Popular Peruvian Food Truck Opens New Restaurant in Maple Leaf

A food truck and caterer that has been serving popular Peruvian sandwiches in the Seattle area for six years finally has a permanent home. Don Lucho’s — known for its hearty combinations of meat (chicharron, chicken, and steak) and amarillo sauces — quietly opened a restaurant in Maple Leaf at 7919 Roosevelt Way NE. From the initial look of things, the menu goes beyond sandwiches into full plates, including roasted chicken, lomo saltado (marinated steak), stir fried noodles, and arroz con mariscos. Right now, hours are variable, so it’s best to check the restaurants social media accounts for updates.

Don Lucho’s replaces the well-regarded Barbecue Smith, which recently closed down its permanent outpost and switched to an all-catering operation. Barbecue Smith’s owners posted a message on Facebook in late September, wishing the new tenants well and praising its “exciting Peruvian food.”

While Don Lucho’s has already built a loyal following through its food truck, it’s looking to carve out an even larger niche in Seattle’s growing Peruvian food scene. There’s the recently-opened Pink Salt in Magnolia, which is a sit-down fusion restaurant with a variety of influences (including Japanese and Italian), and a few fast casual spots, such as Big Chickie in Hillman City and San Fernando Roasted Chicken in the Central District. Terra Plata’s Tamara Murphy has also been plotting a Peruvian restaurant in Columbia City. For Don Lucho’s, getting that permanent outpost is a big step forward.

• Don Lucho’s [Facebook]
• Don Lucho’s [Instagram]