Food truck owner opens Mexican restaurant in Johnson County. On Tuesdays: $1.49 tacos
Before El DD Mexican Bar and Grill, there was El DD Street Tacos.
The food truck brought its loaded burritos, cheesy tamales, fajita quesadillas and tacos to fans in Spring Hill, in southern Johnson County, from last year until late spring.
Now owner Didier Herrera — or “DD” — has planted the business in Lenexa at its 12804 Santa Fe Trail Drive brick and mortar. He opened his new restaurant and bar this month in the old The Junction spot, which served barbecue and other American food until it closed in December.
Herrera and his business partner, Elidia Vasquez, serve customer favorites, like its lengua and chorizo street tacos with a side of salsa and espinaca cheese dip.
Vasquez said the restaurant serves authentic Mexican food while taking a Tex-Mex approach, featuring salt-sprinkled margaritas. American burgers and sandwiches can also be found on the menu. Vasquez spotlighted the El DD Burger as a menu star, with chorizo, andouille and chipotle mayo.
“We have a different menu unlike anybody else,” Vasquez said.
On Tuesdays, crispy beef or chicken tacos go for $1.49 each.
Customers can enjoy their meals on an outdoor deck, shaded by umbrellas.
Before opening his own place, Herrera spent 25 years cooking at other Kansas City area restaurants. Vasquez owned 3 Mexicanos at 700 Kiowa St. in Leavenworth — now Bill’s Kitchen.
The pair have plenty of plans for the restaurant: karaoke nights, DJs, live country music. The restaurant will be open later than most, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to midnight Thursdays through Sundays.
“On days we’re open late, we’ll have some type of entertainment,” Vasquez said.
El DD is celebrating its grand opening Friday evening, with a roster of live music.
Orders can be made online at elddmexicanbarandgrill.com.