Daughter Reopens Highland Taqueria as Don Raúl's Mexican Cuisine

Alejandra Hernandez is preparing to reopen the Highland neighborhood restaurant founded by her father, Raúl Hernandez, in 1984. The establishment, originally named La Mexicana Taqueria, will resume operations under the new name Don Raúl's Mexican Cuisine. Hernandez states the goal is to honor her father's legacy while modernizing the business for a new era.

Raúl Hernandez was 31 years old when he opened his first restaurant in the area, then known as the Northside. In 1995, he purchased the building at 2538 West 32nd Avenue and launched La Mexicana Taqueria there in 1996. He operated the venue with his wife, Eloisa, for 24 years. The couple retired in 2020 and leased the space to new operators who ran it as La Grande Mexicana.

Hernandez admits she wanted a break from the industry after her parents retired, noting that restaurant life is consuming. She worked in education but remained concerned about the property. The situation escalated when the new operators subleased the space to an investor who caused damage, forcing the family to hire a lawyer and execute an eviction.

Following the eviction, Hernandez proposed taking over the restaurant herself. Her father agreed to the plan, and both parents are now assisting in the preparations. The family regained control of the space on Sept. 21. They are currently awaiting a food license from the City of Denver. Hernandez initially hoped to open by the first week of November, but the specific date will be announced on the restaurant's Facebook page once the license is granted.

The menu will remain largely unchanged to preserve familiarity for longtime customers. The original decor, which Hernandez's mother and grandmother brought from Mexico, remains in the dining room. The menu will be reorganized with more detailed descriptions to explain the cooking processes, such as the eight-hour preparation of the signature green chile and the ingredients in the mole. Staff who worked at the location previously will return to their positions.

The name change reflects a desire to modernize the brand while keeping it short and recognizable. Hernandez's mother, Eloisa, chose the name Don Raúl's. Hernandez explains that the name honors her father's presence on the block. She notes that the neighborhood has evolved significantly since 1984, but she intends to maintain the same core experience.

Hernandez describes the location as the center of her childhood. She says it feels like returning home after years of working in education. Her mother, Eloisa, expressed excitement about the next generation taking the lead. Hernandez concludes that keeping the restaurant open in a changing neighborhood is an honor.

Don Raúl's Mexican Cuisine is located at 2538 West 32nd Avenue. It will serve lunch and dinner. The opening date will be posted on the restaurant's Facebook page and its new Instagram account, @donraulsdenver.