News Summary
Taqueria Chilango, a popular food truck in Grand Rapids, has partnered with Broad Leaf Brewery to enhance the dining experience at the newly rebranded Broad Leaf Underground Bar. Known for its authentic Mexican tacos, Taqueria Chilango aims to combine its traditional flavors with craft beverages. The collaboration reflects the growing demand for quality dining options in the area, further establishing the food truck’s reputation and exciting plans for expansion in the future.
Grand Rapids, MI – Taqueria Chilango, a beloved food truck known for its authentic Mexican tacos, is expanding its reach by partnering with Broad Leaf Brewery and Spirits at the newly rebranded Broad Leaf Underground Bar located at 443 Bridge St. NW. This collaboration marks a significant step for both establishments, combining the flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine with a craft beverage experience.
The partnership is rooted in the food truck’s recent success, which has garnered a loyal following. Taqueria Chilango, founded by owner Pedro Diaz last year, began its journey on Wealthy Street near Uncle Cheetah’s Soup Shop. The decision to join forces with Broad Leaf Brewery stems from a desire to enhance customer experiences by pairing its specialty beers and margaritas with the authentic flavors of Taqueria Chilango’s tacos.
The rebranding of the brewery to Broad Leaf Underground Bar aims to create a welcoming atmosphere while also making it more accessible for customers to find. The food truck has proven to be a popular option in the area, even earning the title of “best food truck” in Grand Rapids as voted in Revue’s 2025 “Best of the West” awards.
Each taco served at Taqueria Chilango features traditional ingredients. Diaz highlights the authenticity of his tacos, noting how toppings like lettuce and cheese can muddle their true flavors. The “taco al pastor”, priced at $5.50, is the standout menu item, made with marinated pork and pineapple. Other offerings include Chilaquiles, a traditional Mexican breakfast dish, and queso-filled chicken quesadillas. All tacos utilize corn tortillas and come accompanied by fresh toppings such as onion, cilantro, seasoned radish, and salsa.
Originally from Mexico City, Diaz decided to bring the flavors of authentic street tacos to Grand Rapids after his wife encouraged him to embrace his culinary roots. His passion for genuine Mexican cuisine has resonated with the local community, driving the desire to expand further. While currently focusing on the bar partnership, Diaz has plans to eventually open a brick-and-mortar location for Taqueria Chilango, allowing for even greater expansion of his business.
For the immediate future, the food truck will be closed for the winter season but is set to resume operations in spring when demand for its popular offerings is likely to increase. This collaboration with Broad Leaf Underground Bar represents an exciting opportunity to tap into the growing West Side community, which is experiencing a surge in housing and entertainment developments. The bar’s shift away from rotating chefs and food trucks aims to provide patrons with a more consistent dining experience.
Broad Leaf Underground Bar operates on a schedule designed for a wider audience: Tuesday to Thursday from 4 PM to 10 PM, Friday from 4 PM to 11 PM, and Saturday from noon to 11 PM. To enhance the dining experience, the bar has announced special promotions, including Taco Tuesdays and Flight Nights. These initiatives are expected to attract both existing fans of Taqueria Chilango and new visitors eager to explore the menu.
As Taqueria Chilango embarks on this notable chapter with Broad Leaf Underground Bar, the collaboration reflects a commitment to providing authentic culinary experiences. With the combination of delicious tacos and craft beverages, the partnership is poised to enrich the local dining scene and cater to a diverse range of food enthusiasts in Grand Rapids.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Underground Grand Rapids Eatery
- Wikipedia: Mexican cuisine
- Crain’s Grand Rapids: Broad Leaf Owner
- Google Search: Broad Leaf Brewery
- MLive: Brewery Taco Truck Collaboration
- Google Scholar: Taqueria Chilango
- WOOD TV: Underground Bar Changes Name
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grand Rapids
- MLive: Must-Visit Mexican Restaurants
- Google News: Grand Rapids restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
