Downtown Taco Restaurant Announces Closure
Vagabond to host final service later this month after nearly 12 years in business.
Vagabond, 1122 N. Edison St. Photo taken on September 22, 2020 by Mariiana Tzotcheva.
Vagabond is entering its final month in business, with plans to close after service on July 18.
The Mexican-inspired restaurant has operated for nearly 12 years at 1122 N. Edison St., serving tacos, sandwiches and small plates in a dining room outfitted with 1970s-era decor.
The ownership group, which also operates The Harp Irish Pub, Trinity Three Irish Pubs and The Brewery, announced the closure in a news release Thursday.
“We are grateful to everyone who has made Vagabond part of their story,” CEO Matt Schmidt said in a statement. “Our team, our guests, our neighbors, and the downtown community have all helped shape what Vagabond became.”
News of the closure follows recent service changes at Vagabond, which reinstated regular lunch hours in April for the first time since 2020. The expanded hours also came with special deals, including two-for-$10 tacos and discounted sides.
Vagabond opened in late 2014, replacing Rudy’s Mexican Restaurant. Chef Ramsés Alvaréz developed the restaurant’s original menu to pair with its eclectic, retro-inspired decor, defined by graffitied walls, a converted Airstream trailer bar, neon lighting and a corner dedicated to Star Wars memorabilia.
The restaurant’s current menu features a wide variety of tacos — spicy pork verde, Korean beef, Sriracha chicken and vegetarian fried cauliflower, to name a few — alongside burritos, chimichangas, enchiladas and an Argentinian steak sandwich. Small plates and appetizers include ceviche, guacamole and cheese curds.
From the bar, Vagabond offers margaritas in several flavors, plus wine and a list of classic and signature cocktails. A dedicated tequila menu highlights more than a dozen options.
Schmidt’s statement did not hint at future plans for the building, which is owned by the Schmidt family. Instead, he shared a continued dedication to the local business scene.
“As we look ahead, we remain excited about future opportunities to grow, evolve, and bring memorable food, drink, and hospitality experiences to more guests throughout the Milwaukee metro area.”
The company’s other businesses, including the downtown venues and Water Street Brewery locations in Oak Creek, Delafield, and Grafton, remain open.
The business is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. and will show World Cup matches scheduled during those hours.
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