Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant opening second location in Downtown St. Joseph

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A local Mexican restaurant will soon be stirring up new flavors in the heart of Downtown St. Joseph.

Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant Bar announced it will expand its business with a second location at 614 Francis St., formerly where Marco Polo was located, and next to Schweetz Candy Co and Mod Podge Boutique & Design Studio.

"We're hoping July 21st," part owner Joe Diaz said. "There's no Mexican restaurants Downtown so we had the idea of opening one."

The restaurant currently has a location that's been open for several years at 815 S. Belt Hwy, next to Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Diaz said they were attracted by the opportunity to not only expand their business across St. Joseph but also to do so in a growing area of town.

"Downtown's growing, so we wanted to help grow that even more," he said.

Los Compadres' menu features a wide variety of authentic Mexican dishes, including caldos -- a seafood soup -- as well as traditional entrees like tamales, fajitas, tacos, quesadillas and more.

Tacos can be served with beef, chicken, pork, barbacoa, chorizo and seafood options like tilapia or shrimp.

Local residents like John Gertsema think the new destination will provide a needed boost for Downtown's development.

"I think it would benefit Downtown quite a bit. increasing the amount of traffic down here and increasing the economy," he said. "I think it will increase foot traffic down here quite a bit." 

The restaurant will include specials on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, including $8.99 all-you-can-eat tacos on Tuesday, half-off margaritas on Wednesday and three-taco platter deals on Thursday.

Los Compadres is currently open seven days a week: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.