Exciting news today for Sydney’s taco enthusiasts! After Chippendale stalwart Rico’s Tacos announced they would be closing the Meagher Street doors earlier this month, we can now reveal the new home will be at the Norfolk Hotel in Redfern.

Taking over both levels of the Cleveland Street pub, this is a huge evolution for Toby Wilson’s offering, which has been acquired by Public Hospitality Group (El Primo Sanchez, Maybe Sammy, the Lady Hampshire).

Rico’s Tacos started life as chef and founder Toby Wilson’s roving food carts and pop-up kitchens before trading in the nomad life for permanent digs on Meagher Street in 2022. It was here that the former corner store was transformed into a sun-flooded taqueria with vibrant blues and cartoon bottles of Coke and pineapples painted on the walls. 

The new iteration will level up Wilson’s menu while keeping the known and loved flavours of the original. Expect its rotating taco of the week, tacos al pastor – including neon lights in its honour – and the famous twice fried hash brown with chipotle salt and salsa roja.

The extended menu also includes a grill half chook plate, as well as an unexpected (but very welcome) Mexican-style beef burger, a coffee and almond mole and chicken taco, and al fresco specialties.

The super-sized venue allows for some exciting new additions including asada barbecue in the courtyard each Sunday, as well as a dedicated late-night club area, appropriately dubbed Club Rico.

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Interiors will be reminiscent of Mexican sports bars with a distinct difference between both levels, taking guests from the colourful beer garden to Club Rico’s upstairs.

Rico’s Tacos at the Norfolk will open September 23. For more details, follow along at @ricostacotruck.

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