Melanie McClure got her start in the local food scene in 2011 by pedaling her Taco Pedaler-branded taco trikes to street fairs around town. By 2015, she opened her first brick-and-mortar on NE Broadway in Sullivan’s Gulch. And now, she tells the Mercury, she’s opening a second Taco Pedaler at 5427 NE 42nd, in the old Pollo Norte spot in the Concordia neighborhood.
McClure says she’s hoping to start doling out meaty, vegetarian, and vegan tacos, quesadillas, rice, beans, salads, chips, and guacamole by the end of February and, once the OLCC gives its say-so, beer, wine, and cocktails too.
Taco Pedaler’s new digs will seat around 25 inside, but considerably more outside once you account for the restaurant’s large outdoor soon-to-be-heated patio. Patio plans also include a fire pit and a children’s play area, which she hopes will make Taco Pedaler an outdoor hangout, whatever the weather. She also says the space comes with on-site parking.
Taco Pedaler on 42nd will be open from 9 am to 9 pm, daily. And McClure says it will follow the lead of her Broadway joint by offering an all-day daily breakfast burritos and taco brunch program.
As for her fleet of trikes? Just like at McClure’s Sullivan’s Gulch restaurant, her Concordia space’s sign will be adorned with a trike. And while she doesn’t plan on using the remainder of her fleet for street fairs, they are available for weddings and birthday and office parties.
Taco Pedaler: 5427 NE 42nd
That’s weird since there are already two amazing taco places right next to there (which also happen to be owned and operated by actual Mexicans). Before going to Taco Pedaler I would try the carnitas tacos at Taqueria Santo Domingo (next door to soon-to-be Taco Pedaler) and the carne asada tacos at Ole Frijole (across Killingsworth).
Just came here to say that if you are in that neck of the woods, and you choose the americanized Taco Pedler over Taqueria Santo Domingo (which is way better than Ole Frijole, BTW), you need to re-evaluate your life and relationship with food. Domingo has the best chilaquiles and tripa tacos I have ever had….and I have had a lot. Not to mention that the rest of their menu, including great carnitas and lengua. Lots of vegeterian options too.
I agree, JTR and Around, that ole and santo are great! However, on a local note…Taco Pedaler is known to support local businesses. Such as, courier coffee, Carlton farms, rinella produce, etc. that’s why I support and like them, keeping money in Portland. Not to mention, natural meats. And made fresh daily food, that can seriously be tasted. I wish them the best and all the other taquerias on the block!