TIMES SQUARE — The Midtown lunch crowd is lining up out the door of the new outpost of Mexicue, the food truck-turned-local chain, which is now open near Times Square.
The Mexican barbecue restaurant launched this week on West 40th Street between Broadway and Sixth Avenue, with both a large eat-in area and a takeout counter for local office workers.
"I've been waiting for this place for months," said Ed Michaels, 22, who works nearby and was waiting in line on Tuesday, planning to pick up a brisket plate. "I'm going to eat here every day."
Diners who have a bit more time can eat at the restaurant's sit-down area, which has a full bar, serving specialty cocktails like the Spiked Palmero — a drink made with bourbon, iced tea, limeade, fresh mint and mint syrup.
Mexicue began as a food truck in 2010, serving tacos and Mexican sliders. The menu has since expanded to include smoked chicken with a Mexican spice rub, a green chili brisket burrito, burnt ends brisket sloppy joes, green chili queso nachos and a large selection of salads and rice bowls.
Diners will also be able to nosh on a rotating menu of seasonal specials, like Cajun fish tacos and a shortcake make from peaches from New Jersey's Bergen Farms.
The spot will also serve breakfast, with a selection of breakfast burritos, tacos, bowls, sandwiches and nachos.
The new location is part of a large Mexicue expansion. The restaurant opened a spot in Chelsea at 345 Seventh Ave. last year and plans to open a 2,400-square-foot location just north of Madison Square Park later this year. The company also just opened a 3,000-square foot catering facility in Williamsburg.
