Our journey from a small kitchen to six locations.
We started Cocula restaurant in 1975 out of a basic appreciation for regional Mexican food and music. With a modest kitchen and eight dining tables, the first Cocula restaurant debuted on the corner of Cermak and California.
We are delighted to service the Chicagoland area from six different sites today. The name Cocula is derived from the name of a tiny town in Jalisco, Mexico. If there is one place that can be considered quintessentially Mexican, it's Jalisco.
Many of the characteristic traits of Mexican culture, including Mariachi, tequila, ranchera music, and famous regional dances originate from this area. Though Jalisco has greatly benefited due to the contributions of Cocula, the town's greatest impact to the culture was made through music.
Many Mexican artists sing of Mariachi's birth in Cocula in the 19th century, explaining why Jalisco is commonly referred to as "La Cuna del Mariachi" or "The Cradle of Mariachi." Keeping Cocula's heritage in mind, Cocula restaurant was started and will continue to grow with a love for Mexico and the culture to which the town has contributed so greatly.
