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The group behind San Diego’s City Tacos chain is slated to open full-service restaurant El Punto in October at Liberty Station, the former site of historic Naval Training Center, San Diego. Group founder Gerry Torres made the announcement.

The family-friendly and dog-friendly concept in the Point Loma neighborhood just west of San Diego International Airport will feature entrées and shareables from Executive Chef Eduardo Baeza along with the Top-5 tacos from the City Tacos menu. The kitchen will focus on locally caught seafood, including ceviche, oysters (with a Michelada twist), and tiraditos (Mexican-style carpaccio and sashimi). A kids menu, along with brunch, will also be available.

El Punto’s 8,800-square-foot space will have an indoor dining room, as well as extensive outdoor dining options via lounge seating and high tops with bar stools. All patio seating is covered, and televisions are dispersed throughout the outdoor area. The kids area, which is separated from the patio dining areas by the main entryway, will have life-size games like at City Tacos’ OB Playground in nearby Ocean Beach. The enclosed dog park allows pets to roam and play without a leash.

“This is not your traditional Mexican restaurant,” Torres said. “El Punto will be decadent, but affordable and casual. There will be something on the menu for everyone, including plenty of healthy options. The versatile seating areas will accommodate any occasion, including family dinners, date nights, happy hours, group outings, or simply grab-and-go if you’re on the move.”

Diners will be able to order from wait staff, by scanning QR codes at patio tables, or at a walk-up counter. Beverages will also be available at a Michelada bar station and container bar. The cocktail program is being curated by the group’s Bar Director Rudy Corona. Draft beer and coffee will also be served.

Torres is originally from Mexico City, and he spent most of his childhood in San Diego and Tijuana. Chef Baeza, also a Mexico City native, has a relationship with Torres dating more than 25 years. They first worked together at the Downtown San Diego restaurant Candelas, where Torres was a waiter and Baeza served as Executive Chef. Baeza is now the Executive Chef of all Torres’s operations, including Fonda del Barrio in the Barrio Logan cultural district, Tour de Tapas in La Mesa, and the six City Tacos locations (est. May 2014 in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood).

“I can’t wait to cut this ribbon,” Torres said. “I can’t wait to add to the already vibrant dining scene of Liberty Station. The only thing better than great food is more great food.”

Other restaurants in Liberty Station include Breakfast Republic, Corvette Diner, Liberty Public Market, and MICHELIN Guide-recognized Solare Ristorante,

The post New Mexican Restaurant El Punto Coming to San Diego’s Liberty Station appeared first on FSR magazine.

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