I do, I want it, the real Mexican stuff that makes your mouth water just thinking about it. The fresh cilantro, the spices, the roasted meats, those real tortillas, I want it bad! If you have found yourself wishing the same thing, wanting inexpensive authentic Mexican food that's easily available in the city, your wish is about to come true.
Scheduled to open at the end of this month Mike Andrzejewski, owner of Seabar, and Kyle Mackiewicz (yep, two Polish guys) are bringing some old school Mexican to the corner of Allen and Elmwood. Their restaurant, Cantina Loco and Tequila Bar, will not only feature fresh, authentic Mexican fare but will also stock a wide selection of high-end tequilas and specialty drinks. (Um, I want that too.)
The duo envisions the Cantina as "a neighborhood watering hole," offering great food and drinks at reasonable prices in a contemporary, casual and comfortable atmosphere. The menu will feature fresh and vibrant flavors in Mexican classics such as tacos, enchiladas and burritos with delicious grilled and roasted meat fillings like pork, chicken and beef as well as vegetarian options. Newly picked veggies will be arriving daily to become part of their homemade salsas and guacamole. Other ingredients have been sourced from Houston and Mexico to add some authentic Tex-Mex style to it all.
And of course there is that tequila. Cantina Loco will stock a wide selection of small estate/plantation tequilas, specializing in small artisan producers and distillers from various regions of Mexico. They will also offer "Tequila Flights," a presentation of several types and brands of Tequila served side by side for comparison tasting. It is their plan to keep between 30 to 40 tequilas on hand, in addition to tequila based specialty cocktails and a full bar.
The bar area will seat about 15 people with the restaurant seating 30 - 40 more. There will also be a separate, take-out area with its own entrance for convenience and speed.
Andrzejewski and Mackiewicz want Cantina Loco to be the type of neighborhood place where people come to have a few drinks together and eat really great food at affordable prices, the type of place you want to go to just unwind and relax a few times a week without breaking the bank.
With plans to be open seven days a week with late hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Cantina Loco will cater to other restaurant workers who want to catch a bite to eat after work. Andrzejewski understands that need very well saying, "Working in restaurants has been my life's work. People like to have a place to go afterward." But that does not mean you have to work in a restaurant to appreciate a cantina offering late hours. Any night owl can appreciate this bonus. And let's talk location. Being situated on the Northwest corner of Allen and Elmwood makes Cantina Loco easily accessible in the heart of one of Buffalo's most vibrant neighborhoods - Allentown.
So, what makes two Polish guys want to open a Mexican restaurant? The answer is simple according to Andrzejewski, "because that's what we love to eat." And I just want to say, "So do I! Cantina Loco and Tequila Bar, I'm on my way!"





great spot and concept, and as I have noticed with Seabar, I imagine quality wont slack at all..This will be a great place for a drink and fresh tex/mex....I hope it either makes the eye sore down the street clean up its act or close up shop..