Harlem's 'Sexy Taco' Restaurant Reopens In Former Ruby's Space

HARLEM, NY — They're bringing sexy back: Harlem's bygone California-style eatery Sexy Taco is making a grand return to the neighborhood, opening up in the former Ruby's Vintage space months after closing down.

Serving up a wide range of dishes, Sexy Taco held a soft opening earlier this month ahead of an official opening on Wednesday in the former cocktail bar at 2340 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard, near West 137th Street.

The popular eatery first opened years ago a few blocks south at West 118th Street, before closing in 2019. It reopened again as a pop-up at Ruby's last fall.

Now, Ruby's is no more, and restaurateurs Brian Washington-Palmer and Nikoa Evans have refurbished the storefront "to create an entirely new vibe," they say, aiming to take advantage of the neighborhood's growing nightlife scene.

Menu offerings include customizable tacos, burritos and bowls with fillings like Cuban chicken, beef birria and vegan chorizo — plus "sexy cocktails."

"Coming out of the pandemic, we saw that this area of upper 7th [avenue] was quickly developing a nightlife trend with more late night spots and bar options," Washington-Palmer said in a news release.

"We saw this as an ideal opportunity to bring back Sexy Taco that offers a bar atmosphere with great food, making it approachable to a wider audience."

Sexy Taco will be open Monday–Friday from 4–11 p.m., and Saturday–Sunday from 11 a.m.–11 p.m.