It’s no secret, Columbus loves tacos. And burritos and taquitos too. Mexican-inspired fare is one of the most popular in the city for several reasons, the least of which is the quickness with which it can be prepared. Speed should never trump taste, and it’s this belief that’s fueling the opening of Phatt Tacos.
The second restaurant for Jose Becerra, who also owns popular fresh-and-healthy sandwich shop, Phatt Wraps, on campus, this primarily breakfast and lunch quick stop will also focus on providing customers with simple yet savory food, made with as many natural and locally-sourced ingredients as possible.
“This is what Mexicans eat for fast food,” says Becerra of Phatt Taco’s menu. “It’s very simple, but we infuse bold flavors. It’s fresh and authentic street food at a very high level.”
Phatt Taco’s lineup may resemble the ones at other taquerias, but the biggest difference is in the approach Becarra takes to the food. He embraces the health-conscious side, forgoing white rice for brown, bottled sauces for fresh-made ones, and high fructose drinks for flavored waters.
Customers will be able to purchase or create their own juice and smoothie blends from a bar of options in much the same way they’ll be able to customize their burritos from an array of additives available, including fresh herbs, dressings, and vegetables.
The Ahi Tostada is a sophisticated, grown-up version of the nachos plate: toasted corn tortillas layered with the seared tuna, chipotle mayonnaise, lettuces, and avocado. Other menu items include Steak Taquitos, Fish Tacos, and for the upcoming cold season, Mexican Chicken Soup, served with warm corn tortillas in individual pots, which if you haven’t had, is South-of-the-border comfort food.
Most of the meals at Phatt Taco will be in combos running anywhere from $7-$9, which includes a drink. At breakfast, visitors can grab-n-go the Breakfast Burrito Special – a breakfast burrito, like the Egg and Chorizo, plus orange juice for $5.
Organic vegan cookies provided by the Alternative Baking Company are better than expected, and once the weather begins to warm again, customers can expect scratch-made Ceviche and Mexican Shrimp Cocktail to grace the menu.
The store, located at 50 North High Street, at the site of now-closed Fresh 50, is 2,100 square-feet, and will seat 65 diners at a time. There will also be a back patio that can hold 10. Becerra is currently working to secure a liquor license as well, hoping to be offering fun flavored margaritas before long.
Phatt Taco joins an ever-growing community of Downtown ethnic restaurants, including El Arepazo, Thai Lotus, Plantain Café, Grill & Grilled, Café Napolitana, and Café Sazon, making the short blocks around Gay and Broad Streets a destination for those who like to dabble in the exotic.
“We’re bringing good Mexican cuisine to the downtown area,” adds Becerra. “It’s healthy, fast, very delicious, and with a lot of options. We’re one of the little guys making interesting food not like the standardized rest.”
When Phatt Taco opens this November, its hours will cater to the breakfast and lunch crowd. For more on Phatt Taco’s upcoming opening, follow them at www.facebook.com/PhattTaco.
