Courtesy of Mariachi's Dine-In
The Camp Bowie district has been attracting a slew of new neighbors, from the trendy Grow Plant Shop that opened in February to the upcoming Market at Ridglea, expected to open in May.
Now adding to the list is a popular taco joint that got its start in a gas station just east of downtown.
That's Mariachi's Dine-In, Chef Angel Fuentes' restaurant that made a name for itself thanks to its authentic offerings and vegan menu — a rarity in the world of Mexican cuisine — served out of humble digs at the back of a convenience store on South Sylvania Avenue.
But now, Mariachi's will be moving to a space of its own at 5724 Locke Ave., taking over the former location of the short-lived FiVi's Kitchen, which closed after just three months in business.
Owner Ashley Miller, who lives on the west side of Fort Worth, says she'd been eyeing the space for a while. It spans about 2,300 square feet, with room to seat about 98 people (compared to about 16 people at the gas station).
The new space also allows for a bar, and Mariachi's plans to add cocktails and margaritas to its drink menu. Fuentes says to also expect more plated dishes; a couple new offerings include queso fundido and sweet potato flautas. One member of the staff is also a baker, so there are plans to add Mexican pastries like pan dulce.
And, in Mariachi's fashion, there will be a vegan menu mirroring the original.
Miller says she expects the restaurant to open relatively soon, likely within the next 45 days. "We're going to get this done as quickly as possible," she says.
Not far from Mariachi's — just a couple doors down, in fact — another vegan-friendly restaurant will be moving in. Pizza Verde, a pop-up that began inside Black Cat Pizza in the Near Southside, also announced it's heading to Camp Bowie, taking the former Rocco's Wood Fired Pizza space at 5716 Locke Ave.
"I think more businesses that are owned by locals like us, like Pizza Verde, will attract more crowds and get more interest in this side of town," Miller says. "I know we're really excited about it for sure. This is such an untapped neighborhood."
