After 22-year-old Johnson County Mexican restaurant closed, here’s what will move in
Before closing this spring, Salsa Grill Cantina served enchiladas and margaritas at 6508 Martway St. in Mission for almost 22 years.
Now, a different Mexican restaurant has moved into the space, promising a slightly different menu than its predecessor. The new restaurant, Los Gallitos, will open Nov. 13.
“I assure you, the food will be wonderful,” said Jennifer Bustos-Gomez, director of operations for Los Gallitos.
Los Gallitos’ owner, Nereyda Torres, hails from Michoacan, Mexico. She and Bustos-Gomez have known each other for 17 years, serving in the restaurant industry in different capacities.
“One reason I love working with her is the genuine concern for her employees or customers,” Bustos-Gomez said.
Torres named the restaurant after her twin 13-year-old boys, nicknamed “Los Gallitos” or “roosters,” for their bold, energetic spirits. Two roosters stand on either side of the restaurant’s sign.
Los Gallitos menu
Los Gallitos will serve authentic Mexican dishes, like enchiladas and menudo (a pork soup Bustos-Gomez says is often touted as a cure for hangovers). Plus, authentic Mexican street tacos.
“Now people are not going to have to drive to the Argentine area to get good street tacos,” she said.
For the “Tex-Mex” side of the menu, Los Gallitos will offer Americanized items like the “everything but the kitchen sink” burrito stuffed with chicken, shrimp, steak, beans, chorizo and rice.
“It’s as big as your face,” Bustos-Gomez said.
Los Gallitos will also serve beer on tap, 32-ounce margaritas — Bustos-Gomez jokingly called them the “need an Uber margaritas” — and cantaritos: a fruity cocktail poured in a small clay jar.
“I can only think of one other Mexican restaurant that has cantaritos, and people love them,” Bustos-Gomez said. “They’re very refreshing.”
The duo says their food will be made fresh daily, including their rice and salsa, for freshness.
Los Gallitos will be available for dine-in or pickup orders.
The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Bustos-Gomez also said they plan to open earlier on the weekends for breakfast and brunch beginning in January or February.
This story was originally published November 3, 2023 at 2:58 PM.