By Jacob Mathias

While Octaviano’s Dine-in on Stevens Point’s south side is known for its pizzas, Italian dishes and sandwiches, Mexican street foods will be the feature on Labor Day weekend.

For the first time, Octaviano’s is hosting its Fall Street Food Festival on the sidewalk outside the restaurant. Owner Octaviano Perez wanted to bring something new to Stevens Point after having to travel as far as Appleton to get what he called “Mexican munchies”.

“Street food is the best food you can find,” said Perez. “The food they sell on the sidewalk, that’s all they make for the day. It’s nice and fresh and it’s good.”

The street food menu will feature tacos, Tajin-seasoned fruits and vegetables, pork and chicken tamales, champurrado (Mexican hot chocolate), churros and chicharrones. Also on the menu is sweet corn grilled with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice and cayenne pepper-a Mexican street food classic. Beverages include Agua frescas and Jarritos sodas.

Perez said his favorite street food is tacos.

For those with the most staunch Wisconsin taste, Perez will also be serving grilled bratwurst.

“We want to have a couple of options the people can choose from,” said Perez. “Either you want to go Mexican or you want to go really Wisconsin.”

The festival runs from Thursday, Aug. 31 to Saturday, Sept 2. Food will be served from 5 PM to 8 PM on Thursday and Friday and 1 PM to 8 PM on Saturday.

Perez opened Octaviano’s in March after working for over 15 years in local kitchens including Olympia Family Restaurant, Park Ridge Cafe, Christian’s Bistro and Ranchito Perez.

Octaviano’s Dine-in is located at 2300 Strongs Ave. alongside Skipp’s Bowling Center.