Poolboy Taco reimagines the 1950s-era quick-service experience with what the owners describe as a “design-forward vibe that blends the festival energy that birthed the brand with midcentury, poolside nostalgia” (photo courtesy of Poolhouse Group).
Poolhouse Group, the hospitality company behind Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup and The Green Woodpecker, is bringing their next big idea to life with the debut of Poolboy Taco. Known over the years as an elusive pop-up, the brand opened its first permanent location on Monday, May 18, in the former Gadzooks space at 4031 E. Camelback Road.
The food offerings include personality-driven tacos served on a signature “50/50” tortilla, a proprietary blend of corn and flour, or a crispy yellow corn shell. The namesake taco sets the tone with tomatillo chicken, sweet-and-spicy cornbread, jalapeño ranch, honey glaze, and cotija. Additional tacos range from simple to indulgent, including the Ric with pinto beans, onion, and jack cheese; the Ron with spicy black beans, onion, and cheddar; the Duke with bacon, smashed potato, egg, and cheddar; Craigy’s with shredded pork, egg, and cheddar; and the Aspen with Wagyu ground beef, smashed potato, egg, and cheddar.
The menu also features classics and sharables, including Big Boy Enchiladas, Uncle Rico’s Nachos, the Poolboy Bowl and the Poolboy Burrito. A salsa bar adds extra customization, while sides like queso, guacamole, beans and cornbread round out the experience. Desserts, curated by “Mama Linda” (the Pool brother’s mother), include housemade carrot cake, pumpkin cookies and chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches, while the beverage program leans fun and refreshing with slushie margaritas, ranch water, grapefruit margaritas and tallboy beers.
Poolboy Taco is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Learn more at www.poolboytaco.com.
