Chilango Express Mexican restaurant will move to a bigger location in West Allis

Chilango Express, the Mexican restaurant in West Allis that’s on the Journal Sentinel’s Milwaukee 50 list, will move to a bigger location: just a few blocks away at 7030 W. Lincoln Ave.

That’s the former site of the longtime Italian restaurant Sofia’s, which closed quietly last week. The sale of the building to Chilango Express was final June 15.

Sofia’s posted on Facebook on June 15: “Sofia’s Restaurant had a wonderful 36-year run, but all good things must come to an end. We are officially closed for business. Thank you to all our loyal customers for making the last 36 years memorable.”

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Chilango Express, operated by Juan and Guadalupe Ortiz, has rented restaurant space at 6821 W. Lincoln Ave., a gas station, for the past several years. The small restaurant sometimes doesn’t have enough seating for its customers, said their daughter, Elena.

The new location will allow the restaurant to at least triple its seating, she added, and Chilango Express already has been granted a liquor license by the city. It plans to sell beer and Margaritas.

The date of the new location’s opening is to be determined, but it could be as soon as in three weeks or so. Chilango Express will continue to operate in its current location as long as possible, until the kitchen equipment is moved to the new site.

Chilango Express started as a year-round, open-air food cart at S. Layton and W. National avenues in late 2011. It also operated a food truck in Oconomowoc.

The restaurant is known for its quesadillas made with corn dough, as well as huaraches, handmade tortillas and weekend special of roast lamb. The owners are considering expanding the menu somewhat at the new location.