Luna’s Tacos is a story of family.
Quickly glance at the logo and you’ll notice a crescent moon among the stars. A closer look reveals a crescent moon representing the mother, Isabel Garcia, and the stars as puzzle pieces, or better yet, her three children.
Luna’s Tacos was founded in 2019 at the Iowa City Farmers Market and quickly became a mainstay at summer festivals and as a late-night option in the Ped Mall.
Establishing a physical restaurant was never in the plan.
But on Monday, Jan. 19, Luna’s Tacos opened a brick-and-mortar at 127 E. Washington St. near Insomnia Cookies.
The whole endeavor came to life because of family.
Luna’s Tacos rallies behind popularity, son
Garcia’s youngest son’s autism diagnosis radically shifted typical family life.
“It was either decide to be at work, or decide to help my son,” Garcia said. “And I decided to help my son.”
The farmers market alone didn’t generate enough revenue, so Garcia opened a food truck, establishing a larger presence in Iowa City’s robust food scene. Even with increased visibility came throes of instability.
Creating permanent Luna’s Tacos was driven by community demand and complications renewing Garcia’s permit in the Ped Mall. She said even though it needs renewed every three years, the permit was instead revoked. Though it was eventually reinstated, Garcia got a bitter taste of what life could be like without a food truck. She realized the nighttime crowd was essential to her business.
“[The restaurant] wasn’t in the plan,” Garcia said. “The reason I got this building, took this opportunity is because the fear of thinking that someone could take everything away is terrible.”
From street tacos to food that feels like ‘home’ in Iowa City
What Luna’s Tacos does best is in its name, but with the permanent restaurant, the offerings have expanded.
Diners will find chorizo and al pastor street tacos, stuffed burritos filled with a choice of protein, beans, rice, cheese, and salsa, and tortas, a Mexican sandwich served on a soft, crusty roll.
Guests can indulge in classic homestyle Mexican food not usually found downtown, like the chicken albondigas, a Mexican meatball in hearty albondigas soup. At Luna’s Tacos, chicken albondigas is served in a chipotle sauce, or the Chile relleno, a roasted poblano pepper stuffed with a choice of cheese or tofu.
Guests can also munch on Birria, once a regional Mexican dish that has taken on a life of its own in the U.S.
“It’s like stuff mom would cook at home,” Garcia said. “That is what makes us different. I really want people to know there is Mexican food that isn’t just fajitas or tacos, and it can be simple.”
Luna’s Tacos is built for comfort and inclusion
Garcia and her husband, Salatiel Luna, who helps run Luna’s Tacos, want people to feel at home when they visit.
“You don’t have to be dressed up. People can just come here and get good food, talk, relax,” Garcia said. “If it feels like home, then you don’t have to come a certain way.”
Comfort isn’t just hospitality; it comes from a need in the community and a lived experience. Garcia hopes to create a place where her son can one day work. She also wants to hire others who are in a similar position, establishing a nonjudgmental, inclusive environment.
“I want to help people,” Garcia said. “When you have a kid with a disability, when you go to restaurants, sometimes people look at you…I want this restaurant to be different.”
Where to find Luna’s Tacos
Location: 127 E Washington St., Iowa City
Contact: 319-621-5870 or @lunastacosic
Hours: Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached atJRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Luna’s Tacos in Iowa City rooted in classic food that feels like ‘home’
Reporting by Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
