Cilantro's Taqueria Sets Sights On Third Location In Cleveland

Cilantro Taqueria is closing in on a Lakewood diner space that’ll become the third location of the authentic Mexican restaurant.

Hoping to open in the coming months, Raul Carrillo and Alex Galindo are turning the staple diner into the third Cilantro’s. The duo opened the first taqueria near Coventry last year, followed by the one in Shaker Heights.

Since then, it’s garnered popularity among Clevelanders. It’s one of the restaurants on the growing list of “some of Cleveland’s most popular taco joints,” offering specials for the first Cleveland Taco Week from September 28 through October 4.

“I think our food has a more authentic taste to it,” Spokesperson Rey Galindo said in the Cleveland Scene. “We do have the tacos that people load up, but also if you just want it the Mexican way with the tortilla, meat, cilantro, onion and salsa, you can.”

John’s Diner occupied the cozy passenger train car with a dining room on Detroit Avenue for nearly five decades, but it folded amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interior upgrades are underway, but there will still be familiar remnants of the old diner, including the old booths, according to the Scene. Part of the parking lot will turn into patio seating.

“We’re trying to expand big,” Galindo said, looking beyond the third location. “We’re trying to make this into a big chain, even out of state.”

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