New restaurant: During construction, the team found hidden doors behind false walls.
Puerta, a new restaurant serving traditional Mexican cuisine and spirits, will open its doors in Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood on August 11.
Located in the former Stanley space, Puerta will offer both full-service dinner and late-night menus, which will focus on the celebration of Mexican cuisine and culture. Here’s what you can expect:
FOOD: The menus will feature fresh and bold flavors that pay homage to the Mexican culture prepared with traditional techniques. Expect:
Soups and salads
“Little bites” such as dips and salsas
Handhelds
Entrees
Taco fillings will include barbacoa, al pastor, lengua, seafood, carne asada, and a vegetarian option with crispy potatoes in a chipotle mole sauce.
DRINKS: At the bar, the focus will be on Mexican-made spirits, beer and wine. Regionally inspired cocktails will be created using fresh juice poured over clear ice into frozen glassware. Margaritas and cocktails made with mezcal and tequila will be included on the opening menu.
AFTER-DINNER DANCING: Come to eat, then stay to dance. Puerta will transition from dinner and drinks to a late-night experience with dancing and a DJ booth.
Puerta is the fourth dining concept by 1957 Hospitality Group. The company also operates The Crunkleton, Rosemont Market & Wine Bar and Cheat’s Cheesesteak Parlor.
ABOUT THE NAME: “Puerta” means “door” in English. During restaurant construction, the demolition team kept discovering hidden doors behind false walls — and the story inspired the name.
The Puerta team includes:
Executive Chef RJ Corley, known for his work The Debruce in New York/;
GM Phi Hoang of The Crunkleton;
AGM/Bar Manager Micah Yarbrough formerly of The Crunkleton;
Chef de Cuisine Cristian Villalvazo.
“Our vision for Puerta is a neighborhood experience that combines excellent food and drinks with music,” 1957 Hospitality’s Blake Thompson said in a statement.
Puerta
Location: 1961 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204
Cuisine: Mexican
Instagram: @puerta.clt
This story was originally published June 6, 2023 at 12:42 PM.
