Stella Taco is a labor of love from partners Becky and Ian Atkins, Texas transplants dedicated to delivering flavors from the border with Pacific Northwest ingredients. It's a noble task, and one that they aim to accomplish with the help of co-owner and executive chef Matthew Fields, another Texas native who’s done culinary stints at restaurants across El Paso as well as at Portland’s Little Bird Bistro and Simpatica Catering.

The fast-casual Mexican street food eatery, set to open August 11 in the former Bar Lolo space on NE Alberta, will be slinging drinking-friendly nosh—dubbed antojitos in spanish—like lamb barbacoa tacos cradled by organic tortillas from local Three Sisters Nixtamal, crispy pork chicharrones with citrus chile salt, and tortilla soup packed with seasonal veggies. Weekend warriors can tuck into a loaded brunch menu every Saturday and Sunday, featuring menudo, chilaquiles, sopapillas, and breakfast brisket tostadas, and a full bar features Mexican beers and a rotating selection of summer-ready frozen cocktails.

With its bright, primary colors, bold designs, and neon signage, the new 45-seat Stella Taco is anything but subtle. The space boasts a distinctly modern vibe, accented by bold, colorful prints of armadillos, eclectic glass bottles, hanging baskets, and brick and chain-link fence patterns lining the walls (a nod to the restaurant’s border town inspiration). 

Click through to the slide show above for a first look at the unique space and some of the bites you'll find on the menu. 

Stella Taco
2940 NE Alberta
Open daily, 11 am-10 pm