Puerto Rican Eatery El Coqui Lands on Colorado Boulevard

El Coqui, a Puerto Rican eatery that got its start on a food truck, will open a brick and mortar location, Westword reported. Set at 2236 South Colorado Boulevard in a space that until recently housed Morning Side Cafe, the casual eatery will serve pasteles, alcapurias, arroz con gandulez, pernil, mofongo, and other Puerto Rican traditional dishes.

Alex Rivera, who owns the food truck and upcoming restaurant with his wife Diana Rodriguez, is in the process of obtaining a liquor license so the spot can serve Medalla beer, an island original, as well as cocktails. A family-friendly casual eatery, El Coqui will enhance its authentic vibe with a retro Puerto Rican look —think corrugated steel and weathered woods and music beats like bomba, plena, merengue, and salsa.

When it opens late at the end of September, the restaurant named after a Puerto Rican indigenous frog will serve lunch and dinner seven days a week. Bonus: There will be a karaoke night.