Taco Fest presented by Good Foods is coming up on Sept. 14 at Henry Maier Festival Park at the lakefront. So, we reached out to one of our amazing taco vendors, Chucho’s Red Tacos, to get an update on what's new (and delicious). This is also a reminder to get your Taco Fest tickets while they last!

A great deal has changed since Jesus and Thaime Nañez officially launched Chucho’s Red Tacos at Farmhouse Paint Bar & Banquet Hall, 4511 S. 6th St., in September of 2020.

At the time, the taco truck provided them an opportunity to reinvent themselves after the pandemic shut down. It also provided them with an opportunity to bring something new to Milwaukee:  specifically the “red tacos” (birria) which had first taken off in California before making their way across the nation.

Jesus Nañez perfected his recipe for birria, a hearty chili-based stew that originates from Jalisco, Mexico, launching the truck with both shredded beef and chicken birria, available as tacos, quesitacos and mulitas. The offerings took off, making Chucho’s a destination for the trending tacos, which were gradually picked up by other venues across the city.

As time wore on, Chucho’s expanded their menu to include items like birria nachos, ramen and the birria plate, a feast of birria served with rice, frijoles, and four corn tortillas along with onions, cilantro, and salsa. It’s the dish Jesus Nañez recommends for anyone trying Chucho’s for the first time.

Chucho’s also expanded its presence with a small fleet of six trucks, which the Nañezs have used to partner with other local bars and breweries. Currently, they make regular appearances at Ope! and the Giving Tree Garage.  They are also launching a new partnership with New Baron's Brewing Cooperative at the Lincoln Warehouse in Bay View.

And yes, you can hire one (or more) of their trucks for catering.

“We do a lot of corporate catering, employee appreciation events and late-night wedding catering,” says Nanez. “And we’re always keeping our eyes open to new opportunities and partnerships. 

Type of food: Tacos, quesitacos, burritos, empanadas, birria ramen, churros and more

What are you serving at Taco Fest? Quesa birria tacos, burritos and quesadillas. 

Do you offer vegetarian options? While Chucho’s does not offer a specific vegetarian protein, their rice and beans are both made without lard, so guests can order items with beans as their main protein. 

Most popular item(s): Quesitaco with shredded beef

Where else can people find your truck this summer?
Fans can find Chucho’s Red Tacos at its regular home, parked just outside of Farmhouse Paint Bar. But, they also keep regular hours at Ope! Brewing, Giving Tree Garage and (soon) New Barons Brewing. Fans can also find them at events and various festivals around town; find their current location by following @chuchosredtacos on social media.

If you could park one of your trucks anywhere for one day where would it be?  

For years, Nañez says he's wanted to park a truck by the lakefront. He even has a plan for the City if they ever decide to allow a designated food truck zone.

“I would love it if they’d create a designated zone by the lakefront. They could offer rotating permits for the spots, and have a great selection of food trucks to serve all the people that hang out by the lakefront all summer long.”

This year, Nuñez's dream is coming true, in a sense.  Not only will he be serving at Taco Fest on Sept. 14 (Henry Maier Festival Park is right on the lake), he'll warm up for the fest by serving at Mi Gente Latin Beach Festival at Bradford Beach on Aug. 17.