On his first day in the U.S. 13 years ago, Omar Aceves said his uncle took him to a taco shop. That day Aceves made a promise to his uncle to fulfill his new dream of one day opening his own taqueria.

The overview

Dos Tacos brings an engaging environment paired with authentic street tacos, said Aceves, the eatery’s owner. Aceves said he hopes the restaurant’s open-kitchen concept provides an experience where customers feel connected by getting to see and smell their food being prepared.

“People call it the Mexican Five Guys because we shout the orders and it's like a little Mexican Hell’s Kitchen because when it gets packed we are loud—that’s just the way we can get those orders out,” he said.

On the menu

The menu features various taco specialties prepared by his wife and head chef, Cindy Rivera, including a 45-year-old family carnitas recipe, Aceves said. Other fan favorite tacos include:

• Chorizo
• Pastor
• Fish

Being a vegetarian himself, Aceves said he wanted to ensure there were both vegetarian and vegan options on the menu, including soy-based meats.

“I always wanted to show people the way we eat tacos because we are [not] Tex-Mex, we are a simple taco that you can find here in Dos Tacos or if you ever go to Mexico City,” Aceves said.

Another detail

Although he doesn’t have direct restaurant experience, Aceves’ time in the car industry taught him customer service, and coaching from his family back in Mexico taught him all he needed to know about the restaurant industry, he said.

“I know what people want and I know what people need and I know how to treat people and make them feel at home,” he said. “Once you do that, ... the taco becomes something else.”

• Opened April 22
• 10610 Gaston Road, Ste. 130, Katy
• 503-935-0668