Restaurant News: Condado Tacos Independence Opening, Free-Taco Giveaway, Rockside Road Expansion

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio – A fast-growing Ohio-based taco chain is expanding again in Northeast Ohio, with Condado Tacos preparing to open a new Independence location on Rockside Road in mid-January.

Condado Tacos Independence Opening Set For Jan. 13

Condado Tacos plans to open a 4,498‑square‑foot restaurant at 6700 Rockside Road on Tuesday, Jan. 13, according to the company.

The Independence spot will include:

• Seating for approximately 141 guests
• Indoor dining and a full bar
• A front patio for warm-weather months

The restaurant will carry Condado’s familiar build‑your‑own taco concept, along with margaritas and specialty cocktails. The brand has emphasized a menu that can accommodate a range of diners, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten‑free options.

Condado, which began serving tacos, tequila and margaritas in 2014, has steadily expanded throughout Ohio and other Midwestern and Southern states. The Independence opening continues that growth and adds another option to a busy dining corridor just off I‑77 and I‑480.

Former Melt Bar and Grilled Space Gets New Life

The new Condado Tacos will move into a familiar spot for local diners: the former Melt Bar and Grilled location at Liberty Plaza on Rockside Road. The space previously drew fans for its over‑the‑top grilled cheese creations; now, it’s being reimagined for Condado’s tacos‑and‑tequila concept.

Repurposing the former Melt space allows Condado to step into an already established restaurant destination with existing visibility, parking and access, while giving the interior a complete makeover that reflects the brand’s colorful style and custom art.

Locally Inspired Interior Celebrates Emerald Necklace

As with other Condado locations, the Independence restaurant will feature floor‑to‑ceiling artwork created by local artists. Each Condado restaurant is uniquely themed, and the Independence site will be inspired by Cleveland’s Emerald Necklace Metroparks system, incorporating local references and original murals tailored to the region’s parks and green spaces.

The company highlights these murals as a signature part of the Condado experience, blending its recurring characters with nods to local landmarks and neighborhood culture. More about Condado’s approach to art and locations is available on the company’s site at Condado Tacos.

Preview Event And Free-Taco-For-A-Year Giveaway

Ahead of the official opening, Condado has been promoting an “All Access” preview for its Independence restaurant, giving invited guests an early look at the space, murals and the full menu. Details about the Independence location and events can be found on the company’s website:

• Location & opening details: Condado Tacos – Independence

For grand opening day on Jan. 13, Condado is also advertising a high‑energy promotion at the Independence restaurant:

• The first 100 people in line on opening day will receive a free taco every week for a year, plus exclusive Condado swag, according to the Independence location page.

The promotion is designed to reward early fans and generate buzz around the restaurant’s debut.

Part Of A Growing Northeast Ohio Footprint

The Independence restaurant deepens Condado’s presence in Northeast Ohio, adding to the chain’s growing list of area locations. According to the company’s Ohio locations listing, Condado is already operating several restaurants in the region, including:

• Orange (Pinecrest), 10 Park Avenue
• Westlake (Crocker Park), 203 Market Street
• Strongsville, 17830 Royalton Road
• Mentor, 7720 Mentor Avenue
• Canton, 4183 Belden Village Mall Circle NW

A full list of Ohio restaurants, including hours and addresses, is available at Condado Tacos – Ohio Locations.

The Independence location will offer another convenient option for both lunch‑hour office workers and evening diners, pairing its Emerald Necklace‑inspired murals with build‑your‑own tacos, margaritas and a central Cuyahoga County address – all in a space many locals will remember as the former Melt restaurant.