Ad
RETAIL
Rio Rancho’s Tap N Taco to open first Albuquerque location
The Mexican restaurant and bar is also expanding to an Arizona city
Published
Modified
ALBUQUERQUE — A popular Rio Rancho taco joint is tapping Albuquerque for a new location — one of two the restaurant has in the works.
Tap N Taco is slated to open its first Albuquerque location in the Northeast Heights at 4301 Wyoming NE in mid-2026, the owners confirmed this week.
The Mexican restaurant, known for its street-style tacos and craft brews, currently has one location at 1120 Pat D’Arco in Rio Rancho. Co-owner Juan Estala said the business’ karaoke and DJ nights draw many Albuquerque residents.
“Soon, they can enjoy it over there, too,” Estala said.
Co-owner Josh Martinez added, “The community has been asking for a Northeast Heights location for quite some time.”
The owners plan to repurpose a former Bank of America building adjacent to a redeveloped shopping center on the southwest corner of Wyoming and Montgomery NE known as La Mirada, home to a newly built 7 Brew and Freddy’s, with more to come. Martinez and his wife, Anna, purchased the 5,709-square-foot building in December.
The owners plan to begin renovations soon, incorporating a drive-thru, patios, a bar area and restaurant seating. The group is aiming to open the restaurant doors in May.
The owners are always looking to improve and add to the menu and Tap N Taco experience, Estala said, but providing Albuquerque with the same live music, quality Mexican food and laid-back vibes found at the Rio Rancho location is the priority, he added.
“The intent is a neighborhood hub that supports local jobs and a vibrant gathering space rather than just another dining room,” Martinez said. The new location is expected to employ roughly 45 people, he added.
Albuquerque isn’t the only city Tap N Taco is headed to. The owners are also in the process of building a location in downtown Chandler, Arizona, where Martinez — though born and raised in New Mexico — currently resides.
Ad
“Chandler aligns with the brand demographics that respond to street-inspired food and a high-energy vibe,” Martinez said. “The goal is to prove the model can scale beyond one state without diluting brand DNA.”
The Arizona location is also slated to open in May.
Despite the future expansions, the co-owners confirmed that Tap N Taco’s Rio Rancho location will remain open.
Estala, Martinez, Javier Chavira and Joel Marquez launched the original location in 2021 — drawing in crowds with authentic Mexico City-inspired taco plates, quesadillas, loaded fries, margaritas and mojitos. Karaoke nights on Wednesdays have also been a popular offering.
“Customers come in, sing, have fun and have some tacos and drinks,” Estala said. “It’s really fun.”
The owners said they’re looking forward to sharing the Tap N Taco experience with more Duke City residents.
“Our mission has always centered on bold Mexican street-style tacos, craft brews, patios and shared experiences,” Martinez said. “This site will mirror that foundation…”
