Sneak peek inside Tacofino's new Gastown location (PHOTOS)

Tacofino‘s new Gastown location is almost ready for business, but until the doors open officially, we’ve got a sneak peek inside at the space.

The restaurant is divided into two spaces which integrate seamlessly in the centre. The walk-up window, for a menu along the lines of the Tacofino truck, is accessed from 15 West Cordova, and includes a standing counter for noshing on their burritos and other hand-held offerings.

The counter against the exposed brick wall in the walk-up counter area, accessed from 15 W. Cordova

The sit-down restaurant, Taco Bar, is accessed from Blood Alley Square, which is fronted by one of the rare restaurant patios in the immediate vicinity. Both spaces share one long, open kitchen, though on the Taco Bar side diners can enjoy a selection of tacos, share plates, local and import beers, and a full bar featuring tequila and mezcal. The restaurant’s General Manager, Anthony Sterne, says the team is finalizing the menu, and so he’s keeping quiet for now about what’s to come.

Seating along one wall of the dining room will be at high tables and this bench-style tiled banquette

Every where you look inside the Gastown Tacofino you’ll see stunning stylish touches courtesy Vancouver designer Shiloh Sukkau, from the geometric tile floor (a gorgeous jade colour in the walk-up window section) to the handmade coloured string forming the orb-like light shades and the overall California surf town vibe.

The eye-catching floor of the walk-up window area could very well be one of the most-Instagrammed shoe-shots of 2015

Beautiful light shades in the dining area

The restaurant will open in phases, starting with the Tacofino walk-up counter, which will open for business December 29 at 11 a.m.. The restaurant will follow for dinner service on January 5, then they’ll add lunch service soon after.

To keep up with the “great Gastown taco watch” of the holiday season, either wander by 15 West Cordova or follow Tacofino on Facebook and Twitter.

Retro chic patio concrete keeps an open feel between the kitchen and dining areas

One of the benches (minus the table!) in the dining room

Dishes

The tile transitions in the space’s centre and shows the connection between the two dining areas

The floors inside the dining area, accessed from Blood Alley Square

The entrance through the patio–a work in progress–off Blood Alley

All photos by Lindsay William-Ross/Vancity Buzz

UPDATE DEC. 29: This post has been updated to include opening days for the walk-up counter (Dec. 29) and the restaurant (January 5).