The new brunch restaurant at the cusp of Tacoma and University Place was packed on Sunday afternoon, just its second week in business. A DJ and guitarist played from a sound booth as tables welcomed colorful mimosas, chilaquiles “flights” served in an oblong wooden bowl, breakfast burritos, pancakes with corn and mugs of cafe de olla.
The aptly named Casa de los Chilaquiles opened Nov. 8 at 5502 Orchard St. W. The owners, also behind taqueria chains El Antojo and El Rinconsito, previously operated an outpost of their Antojos Mexican Grill at the location but decided it was time to revamp it. A larger Antojos Mexican Grill has served Tacoma’s West End at 6104 6th Ave., since 2022.
Led by Elias Guzman Brambila, a regional manager for the Fife-based company, they landed on a Mexican diner concept by day that will, eventually, offer an evening experience under the name El Vago Bar and Grill.
The daytime menu leans heavy into its namesake. Signature chilaquiles ($22.99-$24.99) range from a fajita-inspired version to one served in a molcajete. The divicorados plays on the traditional egg dish, in which the plate is split into rojo and verde — here, bite-sized square chips are tossed into each salsa and topped with cilantro, pickled red onions, cilantro and crema Oaxaca. It’s all served with two eggs cooked to your preference…