Scratch One Very Fond Memory For Me, Oak Cliff

Well, I guess I'll be eating here every day until they close up shop on Nov. 1. Photo Credit: dustincavazos.com

El Padrino is closing.

Yeah, yeah. Some may think with all the good eating in the Bishop Arts that surely this small little taqueria sandwiched in between hip restaurants was more “meh” than “mmm.” But to me it was a vital part of my first exposure to the area — eating deliciously cheap tacos with good friends, no lines, and friendly staff.

According to Pegasus News, this small stand, which is an offshoot of it’s bigger version on Jefferson Boulevard, will close for the new concept by Alberto Lombardi’s daughter, Sarah. They were informed just last Friday in May but were granted an extension last Friday to look for a new location.

The good news is that they will be serving till November 1 and then after that Lombardi plans to put a beer garden in the parking lot where it stands. Hmm, a beer garden? Not a bad idea, but I’m torn about my tacos.

I posted on the blog last week about her taking over the old Oak Cliff Mercantile across from Oddfellows but I had no idea I’d be losing my one of first memories in the area and potentially my wife — because I’m going to suggest tacos for every meal.

Either way, such is life. Out with the old, in with the new. Let’s hope Lombardi brings her A-game.

By Andrew Plock Aug. 6, 2012 | 5:08 pm | 10 Comments | Comments RSS
10 comments to "Scratch One Very Fond Memory For Me, Oak Cliff "
  1. Angie @ August 6, 2012 at 5:22 pm
    Seriously? I thought that place stayed open because of the kickbacks they received from towing cars off their ridiculously large lot.

  2. Juan @ August 6, 2012 at 5:32 pm
    Angie, nope. Towing was inforced by the property owner, not the tenants. Hopefully another home is found for this place.

  3. Rc @ August 6, 2012 at 7:02 pm
    This is so sad. Why does the new restaurant need that building? And seriously? Who thinks we need yet another new beer garden? Ten Bells Tabern has that covered in spades.

  4. Taco Trail @ August 6, 2012 at 7:17 pm
    Thanks for sharing my story. I’m always happy to see El Padrino—or any small taco operation—gain what support it can. However, Contreras and his partners were not given the order to vacate on Friday. The order was issued in May. What happened last Friday was an extension of the deadline.

  5. David @ August 6, 2012 at 10:20 pm
    In my book, any new restaurant that has to be described as a “concept”, by definition, sucks. I hope if fails.

  6. Sigh @ August 7, 2012 at 6:44 am
    I guess that Bolsa should go ahead and have El Si Hay closed for a concept valet parking lot too? I’m starting to miss the old Oak Cliff that I moved down here for.

  7. Andrew Plock @ August 7, 2012 at 9:28 am
    @Taco Trail Thanks for the information. I”ll update it now.

  8. scott @ August 10, 2012 at 2:38 pm
    Such sad news! This place kept me alive for months when I moved to the district.
    Goodbye el p :(

  9. First Take Restaurant Review: Boulevardier in Oak Cliff | SideDish @ September 17, 2012 at 2:57 pm
    [...] glad places like Boulevardier are adding to the cool and hip vibe of Oak Cliff, landmarks like El Padrino (a taco shack that’s been on West Davis before Bishop Arts became the Bishop Arts of today) are [...]

  10. Cynthia Mulcahy @ September 17, 2012 at 3:48 pm
    I really hate the news about this long-time local taco hut operating some 20 years in the Bishop Arts District. Since the news, we have frequented El Padrino even more regularly and the lovely ladies we will miss so much. As of now, they say they have not found a new home. I have been worried about the gentrification that tips the scales and starts to displace the old guard and this news really hits home.

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