AsianRican Foods To Open on Lincoln Ave.

AsianRican Foods, an Asian-Puerto Rican fusion pop-up, is preparing to open in a permanent location at 3300 W. Lincoln Ave.

AsianRican owner Julie Valcarcel recently applied for business permits with the City of Milwaukee to operate at the location in the Layton Park neighborhood on the city’s South Side.

While the restaurant is being prepared, AsianRican has been popping up at events like El Conquistador Latino Newspaper’s Cinco De Mayo festival. It’s also been operating out of Snifters Tapas and Spirits at 606 S. 5th St.

A post to the business’ Facebook page reads, “We are working hard to reopen and can’t wait to see you all again.”

The AsianRican menu blends the two cuisines for which it’s named, offering traditionally Asian entrees like Pepper Steak side by side with Chicken Pinchos, or egg rolls and empanadas.

The location AsianRican is moving into was formerly Junior’s Cocktail Lounge. The tavern opened in January 2020 and was not long lived, as the city refused to renew its liquor license in 2021, citing neighbor complaints and violations of COVID-19 orders.

In the permit applications filed with the city, Valcarcel indicates she plans to make AsianRican more than a restaurant at the Lincoln Avenue location. She notes that in the future she plans to operate a community food pantry at the location.

Valcarcel could not be reached for comment prior to publication of this story.

3300 W. Lincoln Ave.