OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Diners walking into Tacos Y Mas at Paddock Market are greeted by a large mural stretching across the dining room wall. A bright red umbrella hangs over the names of three restaurants–Melodia Restaurant, Mambo and Tacos Y Mas–alongside the phrase “Under Our Umbrella–An Ocala favorite since 2008.”
The colorful artwork sets the tone for the fast-casual Latin restaurant, which offers a menu inspired by Mexican, Cuban and Puerto Rican cuisine.
Located at 3100 SW College Road, Tacos Y Mas brings a casual dining option to the new Paddock Market shopping area next to Paddock Mall. Guests order at the counter before taking a seat in the spacious dining room, which is able to accommodate more than 100 guests.
The menu focuses on street food and comfort dishes, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas and other favorites influenced by several cultures across Latin American and the Caribbean.
One of the restaurant’s most talked-about menu items is a three-pound burrito–a massive dish designed for hungry diners, or those willing to share.
Tacos Y Mas was developed by restaurateur Kevin Hudson, who has experience operating several restaurant concepts. The Ocala location represents an expansion of the brand as the city’s dining scene continues to grow.
Tacos Y Mas is open Sunday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Orders can be called ahead at 352-421-0168 and delivery options like Uber, DoorDash and GrubHub are available to order online.
With its colorful decor, large portions and mix of Latin flavors, Tacos Y Mas add another option for diners exploring the growing food offerings around Paddock Market.
And for those who look up while they eat, the mural overhead hints that the restaurant may be part of a broader family of Latin-inspired concepts in Ocala.