Courtesy of GBOD Hospitality Group
El Chingon
Paradilla Chingona at El Chingon
A taste of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter has arrived in Fort Worth's Cultural District.
El Chingon opens this week at 2800 Bledsoe St., Ste. 100, kicking off grand opening festivities with a private party Thursday and official opening Friday. It's the second location for the Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar; the first opened in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter in 2017.
Run by San Diego-based GBOD Hospitality Group, El Chingon is designed to "capture the spirit of Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa and his pistoleros," according to a news release. The menu features some notably over-the-top offerings. Among the biggest — parrillada chingona, a sizzling platter of carnitas, grilled skirt steak, grilled chicken breast, shrimp, pepper, and onion fajita mixed with queso fundido and guacamole.
Other highlights are elote a la línea (fire-roasted corn on the cob wheels coated with cotija cheese, mayo, and Tajín) and tacos like birria, al pastor, and fish.
The drink menu features signature cocktails by GBOD beverage director Ryan Andrews, like the Madero (made with Azuñia Blanco Tequila, housemade watermelon cordial, lime, and Tajín rim) and the Pancho Villa (made with Olmeca Altos plata, fresh lime, salt, and a choice of Jarritos). Order a cocktail "Bad Ass"-style, and it'll come served in a Tajín-rimmed goblet with a Dulces Tipicos Jabalina Xtreme candy straw and paleta. Guests can also split The Super Bad Ass Madero, served in a halved watermelon.
True to its Gaslamp Quarter roots, El Chingon plans to host parties with guest DJs at its 6,065-square-foot space, which can accommodate approximately 400 guests. Some of those parties include SUNDIAS (day parties with brunch, cocktails, and drink packages) and Forty-Tuesdays (taco and tequila flights, and bottle service). More events will be announced at a later date.
The design of the space takes inspiration from Mexico, with elements like a pair of 10-foot-high, hand-carved Calavera sugar skull doors; an Airstream trailer hand-painted by local artist UNO; and graffiti-painted garage doors by local artist Juan Velazquez. The space is also outfitted with three, 100-inch LED walls and seven 55-inch TVs for additional late-night entertainment and sports viewing.
Hours are 4 p.m. to close Monday through Friday and noon to close Saturday and Sunday.
