‘I want everyone to feel like they’re visiting Mexico, giving them a little vacation from Newmarket,’ says La Cantina Del Pueblo manager of restaurant featuring Mexico City street food
A new restaurant in Nemarket aims to sets itself apart by offering weekly live music and a menu focused on traditional Mexico City street food.
The space at 446 Davis Dr., formerly home to Ten Gallon Bar and Grill, became the second location of Toronto’s La Cantina Del Pueblo last week.
General manager Jonathan Venegas said the restaurant had been looking to expand north of Toronto when staff spotted a for lease sign at the property while driving by about two-and-a-half months ago. The opportunity made Newmarket a natural choice for the restaurant’s second location.
“When we toured the space, we really liked it,” Venegas said. “We moved to Newmarket about a year ago, and we were driving back and forth to our Toronto location all the time. It’s nice to have another restaurant here in our hometown.”
With about 12 to 13 Mexican and Mexican-inspired eateries in Newmarket, Venegas said La Cantina Del Pueblo’s live music and menu with dishes such as tacos, quesadillas and tortas will set it apart.
With the late operating hours on the weekends, the restaurant is hoping to pull in a blend of family and nightlife crowds, catering to the 25 to 35-year-old demographic.
“I want everyone to feel like they’re visiting Mexico, giving them a little vacation from Newmarket,” he said.
The team has tackled extensive renovations while continuing to operate its Toronto location, he added.
Venegas said balancing both restaurants was initially a challenge, but staff quickly adapted to the faster pace and are now ready to make people happy.
He said the restaurant’s growth and potential expansion are reviewed on a day-to-day basis, but plans are in place to open the patio space as soon as possible.
The restaurant is open Monday to Thursday from 1 p.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday from 1 to 11 p.m.
Dining and Cooking