Boston Chefs

Yellow Door Taqueria in the South End conjures up all the taste and charm of an evening in Baja. It’s the second entry in the portfolio of taquerias for co-owners Ken Casey of the band Dropkick Murphys and Brian O’Donnell, who parlayed the success of their first Yellow Door in the Lower Mills neighborhood of Dorchester to the larger space at the Ink Block.

The tacos are still the star here, which are all made on house-made tortillas, and include some standard classics with shredded beef, pork, chicken and veggies, with a rotating selection of delightful offbeat proteins and flavors, and you can add a combination of chips and dips to your order or some elote, plus warm, sweet house-made churros. Jarek Mountain, who oversees the menus for Yellow Door as well as their sister restaurants, Lower Mills Tavern and McGreevy’s, designed the drinks list which is naturally heavy on the agave with a thoughtful collection of tequilas and mezcals that are available alone or in margaritas and other taco-friendly cocktails, as well as a selection of Mexican imports and regional craft beers and a succinct collection of wines by the glass and bottle.

The dining room was designed by celebrity designer Taniya Nayak, who designed the flagship Yellow Door Taqueria, and was personalized to reflect the South End vibe with a blend of the original locale’s signature cool ambiance. It features a color palette of coastal teal, dusty rose and yellow, with lots of rustic, reclaimed-style accents like vintage tin ceiling tiles, urban brick and skim coated texture walls, vintage decorative frames, and murals painted by local artists. The sleek, curved bar features tufted stools and antique pottery, and there is plenty of seating from barstools to high tops to traditional tables and banquette seating around the perimeter of the dining room. The lighting includes black beaded chandeliers, overhead, and retro neon signs, and there are floor-to-ceiling accordion windows that open to the street and the patio for warmer weather.