Taco Mucho, 220 Harrison St., hosted a grand opening event on Saturday, Aug. 21. A Mariachi band played, and margaritas flowed while patrons selected from a thoughtfully edited menu of tacos, tortas and nachos during the highly anticipated Arts District opening.
Ron Aleman, chef-owner of Taco Mucho, worked tirelessly in preparation for the celebration. The space has been reoriented and brightened — warm string lights hang in the two dining rooms and a galvanized metal bar grounds the space. A vibrant Taco Mucho inspired mural announcing “share your tortillas” draws focus in the second dining room.
Ron Aleman, owner of Taco Mucho, prepares meals in the kitchen with his staff on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, during the grand opening of Tacho Mucho on Harrison Street in Oak Park’s Arts District. | ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer 
Guests eat outside on the patio under umbrellas on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, during the grand opening of Tacho Mucho on Harrison Street in Oak Park’s Arts District. | ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer 
The food menu is seen behind the bar on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, during the grand opening of Tacho Mucho on Harrison Street in Oak Park’s Arts District. | ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer 
Owner Ron Aleman looks over orders as he cooks in the kitchen on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, during the grand opening of Tacho Mucho on Harrison Street in Oak Park’s Arts District. | ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer 
Guests eat in the dining room area on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, during the grand opening of Tacho Mucho on Harrison Street in Oak Park’s Arts District. | ALEX ROGALS/Staff Photographer 
Taco Mucho, 220 Harrison St., in the Oak Park Arts District hosted a grand opening celebration Aug. 21. (Photo by Melissa Elsmo)
Aleman, an Oak Park resident and family man, admits the road to opening day was tiring but is eager to share his passion for cooking with the Oak Park community.
“When people were walking by this week and would peek in the windows, I couldn’t help but invite them in for a quick tour,” said Aleman. “My whole family has been focused on Taco Mucho’s opening and the community has been so supportive of us being here. This is a very exciting time.”
For the time being, Taco Mucho will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
