Crown Cantina, the modern Mexican restaurant that opened Downtown in 2022, is officially in its new home in Pendleton, occupying the former Nation Kitchen + Bar space.
The restaurant also underwent a swift name change. Now called Cantina, the Latin-inspired eatery opened its doors at 1200 Broadway in Pendleton on June 26, according to its Facebook page. The move, which was announced in May, comes due to owner Anthony Sitek’s desire to find a bigger space.
Sitek previously told Enquirer food reporter Keith Pandolfi that Cantina’s new, nearly 2,000-square-foot spot would allow him to double his seating capacity and create private dining rooms. The restaurant’s new location features two outdoor dining patios.
Aside from additional seating, Catina took things up a notch with expanded service hours and the debut of a brunch menu every Saturday and Sunday.
While the former Crown Cantina location no longer serves as a dine-in restaurant, Sitek told The Enquirer that the original location on Eighth Street will be used as a special event space for rehearsal dinners and other celebrations.
Cantina is known for its take on modern Mexican fare from the eight regions of Mexico. Customer favorites include a carne asada made with Prime New York strip, cochinita pibil (a Yucatanian slow-roasted pork collar served with buttered rice and smoked black beans), lamb barbacoa tacos and enchiladas verdes with braised chicken, queso fresco and smoked black bean puree.
Cantina is just one of several Cincinnati restaurants owned and operated by Sitek’s Crown Restaurant Group. Its other restaurants include Rosie’s Italian, Losanti, Five on Vine, Young Buck Deli, Marigold and Crown Republic.
Headed to Cantina in Pendleton? Here’s where to park
Whether you’re visiting for brunch or cocktails, here’s where you can park at Cantina.
Off-street parking
Customers can park in the Broadway lots located at 326 E. 12th St. and 316 Elliot St.
Street parking
Customers can park on the street via the Cincy EZPark app at the following locations:
Enquirer food reporter Keith Pandolfi contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Crown Cantina Mexican restaurant reopens in new location under (slightly) new name
Reporting by Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
