The Spence's Adrian Villarreal Is Opening a Taqueria

Chef Adrian Villarreal, who is leaving Top Chef lifer Richard Blais's The Spence, is planning to open his own taqueria in Midtown this spring, per Atlanta Magazine. Rreal Tacos — no, that's not a typo; it's a play on Villarreal's last name — is moving into a space at Juniper Street and 6th Street.

The small counter-service restaurant will reportedly seat 65 and feature a bar that offers Mexican cocktails and beers. As for the food, look for a set list of proteins and customizable garnishes and sauces:

Rreal will offer eight tacos-including Mexican pork gyro, carnitas, barbacoa, grilled chicken, fish, and vegetarian-served on corn tortillas with onion, cilantro, lime, and red and green house sauces. Diners can customize their tacos to include crema, queso fresco, or other specialty sauces, and swap out the corn tortilla for a whole wheat or flour variety.

Villarreal is still serving as chef de cuisine at The Spence and has not yet decided on a departure date. Sous chef Spencer Bennett is also leaving soon to join Blais at his San Diego restaurant, Juniper & Ivy.