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Date: 12/12/2023
HATFIELD — A new grill and bar is making headway on 127 Elm St. in Hatfield, serving popular Mexican dishes for the community.
Although it carries a different vision, Owner Cristonfer Cruz wants Cantina Mexican Bar and Grill to have the “same flavor” as Posada, the Salvadoran and Mexican grill he and his family opened during the throes of the coronavirus pandemic back in 2020.
“I’m offering things that are simple and what people love,” Cruz said, of Cantina, which resides in the same location where the Smithsonian Grill and Bar and, most recently, Legacy Craft Smokehouse ran operations.
Opened in early November, Cantina offers a myriad of classic dishes for takeout or eating in. They serve anything from tacos, quesadillas, chimichangas, bowls/burritos and enchiladas, and they even have a section for famous Mexican drinks like jarritos and aguas frescas.
Cruz said people have enjoyed eating from the entire menu so far, but he noted that the chimichangas have been the most popular choice. When Reminder Publishing asked why this is the case, he put it succinctly: “They love the flavor.”
Although Cantina is a separate entity from Posada, Cruz said he wants the Hatfield restaurant to carry the same spirit. He told Reminder Publishing that Posada and Cantina are manifestations of his father’s dream.
“My dad had always dreamed to have a restaurant,” Cruz said. “So, I decided to support him.”
Cruz said that the Hatfield location was ideal for Cantina because it is close to the highway and there are a lot of other businesses that are nearby.
“Everyone has been very polite and nice so far,” Cruz said, of the Hatfield location. “I love being in the community with them.”
As of now, Cruz said Cantina is operating with temporary hours: Tuesday and Wednesday from 4-9 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday from 12-9 p.m. Once the restaurant lands an alcohol license, Cruz said those hours will be adjusted and the menu will be expanded.
When asked what type of experience he hopes people have when they come to Cantina, Cruz said he wants them to have a similarly satisfying experience like at Posada.
“I hope people leave satisfied with the food,” Cruz said.
Readers can learn more about Cantina and their menu by visiting its Facebook page