The Flacos Tacos NH Grand Opening: 7 Shocking Details About Plaistow's Viral 'Rednexican' Cantina

For months, the simple question of "Flacos Tacos NH opening date" dominated local New Hampshire food conversations, and as of late 2023 and early 2024, the answer is a resounding 'it's open,' transforming the dining landscape in Plaistow, NH. The highly anticipated brick-and-mortar location—known officially as Flaco's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina—has finally delivered on its promise, moving beyond its food truck roots to establish a permanent home at the former site of a local landmark. This deep-dive article, updated for December 15, 2025, reveals everything you need to know about the viral "Rednexican" concept, the owner's inspiring journey, and the must-try dishes that have cemented this spot as a regional favorite. The Plaistow location, situated at 172 Plaistow Rd, has become an instant sensation, not just for its authentic Mexican cuisine but for its unique, bold identity that perfectly captures the spirit of New England's border town culinary scene. It's a testament to the hard work and vision of its owner, who has successfully scaled the business from a popular food truck operation into a full-service, community-driven cantina.

The Man Behind the Tacos: Owner Matthew Nicodemus (Señor Flaco) Biography

The success of Flaco's Cantina is inextricably linked to the dedication and personality of its owner, Matthew Nicodemus, affectionately known to his fans and on social media as "Señor Flaco." His journey from a food truck operator to a successful brick-and-mortar restaurant owner is a core part of the Flaco's story.

• Full Name: Matthew Nicodemus
• Nickname: "Señor Flaco"
• Role: Owner and Operator of Flaco's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina (Plaistow, NH)
• Business Origin: Started as a popular food truck operation serving the New Hampshire and Massachusetts border area.
• Business Growth: Successfully transitioned from the mobile food service industry to a permanent restaurant location, achieving significant revenue growth in a short period.
• Community Focus: Known for his humble, hardworking nature and deep engagement with the local Plaistow community, often sharing updates and interacting with customers directly on social media.
• Trade Name Filing Date: The New Hampshire Trade Name for FLACO'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT & CANTINA was filed on December 14, 2023, marking the official establishment of the permanent location.

Nicodemus's commitment to quality and his unique culinary fusion have been the driving forces behind the restaurant's rapid rise, proving that a strong concept backed by fresh ingredients and a bold flavor profile can captivate the notoriously discerning New England palate.

7 Essential Facts About the Flacos Tacos NH Opening and Concept

The opening of Flaco's Cantina in Plaistow, NH, was more than just a new restaurant; it was the arrival of a highly-anticipated culinary fixture. Here are the most important details that define the new location and its unique concept.

1. The "Rednexican" Concept: A Culinary Fusion

Flaco's Cantina has enthusiastically embraced the moniker "Rednexican," a playful term that perfectly encapsulates their unique blend of authentic Mexican cooking techniques with a distinctly New England, or "redneck," sensibility. This fusion is evident in their menu, which features traditional, made-from-scratch Mexican dishes alongside inventive, boundary-pushing creations. The concept has been widely praised, even by serious Mexican food connoisseurs, for delivering a genuinely "real deal" experience.

2. The Highly Anticipated Opening Date (It's Already Open!)

While the specific, singular grand opening date is often debated, the official status is that the doors are open. The brick-and-mortar location at 172 Plaistow Rd officially opened "recently," following the New Hampshire Trade Name filing in December 2023. This opening marked the transition from a successful food truck operation to a permanent, full-service restaurant and cantina, giving fans a reliable, year-round spot to enjoy their favorite dishes.

3. The Location's History: From Clams to Cantina

The Plaistow location holds a special place in local history, as Flaco's Cantina took over the site previously occupied by the beloved Larry's Clam Bar. This transition is a key point of local interest and has been respectfully acknowledged by the new owners. In a nod to the location's past, the menu features the "Senor Larry Chimichanga," a tribute to the former establishment and its owner, Mr. Larry. This gesture demonstrates the Cantina's commitment to community and local heritage.

4. The Must-Try Menu Item: The Hawaiian Burger

Beyond the classic tacos and burritos, the menu features several standout items that embody the "Rednexican" spirit. The most talked-about is the Hawaiian Burger. This is a Mexican-style burger that boldly combines a meat patty with ham, grilled pineapple, avocado, American cheese, pickled jalapeños, tomatoes, and onions. It’s a perfect example of their willingness to blend traditional flavors with unexpected, yet delicious, twists.

5. Authentic and Made-From-Scratch Core Offerings

Despite the playful branding, the foundation of Flaco's Cantina is authentic Mexican cuisine made with fresh ingredients. Key menu staples include:

• Tacos Dorados (Fried Tacos): Three hard-shell, deep-fried tacos filled with shredded beef, fresh cheese, pico de Gallo, and salsa.
• Taquillos De Shredded Beef: A popular, flavorful appetizer.
• Guacamole Con Chicharron: Guacamole served with crispy pork rinds, offering a textural contrast.
• Choriqueso: A rich blend of melted cheese and chorizo sausage.

6. Full-Service Cantina and Dining Options

The new Plaistow location is a full-service restaurant and cantina, meaning it offers a complete dining experience, including a full bar. This allows patrons to enjoy a wide variety of Flaco's Drinks, from classic margaritas to other signature cocktails, alongside their meal. The restaurant also caters to diverse dietary needs, offering a significant selection of vegetarian and vegan options.

7. The Social Media Buzz and Community Support

The anticipation for the Flacos Tacos NH opening date generated massive local buzz, primarily driven by the owner's active presence on the Flaco's Cantina Facebook page. The community's excitement has translated into strong support for the new location, which is frequently cited by locals as the "real deal" for Mexican food in the area. The restaurant also offers catering, loyalty programs, and gift cards, further cementing its role as a major local business.

The Future of Flaco's Cantina in New Hampshire

With the opening phase successfully navigated, Flaco's Cantina is now focused on solidifying its position as a destination dining spot on the New Hampshire/Massachusetts border. The popularity of the Plaistow location proves that the unique "Rednexican" concept resonates deeply with the local crowd, who appreciate the blend of bold, authentic flavors and the fun, approachable atmosphere. The transition from a food truck to a permanent restaurant at 172 Plaistow Rd has allowed the business to expand its menu offerings, increase seating capacity, and provide the much-requested full-service cantina experience. Customers are encouraged to visit the new location to experience the viral sensation for themselves, whether they are craving classic Tacos Dorados or the adventurous Hawaiian Burger. The era of wondering about the Flacos Tacos NH opening date is over; the time to eat is now.