Coming this spring, the Main Line will welcome Buena Onda, a Baja-inspired taqueria by the famed Food Network chef.
Attention taco lovers! Iron Chef Jose Garces is opening Buena Onda, his first-ever permanent restaurant and liquor program on the Main Line. After his 2018 pop-up at the King of Prussia Mall was such a hit, he decided to settle a permanent eatery in Radnor.
Along with a location in Center City, the Radnor location will open early to late spring, just in time for its summer, Baja-inspired menu. Signature dishes will include seafood tacos, classic tacos, Buena bowls, nachos, guacamole, chips and salsa, rice and beans, churros and much more.
“Inspired by surf towns along the Mexican coastline, this quick-service restaurant features a menu focused heavily on seafood. Options such as shrimp and fish tacos, alongside more classic options such as pork al pastor tacos, nachos, guacamole and meatless tofu chorizo tacos ensure every palate will leave pleased,” explains Chef Garces.
Guests can also enjoy favorite cocktails to pair with their dish, such as classic, Baja, frozen and seasonal margaritas, along with beer, wine, sangria, sodas and more. There will also be canned cocktails available.
The concept strives to emphasize takeout and delivery options with a specific “beachside surf shack” area for guests to pick up their orders.
“The current takeout culture mixed with the ongoing environment of working from home has made this the perfect time to expand and bring Buena Onda to the Main Line,” says Garces. “The Radnor location was attractive to us for the premium quality of neighboring restaurants, and I’m thrilled to introduce Buena Onda into this dynamic market.”
In 2015, Garces launched his first-ever casual Buena Onda restaurant in Philadelphia, where it still operates today. At the time, it represented the 19th concept for Garces’ ever-evolving brand. At the Radnor restaurant, the chef will continue to source local fish through a partnership with Seafood Watch, a global leader in the sustainable seafood movement.
Buena Onda also strives to support local communities by donating 25 cents from every guacamole and bottled water purchase to the Garces Foundation, an IRS-registered nonprofit organization that raises money to provide Philadelphia’s immigrant community access to education resources.
“I’ve always loved the ocean, the sea air, the beach lifestyle,” adds Garces, “whether it was spending time on the Pacific Coast of Ecuador, or the Jersey Shore. These elements come together using the Buena Onda taqueria model as the vehicle to convey good vibes.”
Buena Onda will open at 200 Radnor Chester Road, Suite 226 in Radnor with 2,000 square feet of space that includes 46 seats inside and six seats outside. Stay tuned for the opening of the beach-themed taqueria this spring.
Related: 8 New Spots for Eating and Drinking Around the Main Line
