All-New Mexican Bar and Grill Coming to Dubuque

In February 2025, the embattled Rusty Taco location in Dubuque on Asbury Road closed for the second time in two years. After some speculation on local Dubuque-centric Facebook groups, the news was confirmed by an auction agency, who revealed that the establishment's bar and restaurant equipment will be put up for sale.

For me, the second closure felt sadder because it seemed like the new owners took meaningful steps to improve food quality and utilize customer feedback. Unfortunately, their efforts weren't enough. Now, the location is primed to be used for a completely new, locally owned Mexican bar and grill to open very soon.

READ MORE: Fast Casual Taco Restaurant in Dubuque Closes... Again

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Coming Soon to Asbury Road:

Per Telegraph Herald, Exotico Bar & Grill will be opening at 3333 Asbury Road in the very near future. The restaurant owners are husband-and-wife Cecilia Miranda and Juan Garcia, both in their late 20s, who started as servers at Mexican restaurants in Cedar Rapids. Fans of the mix of color, atmosphere, and culture Mexican eateries provide, they are poised to bring that same flavor, in more ways than one, to Dubuque.

Miranda and Garcia were behind a Cedar Rapids eatery known as El Dorado, where their birria tacos, a crispy, fried corn tortilla filled with meat, proved to be a hit. At Exotico, Garcia will be the chef and mixologist, with food prepared to order, chilies, and fresh ingredients all part of the game plan, per Telegraph Herald.

Marry Experimentation and Authentic Recipes:

Miranda told the Telegraph Herald that they plan to "cater to new demand for fresh tastes and styles in Mexican food" all while using authentic, traditional recipes.

It's been a lofty undertaking, with complete renovations of the former Rusty Taco space being necessary, albeit expensive, since the restaurant was empty when the couple took it over. Miranda and Garcia brought in new booths and seating and built the bar from scratch. Exotico Bar & Grill will take on a Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), evidenced by their logo, which can be seen on their Facebook page. As of this writing, they are awaiting furniture to arrive before solidifying their grand opening.

Exotico's Hours:

Exotico Bar & Grill will be open 11am - 10pm (Sunday - Thursday) and 11am - 11pm (Friday - Saturday). The bar will be open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. To stay up to date with Exotico Bar & Grill and its upcoming grand opening, follow them on Facebook. Read more about the restaurant taking shape on the Telegraph Herald's website.