Day Of Dead-Themed Mexican Restaurant To Open Across From Disneyland

ANAHEIM, CA — A Day of the Dead-inspired, Mexican restaurant is poised to open in Anaheim May 27, within walking distance to Disneyland and featuring a patio providing nighttime views of the park's fireworks.

Calaca Mamas Cantina, a family-friendly venture conceived by a sister-restaurateur duo who loves Mexican food and Día de Muertos fests, will move into the former Captain Kidd's Family Restaurant space on Harbor Boulevard.

“While we have been in the restaurant industry for many years, this is our first where we have built the concept from the ground up," said Mariam El Haj, the eatery's co-owner, along with her sister, Angela. "Since Day of the Dead traditions and celebrations have always resonated with Angela and I, despite not being Mexican ourselves, we wanted to pay homage to a culture that celebrates life and honor that heritage while still creating a space that was uniquely us."

Calaca Mamas Cantina's decor puts Day of the Dead on the forefront, with large murals by local street artists from the Los Angeles design studio Splatterhaus, along with art from the Orange County sisters’ travels to Mexico. A double-sided altar, connecting the dining room and cantina, will feature marigolds as a dedication to El Hajs’ parents, who have passed.

As for the food, the sisters plan traditional Mexican fare — some with a twist.

"When it came to the restaurant menu and bar program, we knew that we wanted to stick to tradition and highlight authentic Mexican dishes while also infusing it with fun and elements of the unexpected,” Angela said.

Menu options to include: chilaquiles con huevos; tacos, burritos and bowls; huevos rancheros; a "Walking Taco" with chicken tinga, carne asada, cheese, lettuce and pico de gallo in a bag of Fritos corn chips; "Tots con Todo," a dish with carne asada and queso atop crispy tater tots; and "Achiote Al Mar" featuring achiote-marinated mahi mahi, avocado salad, tomatillo salsa, red rice and beans.

The dessert menu will include a tabletop "Churro Cart" and "Abuela’s Flan," from a family recipe passed down to the sisters.

A cantina area will open to an open-air patio with fire pit and views of Disney's fireworks display.

The bar, with boozy or virgin options, will offer cocktails and such margaritas as "Churros on Ice Margarita," and "Pina Rica," inspired by Disney's Dole Whip.

The former, buffet-style Captain Kidd's space was renovated into the new eatery, which now will seat 200 patrons, along with offering a larger, semi-private area to accommodate parties up to 12.

At 1550 S. Harbor Blvd., Calaca Mamas will be open seven days a week for breakfast lunch and dinner.

For opening updates, follow Calaca Mamas Cantina's website here, or here on Facebook and Instagram.

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