“Every customer who walks through our doors is a part of our story.”

This is how Gabino Martinez, who owns Tacos Tacos Tacos in Mineola with his wife Raquel, expresses his gratitude toward his customers and the community who have been a part of their first year serving Mineola. Tacos Tacos Tacos opened in January 2025, and recently celebrated its one-year anniversary here.

“Mineola is my hometown, and after 25 years away in the DFW area, I felt the calling,” Martinez said about opening a restaurant in Mineola. “I believe God has a purpose for us here. Most of my family all live here. Opening a restaurant wasn’t just about food, it was about our roots, serving people, and giving something good and meaningful to our community.”

The menu Tacos Tacos Tacos offers is a unique reflection of the flavors Martinez (from Durango, Mexico), wife (Monterrey, Mexico), and kitchen assistant Amanda (Hidalgo, Mexico) grew up with.

“Our menu is very personal,” Martinez said. “You’ll find influences from different regions of Mexico, recipes passed down through family, street-food-style dishes, home-cooked flavors. It’s a blend of our heritage on a plate, with a splash of vintage style.”

Each dish is made by hand with fresh ingredients; nothing frozen or from a can, Martinez said. Some of the most popular menu items include the classic street tacos, tortas, tamales, flautas, jumbo burritos and specialty plates. All the salsas served at the restaurant are made fresh and in-house.

Martinez said some of the “hidden gems” on the menu include mole, sopes and gorditas, chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and their specialty tacos.

“Once people try them, they usually come back for more,” Martinez said. “We always encourage customers to ask what we recommend. You might discover a new favorite.”

Vintage & Live Art

The variety doesn’t stop with the cuisine, as half the building is filled with vintage items for sale, each with its own story that Martinez and family are happy to share.

Martinez balances running the restaurant with being a performing artist through his Live Speed Painter business.

“Both require time, creativity, discipline, and heart,” Martinez said. “The restaurant feeds people physically, my art feeds people emotionally and spiritually. I try to be present where I am, whether that’s at the counter taking orders, in the kitchen, or practicing and performing live art.”

While Martinez’ artistic work is mostly shared at fundraisers, benefits, and corporate events, he is hoping to do more ministry work with his art in prisons, nursing homes, elementary schools, and churches this year.

What’s New For 2026

At Tacos Tacos Tacos in 2026, Martinez and family are introducing new menu items, new hot sauces, a children’s menu, and a menu for those who don’t prefer tacos. Some new offerings will include breakfast all day, hot soups during cold weather, salads, sandwiches, and more.

“We’re looking forward to continuing to grow, refining what we do, and finding new ways to serve the community even better,” Martinez said.

The people of the community are their favorite part of doing business in Wood County.

“Mineola and Wood County have a strong sense of community, pride, and generosity. There’s a real appreciation for small businesses here, and that means everything to us,” Martinez said. “We love the local events, the history, and the way people look out for one another.”

Martinez said he and his family are grateful for how the community has embraced and supported them.

“More than anything, we want people to know how thankful we are,” Martinez said. “Tacos Tacos Tacos exists because of this community, and we’re honored to serve Mineola. This first year has been a blessing, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.”

Tacos Tacos Tacos is located at 2595 US-80 in Mineola. They are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call 903-638-6041.