Mamacitas Cantina opens in Dayton’s Belmont neighborhood

Credit: Natalie Jones

Credit: Natalie Jones

Mamacitas Cantina, a Latino-fusion restaurant in Dayton’s Belmont neighborhood, is in the midst of a soft opening. A grand opening is planned from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday, May 10.

During the grand opening, DJ Aikon will be spinning salsa, bachata, merengue and Latin pop from 10 p.m. to close. All ages are welcome.

Credit: Natalie Jones

Credit: Natalie Jones

Owner Jorge Moreira is originally from Costa Rica and lived in Washington and Texas before moving to Dayton about 11 years ago. He is the owner of Eco Renovations, a construction and painting company. Mamacitas Cantina, at 1060 Patterson Road, will be his first restaurant.

Customers can expect a variety of plates from eight different countries around the world including Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, United States and Venezuela.

Moreira said he has hired a chef from Costa Rica with experience cooking in many other countries.

A few examples of dishes from Costa Rica that will be on the menu include:

  • Patacones (plantains with meat, beans dip and pico de gallo)
  • Chifrijo (a cup or bowl of a combination of rice, beans, fried pork, pico de gallo and avocado served with tortilla chips)

The 4,600-square-foot restaurant with seating for around 150 people has a tropical vibe. This is not only represented in the decor, but the drinks that will be offered. Customers can expect four different flavors of margaritas, a variety of cocktails topped with fruits, candies and flowers, signature shots like the chiliguaro, as well as spirits and beers. Nonalcoholic options include sodas and made-from-scratch smoothies.

Mamacitas Cantina is located in the Breitenstrater Square Shopping Center in the former spot of Myracles Bar and Grill. The restaurant is open 4 p.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit the restaurant’s Facebook page.

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