New West Palm Beach Mexican restaurant opening: Banko Cantina
This Mexican restaurant and tequila bar is slated to open in mid-April (and is hiring now). It will occupy a 1921 landmark building in downtown West Palm Beach. Built originally for the American National Bank, the three-level structure was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1997, and sits at 114 S. Olive Ave. Some of the original wood will be used for the tabletops, as well as the chandeliers and tiles.
Co-owner and restaurateur Sam Sanchez, who also has restaurants in Chicago, will have Chef Seth Kirschbaum creating the menu. They promise to use locally grown and harvested produce and fish when possible, with desserts made in-house and tortillas from the northern region of Mexico. Kirschbaum’s name may sound familiar—he’s also been chef at Darbster and Sublime.
Along with some eye-catching art (pictured), the restaurant will have a rooftop bar, lounge, some private dining space and 130 seats in the main dining room.
Mexican street food-inspired venue to open in Miami: TacoCraft
Speaking of new places to try Mexican dishes, look for the new TacoCraft taqueria & tequila bar in South Miami to open in May (rendering pictured). It will be at 5829 SW 73rd St. Its sister restaurant, ROK:BRGR, is already across the street. These two restaurants already have locations in Fort Lauderdale, in Himmarshee Village, and have been hits there. And there’s a plus for late-night partiers: The taco window will be open on weekends until 4 a.m.!
