There’s no question Colt Taylor, owner and head chef of Los Charros and The Essex, knows a thing or two about the pivot. He’s now closed his pandemic response takeout-focused Public Market and has revamped and enlarged his Cantina to encompass the entire space at 30 Main Street in Centerbrook. Los Charros is here to stay with a horseshoe-shaped bar (note: no TVs!) with room for 28. Reservations for dining and private parties are available by the fire on the former Essex side.

The fresh-faced, wide-open space feels lively while Salsa Flights and Queso Fundito zip by. Melissa Barbieri’s vibrant murals continue to grace the walls behind the bar. Some of our favorite dishes from the Public Market menu re-emerge with a Mexican flair. We noshed on a mashup of our favorites from both venues — the Mole Duo Half Chicken now FRIED, topped with cilantro on a bed of lick your plate mole. Next time we’ll venture to Yucatan Hot. You’ll find the Pozole “Ramen” comes two ways – as a hearty chicken soup with hominy, cabbage and noodles or the Birria version with Wagyu brisket. After a summer of New England Lobster Rolls, it was fun to adventure with the Lobster Huerache (a “sandal” shaped, deep-fried tortilla) with Pepito mole, beans, lettuce, and crema. For dessert, choose from their own artisanal gelato, ice cream sandwiches or our very favorite, Churro Beignets.

Here’s a video of the new space.

Happy Hour Tuesday-Saturday from 4 pm-6 pm. Reverse Happy Hour from 9 pm-10 pm on Friday and Saturday offering half-priced wines by the glass, beer, sangria, and margaritas in the bar room only.

Live music with local favorites indoors and out while weather permits. Check the schedule for updates.

Takeout and delivery by Shoreline Menus are still available.

Kitchen is open Tuesday-Saturday from 4 pm – 9 pm. The bar til 10 pm Friday and Saturday.

loscharroscantina.com