Tequilas, Reborn & Reimagined: A Charming Blend Of Traditional & Modern Vibes
With a makeover that captures the original feel and spirit while moving the aesthetics forward, the Rittenhouse OG of Mexican fine dining is (finally) back.
Sometimes restaurants become so entrenched in a neighborhood that, even if you don’t go there every week or even every month, they hold a special place in your memory.
If you’ve ever really loved a particular facet of a restaurant, such as the food, the decor, how it made you feel, their music, or even their stellar service, then that memory becomes even more special. That’s how Rittenhouse felt when we lost Tequilas, the destination for Mexican fine dining and stellar hospitality, to a fast-burning fire during dinner service no less, that forced it closed for over two years.
Most restaurants would try to quickly come back after patching up the damage, and the original hope for many was that Tequilas would clear the smoke, patch the walls, dry the floors, and be back at it in a few months. For the Suros family, however, it provided an unexpected yet welcomed opportunity to reimagine what Tequilas should be in today’s hospitality environment.
What arose from that thinking was a vision to keep the original fine dining restaurant in the front, but to add a casual, fun, and exciting cafe in the back. Called La Jefa, it would provide an all-day cafe and night-time speakeasy.
La Jefa (which is still undergoing final polish before its great unveil) replaces the dining room area at the back and will have its own, dedicated entrance at the corner of Latimer and 16th. When we had an opportunity to have dinner at Tequilas, the difference in how it felt already was obvious. The separation made the restaurant feel even more intimate and romantic, and some cursory glimpses into La Jefa show a welcoming, warm and friendly cafe.
Not every reimagination comes out managing to both capture the original feel and spirit while moving the aesthetics forward. Tequilas’ makeover is both familiar and glamorous at the same time. From The Inquirer:
Suro brought in craftspeople from Mexico, including cultural-heritage restorer Karla Jauregui, interior designer Sara Casillas-Pereyra, and graphic designer Paula Silva-Ruvalcaba, to bring back the chandelier and gold wall trimmings as they were in the 19th century, and to restore the restaurant using archival photos and documents as guides. Six layers of paint were stripped away. New furniture, china, and handmade tile flooring — 20 tons’ worth — was shipped in from Guadalajara, his hometown.
The makeover isn’t limited to the overall vibes, decor and branding: The menu was clearly reenvisioned in a thoughtful way. The classics are there but they’re been elevated, to reflect the elegant and innovative cuisine – the type that foodies have found and fallen in love with in Mexico City. And it’s here in Rittenhouse.
We can’t ever talk about Tequilas and NOT mention their drinks. After all, they are the only restaurant in the neighborhood that offers the Rose Margarita that contains real rose petals. But while the renovations were happening (and we know construction always has its own timeline) David Suro was not waiting around. In addition to launching the family tequila brand Siembra Spirits, he also co-authoring the book Agave Spirits. The result are cocktails that incorporate both the tequila and agave in unique and delicious ways.
Younger sibling La Jefa will be debuting soon. But it’s lovely to see the Suros family back, and the people who used to hang out at the bar return. The Rittenhouse destination for Mexican fine-dining is back and the neighborhood couldn’t be more happier.
📍1602 Locust St
