Plaza Del Mariachi brings Mexican cuisine to downtown Kinston
A new Mexican restaurant has arrived in downtown Kinston at 108 W. North Street, adding to the city’s diverse dining options. Plaza Del Mariachi, owned by Rene Mendez and managed by Manuel Lopez, opened with a focus on providing authentic Mexican dishes and a family-oriented atmosphere. The restaurant, located in a historic building downtown, marks the team’s first expansion beyond their original location in Jacksonville, NC.
Plaza Del Mariachi initially opened its doors in Jacksonville in early 2020. Although the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, Lopez and Mendez adapted their business model to sustain operations. “We opened in February of 2020, and it was pretty good to start,” Lopez said. “But of course, COVID hit, and we went strictly takeout for a few months. We thank everyone who helped us get through that.”
The Jacksonville location’s success drew customers from all over eastern North Carolina, many of whom encouraged the owners to bring their restaurant to new towns. Mendez explained that feedback from patrons played a role in the decision to open in Kinston. “A lot of people would come from Greenville, from Kinston, and other areas. Some would even tell us, ‘You should try something in Kinston,’” Mendez said.
In Kinston, the restaurant aims to welcome everyone with a friendly atmosphere, according to Lopez. The emphasis on creating a positive experience, he said, extends to everyone who walks through the door. “We want whoever comes in with a smile on their face to leave the exact same way,” Lopez said. “This place is not just for the bar; families come in, and we make sure they’re just as happy when they leave.”
Plaza Del Mariachi offers an extensive menu that includes a range of Mexican dishes designed to appeal to various tastes. According to Lopez, a customer favorite is the ACP, a dish featuring chicken, steak, or shrimp served with rice and topped with cheese. The restaurant also serves popular items such as enchiladas and fajitas. “We have a pretty good variety,” Mendez added. “There’s something here for everyone.”
In addition to traditional Mexican food, Plaza Del Mariachi features a full bar with several unique margarita options, from Blackberry to Coco Lime. “Our margaritas are very different, with options like Blackberry and Blue Lime. We even have a couple of them with higher-end tequila,” Lopez said.
The restaurant is open seven days a week, with hours mirroring those of its Jacksonville counterpart. Monday through Thursday, Plaza Del Mariachi opens at 11:00 a.m. and closes at 9:30 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, hours extend until 10:30 p.m., and on Sundays, the restaurant closes at 9:00 p.m. According to Lopez, the goal is to provide a welcoming and consistent dining experience at any time of the week.
While the restaurant’s expansion has required additional travel for the co-owners, they remain committed to their new venture in Kinston. Lopez explained that both he and Mendez travel from Jacksonville to Kinston to oversee the restaurant’s daily operations. “We drive over an hour to get here, but it’s worth it,” Lopez said. “It’s eye-opening to see how much we’ve grown as a team.”
For Lopez and Mendez, the support of the community has been instrumental in their journey, and they are eager to give back to Kinston. “We don’t need much, but we hope people know everyone here is welcome,” Lopez said. “This is a place where you can come, have some good food, and leave with a smile.”
As Plaza Del Mariachi settles into downtown Kinston, Lopez and Mendez hope their restaurant will be a place where local residents can experience both Mexican food and a warm, community-driven environment. “Everyone here is family,” Lopez said, “and that’s exactly how we want it to stay.”
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