An Omaha-based restaurant is planting the Mexican flag in south Lincoln.
Marketing manager Alexis Huerta said Sunday that El Muchacho Alegre is expected to open within 60 days. The restaurant has two locations — one in Omaha and another in Gretna.
El Muchacho Alegre is known for its authentic Mexican flavors. The recipes are third-generation recipes, delivering authentic flavors found in the Santo family's hometown of Xilocuautla, Mexico.
“Every plate tells a story, and every visit feels like a celebration,” Huerta said.
Known for its colorful decor and strong service, El Muchacho Alegre has also earned praise for its margaritas with all-natural ingredients.
“We are regarded as having the best chimichangas in Omaha, and we’re known for our mole imported all the way from Puebla,” Huerta said. She added that burritos are “the size of a human forearm,” and molcajetes — stone bowls filled with a variety of meats — are among the most popular menu items.
11 oldest Lincoln restaurants that have stood the test of time
1942: Lee's Restaurant
Lee's Restaurant, shown in 2014 when the mascot Pete was welcomed home after being stolen, is Lincoln's oldest full-service restaurant. It is located at 1940 W. Van Dorn.
Journal Star file photo
1957: Valentino's
Valentino's, the second-oldest restaurant, has multiple locations in Lincoln. The restaurant chain got started on Holdrege in 1957.
Journal Star file photo
1963: Misty's
Misty's (the sign for the original at 6235 Havelock is shown) is Lincoln's third-oldest restaurant.
JOHN MABRY
1965: Virginia's Travelers Cafe
Virginia's Travelers Cafe at 3280 Cornhusker Highway is Lincoln's fourth-oldest full-service restaurant. In this picture, Rich "Rob" Robinson eats breakfast at Virginia's in 2008.
ERIC GREGORY, file photo
1976: Tico’s
Tico's, 317 S. 17th St., is Lincoln's fifth-oldest full-service restaurant.
LJS file photo
1978: daVinci's
DaVinci's has multiple Lincoln locations, all serving pizza, pasta and sandwiches. The Knudson family began their restaurant business in Lincoln in 1978 with Pontillo's Pizzeria downtown. The first daVinci's location opened in 1984 on South 48th Street.
Journal Star file photo
1982: Piezano's
Piezano's, 2740 South St., is Lincoln's sixth-oldest restaurant. In this photo, Shawn Watters takes down a ticket at Piezano's on Super Bowl Sunday in 2016.
MISCHA LOPIANO, Journal Star file photo
1984: The Isles
Isles Pub & Pizza, 6232 Havelock Ave., tied for seventh-oldest full-service restaurant in Lincoln.
Journal Star file photo
1984: Imperial Palace
Imperial Palace, 701 N. 27th St., tied for seventh-oldest Lincoln restaurant.
Lincoln Journal Star file photo
1986: Billy's
Billy's Restaurant, 1301 H St., is Lincoln's ninth-oldest restaurant.
Journal Star file photo
1988: Hi-Way Diner
Lincoln's Hi-Way Diner, 2105 Nebraska Parkway, has plenty of homestyle favorites such as meatloaf on the menu. The restaurant opened in 1988.
LINCOLN JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
1988: The Oven
In a 2008 file photo, Dennis Taylor performs live music during the evening at The Oven in the Haymarket.