Mr. Mustacheo aims to make you smile

Mr. Mustacheo restaurant aims to make you smile
By Jake Spitzack | Staff Writer | September 2025

Luis Gomez and Rene Roque are on a mission to “get mustaches moving” – a common saying in their native Mexico that means people enjoying delicious food. They recently opened Mr. Mustacheo in the former Hamburguesas El Gordo location at 1731 Robert St., West St. Paul. The co-owners’ restaurant specializes in tacos and wings with homemade sauces and also features fusion bites such as a sushi burrito and hamburger quesadilla. Notably, the quesadillas are made in the shape of a mustache.

Wings and tacos are served with a salad, side of rice and drink. Beverages include their in-house limoncito [lemonade] made with beet sugar; lemongrass tea with brown sugar; and horchata, a sweet, creamy drink made with white rice.

“We have a few things that are not well known by the community, like the salsa negra, and pipián which is a traditional Hispanic sauce,” said Roque.

Spicy food lovers can challenge themselves against the macha, chile or pineapple habanero sauces, and others can use the wide array of mild and medium options to train their tastebuds to work up to the hotter varieties, or steer clear entirely. The macha [feminine form of macho] is so named because it’s so hot it’s been known to make grown men cry. Gomez personally goes for the medium Pipián wings and tacos asadas, and Roque the chipotle barbeque wings and shrimp taco soup.

The 40-seat space is outfitted with all new kitchen equipment, new flooring and ceiling, and artwork designed by Gomez in partnership with a studio based in Mexico City. The mustache on the man in their logo is designed to look like wings. Artist Gustavo Lira Garcia from West Side-based art studio Electric Machete painted the interior murals.

Look for DoorDash delivery and catering services by the end of the year, and potential expansion to other locations in the Twin Cities next year.

Roque moved to Minnesota about 25 years ago and has a culinary arts degree from St. Paul College. He’s worked in nearly every position in the kitchen, including managerial, across a variety of restaurants. Gomez came to the state a decade ago and worked at a restaurant in West St. Paul for about nine years. It was there he met Roque, and the two quickly became friends and were inspired to combine Rene’s industry experience with Gomez’s artistic skills to start this venture and introduce new flavors to the city. Gomez’s friend even wrote a Mr. Mustacheo song, which you may hear inside while dining.

“We were so happy with the people that showed up [to the grand opening],” said Roque of the late-July event. “All their feedback was great and that encourages us to keep going.”

Hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday-Thursday, and 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday.

• Facebook
• ShareCopied to clipboard

<<< Back to Home