Taco Pica owner Santos Ruyan setting up the tables. Image: Taco Pica, Facebook.
A popular Latin American restaurant that’s been operating in uptown Saint John for 26 years has closed its doors. Taco Pica led the way in creating a vibrant culture and restaurant scene in the uptown core.
Located at 96 Germain Street, it has now permanently closed, according to the post on the restaurant’s Facebook page.
“Thank You, Saint John, for allowing me to share my dream of providing Spanish culture and cuisine with you,” the post read.
“A very heartfelt thank you to my colleagues, employees and patrons that have made the last 30 years worthwhile. We played with all our hearts and have many wonderful memories. Taco Pica”
The post did not go into any details on the reasons for the closure.
Thank You Saint John for allowing me to share my dream of providing Spanish culture and cuisine with you. A very…
Posted by Taco Pica Restaurant on Thursday, May 7, 2020
The restaurant opened in 1994 by Guatemalan refugees with a vision to share Latin American culture with the people of Saint John and served authentic Mexican, Guatemalan and Spanish food. Taco Pica also had a stand inside the Saint John City Market.
But Taco Pica wasn’t just a restaurant, for many in the Saint John community, it was a gathering place. The restaurant hosted live shows for all different genres of music, from Spanish, Latin American to rock/punk.
It was also known as one of the few venues in the city that hosted all-ages shows and was beloved by Saint John’s music scene. Taco Pica was also famous for its vibrant green bathroom, where many people would take selfies, which are popping up again on social media as Taco Pica fans learn of its closure. There’s even a Facebook page dedicated to these selfies.
Saint Johners near and far expressed their sadness about the closure on social media. Some also shared memories.
A version of this story was published in Huddle, an Acadia Broadcasting content partner.
Just heard word that Taco Pica is now permanently closed. Endless thanks goes out to Santos and his staff for providing Saint John authentic cuisine for over 30 years, as well as a cultural space for countless musicians and artists. This one hurts -Saint John has lost a gem. pic.twitter.com/pQJIaVydZQ
— Chuck Teed (@chuckteed) May 7, 2020
Subtle played the last taco pica show ever ha ha I WIN! Honestly this sucks a lot
— drew (@Iamdrewling) May 7, 2020
Those all ages shows with flautas and 3/$10 tequila shots will live on in our hearts. Taco Pica will be missed and best of luck to the ever lovely Santos & co.
— Julianne 🆒 (@jul7ianne) May 7, 2020
Back when there used to be a Press Club in Saint John, a young Guatemalan refugee worked clearing tables and washing dishes. He along with some fellow refugees opened Taco Pica not long after and it was a staple in our food and music scene. It will be missed.#weloveyousantos
— Nelson Hansen (@NelsonHansen64) May 7, 2020
Loved Taco Pica but never made it into the bathroom. My greatest regret.
— Mark Burnett (@burnettisms) May 7, 2020
Taco pica closed before I ever got the chance to take a green bathroom selfie. Pretty sad. Don’t text.
— kenya (@k3nyasaurus) May 7, 2020
