Walnut Creek: 5 Tacos and Beers is finally opening this week

Chef-owner Lito Saldana's long-awaited concept offers both meat-centric and vegetarian options alongside Mexican sides, craft cocktails and local beer.

5 Tacos and Beers, the Mexican food concept from Los Moles chef Lito Saldaña, is finally making its Walnut Creek debut.

The restaurant, which has been on the Most Highly Anticipated Restaurant list since the summer of 2021, will open its doors on April 5 at 1352 Locust St. in downtown Walnut Creek, where signage is up and the patio is lined with container gardens brimming with succulents. The first 5 Tacos and Beers opened in Albany during the pandemic; a Berkeley location followed soon after.

But the Walnut Creek location marks Saldana’s first restaurant east of the Caldecott Tunnel. Diners can expect warm, handmade corn tortillas filled with barbacoa, al pastor, pan-fried halibut, lengua, grass-fed beef short ribs and more, plus about 25 Northern California beers on tap, according to the menu. Also look for quesabirria, flautas, meatless Mondays including vegan birria and a craft cocktail program featuring a curated selection of tequilas and mezcals.

In 2020, Saldana told the Mercury News that the Walnut Creek location will have fire pits and a misting system to cool people off during the hot months, in case you’re already plotting your summer eating and sipping spots.

In Berkeley and Albany, 5 Tacos and Beers is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Fridays, and from 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays; www.5tacos.com.