Pop-Up Taco Truck Signs Lease for Brick-and-Mortar Space

Pata Roja Tacos Set to Put Down Roots at Court Street Plaza

CINCINNATI (May 10, 2023) – One of Downtown Cincinnati’s favorite food trucks is taking up permanent residence at Court Street Plaza. Pata Roja Taqueria, a pop-up taco truck typically located behind Bar Saeso, recently signed a lease for a brick-and-mortar space in Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC)’s Court Street Condos project. Owner Derrick Braziel and partner Michael Millay, the current CEO of Rooted Creative and former professional soccer player for FC Cincinnati, have already started planning the menu and layout of their 1,060-square-foot space at 52 E. Court Street.

Established in early 2019, the Cincinnati-based food truck has become a popular part of the city’s food scene. Known for selling street tacos from their mobile food trailer, they’ve also grown to offer catering for special events. The new brick-and-mortar space will be a welcome addition, offering patrons a unique, fun spot to sit and enjoy the tacos they love.

Braziel and Millay looked at spaces from Camp Washington to Mount Washington, searching for the ideal location for the restaurant’s permanent home. They ultimately chose Court Street Plaza after watching it transform into the burgeoning commercial district it is today.

“We truly feel our taqueria will thrive here, in a space that is so connected to the community,” Braziel said. “We see Pata Roja as a way to help bridge the gap between the Central Business District and Over-the-Rhine, bringing these two communities together through a shared love of good food and good company.”

Pata Roja Taqueria strives to bring authentic and bold flavors to its menu, with signature Mexican dishes like the taco al pastor, marinated beef taco, seasonal vegetarian taco, and fresh salsas. Braziel and Millay are also working to create an atmosphere that reflects a traditional Mexico City taqueria with a unique Cincinnati twist. The Spanish name Pata Roja, which translates to ‘red leg,’ gives the restaurant a special local connection. Visitors to the space can expect to see a Cincinnati Reds vibe infused into the taqueria.

“We’re really looking forward to giving this Cincinnati staple a permanent home in the heart of Court Street Plaza,” said Lindzie Gunnels, Commercial Leasing Manager with 3CDC. “As we continue to see the Court Street Plaza area grow, we can’t think of a better partner than Derrick Braziel –he’s extremely passionate about his work, he’s a great asset to the community, and he’s committed to creating a unique, welcoming spot with Pata Roja.”

Braziel echoed this sentiment in regard to working with 3CDC to establish a permanent space for Pata Roja. “The 3CDC team has been a pleasure to work with. I’ve truly appreciated how patient, flexible and supportive they’ve been as we work to open our first brick-and-mortar restaurant.”

INDIO is serving as the architect on the project and is working to design a space that adequately represents Pata Roja. The restaurant is expected to open its doors later this year.

When Pata Roja opens later this year, it will be one of several unique eateries on Court Street Plaza – a $5.5 million pedestrian promenade in the heart of Downtown Cincinnati that connects the Central Business District and Over-the-Rhine. These restaurants include Mid-City, Pilar and Avril Bleh Meat Market. Two additional restaurants, Onolicious Hawaii and Court Street Kitchen, are also slated to open at Court Street Plaza in the near future.

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