Taco Madre, 2827 Atwood Ave., is filling the void left by Daisy Café and Cupcakery, which closed in August. The restaurant, which opened Jan. 3, serves Mexican cuisine and is the third location opened by owner Jose Vicente Zecua Mendez.

Zecua has run A La Brasa Mexican Grill at 15 N. Broom St. for the past 12 years. Just last year he opened his second restaurant, Breakfast A La Brasa, at 45 S. Bassett St. Taco Madre is a fusion of the two A La Brasa restaurants, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What sets Taco Madre apart from other Mexican restaurants is its tortillas.

“We have handmade tortillas, made fresh right away,” Zecua said.

Their main dishes include mole poblano, enchiladas de mole, carnitas and chimichangas, as well as breakfast options such as burritos and huevos rancheros. The prices of house specials range from $12-$18. Breakfast and lunch entrees cost between $4.50-$12.

Since Taco Madre’s opening, the east side community has reacted positively.

“People like (the restaurant). They have been returning,” Zecua said.

Zecua has refreshed the interior with a bright new paint job and cultural décor. He’s also added televisions and applied for a liquor license. Work is also being done in a back room.

Unlike Zecua’s other locations, Taco Madre is open daily from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

“Our other two locations are downtown, so we mostly attract college students," Zecua said. “Here, we actually attract families. I want to get a feel for the neighborhood before my regular big opening.”

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