Filipino Food Truck Plans Brick-And-Mortar Restaurant
Three years after food truck launched, Cocina Filipina putting down roots on West Side.
3801 W. Vliet St. Photo taken March 31, 2026 by Sophie Bolich.
After three years on the road, Cocina Filipina is opening its first brick-and-mortar restaurant on Milwaukee’s Near West Side.
The food truck plans to open at 3801 W. Vliet St. in the coming weeks, bringing its Filipino-inspired menu to a fixed location while continuing mobile operations throughout the area.
Owner Lupe Moreno said it’s a much-needed win for the business, which was forced to temporarily close in December because of a fire at its base kitchen.
“It feels like the light at the end of a tunnel that’s been quite dark following the fire,” said Moreno, who runs Cocina Filipina in partnership with Edu Aragon Guzman. “We’re very thankful and super pumped to do this.”
Cocina Filipina has been zipping across town in its bright green food truck since its 2023 inception, popping up at local businesses including Strange Town, Lion’s Tail Brewing Co. and The Tap Yard at Schlitz Park. The flagship truck, which has since expanded into a small fleet, also served a stint at Zocalo Food Park alongside sister business Modern Maki.
The food truck offers a core selection of rice bowls topped with Filipino-style chicken, marinated pork, spicy tofu or sweet chili tofu, plus pickled red onions, housemade Sriracha aioli and green onions. Lumpia — Filipino-style spring rolls — are long, thin and crispy, available with fillings such as chicken, pork, or cream cheese and vegetables.
Menu staples, including rice bowls, lumpia and egg rolls, are expected to appear at the new location, alongside snacks and desserts such as churros, corn dogs, cucumber salad and turon — a deep-fried Filipino treat made with sweet plantain and chocolate chips in a spring roll wrapper.
Once established, the full-service restaurant plans to add new food offerings and a full cocktail program featuring Filipino-inspired flavors.
Moreno said she’s eager for an opportunity to experiment in the kitchen, since limited space in the food truck made it difficult to try new dishes. “We’re actually really excited about what we can do,” she said.
The Vliet Street building, owned by Tom Straub, was previously home to Lisa Kaye Bistro, which closed earlier this year and is seeking a new location, according to owner Lisa McKay.
The corner storefront neighbors Pete’s Pops and sits along the neighborhood’s main commercial corridor — a major draw for Moreno, who has already been in contact with local organizations including Near West Side Partners and Rooted & Rising.
“We’re super excited to build relationships within the community and really just give back,” Moreno said.
Pending final approvals, Cocina Filipina plans to open in the coming weeks, initially operating from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The food trucks will continue to make regular appearances. See the business’s social media page for updates.
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