visit restaurants spot that will have you wanting more.