JACKSON, MI – La Catrina Bar and Grill is bringing more authentic Mexican cuisine and drinks to Jackson.
La Catrina Bar and Grill has taken over the former Chilango’s Cantina Grill location at 501 Longfellow Ave. The restaurant is owned by Heladio Sr. and Elvia Lopez, but is managed by their son Heladio Lopez Jr.
The restaurant is currently in its soft opening phase and so far, business been going well, Heladio Jr. said.
“Right now, we feel good,” he said. “This is the first time we opened (a restaurant) in Jackson.”
Owning a restaurant has been a dream for as long as he can remember, Heladio Jr. said. His sister and brother also own a Mexican restaurant called El Toro Bar & Grill in Brighton and Pontiac, he said.
The menu at La Catrina Bar and Grill is still being put together, but people can expect to see lunch and dinner option,, including burritos, tacos, enchiladas, fajitas and chimichangas.
So far, the Molcajete Catrina has been piquing customers’ interests. The dish is served with chicken, steak, chorizo, fried onions and jalapenos, all served with a sauce inside a stone bowl.
Customers are also loving the street corn and the Carne Asada, which is ribeye, served with fried onions and jalapenos, and comes with a side of rice, beans, lettuce, avocado, tomatoes and tortillas.
“People love the ribeye,” Lopez said. “More because they like the seasoning.”
La Catrina Bar and Grill is still waiting to receive its liquor license before it has an official grand opening, hopefully before May, Heladio Jr. said.
When the liquor license is approved, the restaurant will serve traditional drinks, such as margaritas, mojitos, and bee. Plans are to also offer a margarita flight so people can try multiple flavors, Heladio Jr. said.
The restaurant’s location has been home to several restaurants over the years, including Bullinger’s Restaurant & Pub, which closed in 2009 after more than 20 years.
The building was then purchased by the previous owners of The Crazy Cowboy, Kim and Hugo Gamez, in 2010 and became Hugo’s Bar and Grill, which also eventually closed.
La Catrina Bar and Grill is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Hours will extend in the future.
More information and updates can be found on its Facebook page.
MORE JACKSON-AREA LOCAL EATS:
Michigan’s Best Local Eats: Spring is sweet and spicy at Two Lakes Tavern in the Irish Hills
Michigan’s Best Local Eats: Cakesicles are on the sweet treat menu The Five Forks
Michigan’s Best Local Eats: A Horton ice-cream shop has a double bacon cheeseburger to die for
Michigan’s Best Local Eats: This meal comes in a glass at River Raisin Distillery
Michigan’s Best Local Eats: Giant cinnamon rolls take up an entire plate at Chubby’s Café
Michigan’s Best Local Eats: Vito’s Espresso’s dine-in spot is open, ready to serve tasty pastries
Michigan’s Best Local Eats: Take a bite of history and tradition at Jackson Coney Island
Michigan’s Best Local Eats: The bourbon caramel latte is a star at Trail Head Coffee Shop
Michigan’s Best Local Eats: Same great crepes can be found at City Crepes new location
Michigan’s Best Local Eats: Ogma’s Polish Fried Rice combines hibachi and Polish cuisine