Ryan Manning is softly opening his second MxTaco location today. The date is significant because Sept. 16 is Mexico’s Independence Day. (No, it isn’t Cinco de Mayo; that’s a fairly insignificant holiday, which I can explain for you here.)

The new restaurant is at Waterford Lakes, 861 N. Alafaya Trail, Orlando, in the same grouping of businesses that includes Domu Chibi, Little Greek and Fresh Kitchen.

If you’ve been to the original in the Milk District, you’ll be pleased to know that the Waterford Lake location has more space. And because of its proximity to UCF, its decor includes a special painting that incorporates the traditional use of skeletons, or calaveras, in Mexican art with Knightro, the university’s mascot, who has skillfully impaled a taco. The painting is by local artist Romaine Tacey.

The restaurant is just in soft opening today because the signage isn’t up and the beer cooler isn’t stocked, but I’ll bet you can find your way there and take a beer with you if you want.

And of course Manning’s taco mneu, featuring variations from throughout Mexico, will be there. If you haven’t tried MX Taco yet, you can read my review of the Milk District restaurant here.

 By the way, Manning isn’t done expanding. Another MX Taco is planned for sometime next summer in Celebration.