New Mexican Restaurant To Open In Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — Puerto Vallarta, a family-owned Mexican restaurant with seven other locations in Connecticut, will open in Stamford in spring of 2022.

The new spot will be located at 230 Tresser Blvd. and the Stamford Town Center, next to Capital Grille in the same building where Mitchell's Fish Market and later Rascal Flatts used to be. The restaurant will be 7,500 square feet, and sit at least 200 people.

Owner Esaul Rodriguez has had an eye on Stamford for several years. He said he's excited to join the community and share the cuisine from his hometown of Unión de Tula, Jalisco, Mexico.

"I'm very excited," Rodriguez told Patch. "It's been my dream for the last 15 years to go to that area, and finally it's happened... It's going to be a very beautiful restaurant. We have a theater designer working on it, and we're really working to make a splash and make sure people are really happy in the whole area there."

The hope is to open by April 2022, but with global supply chain issues, Rodriguez said the timeframe could change.

Described as being contemporary and modern yet authentic, most of the menu will be similar to other Puerto Vallarta locations in Newington, Middletown, Southington, Avon, Orange, Fairfield, and Danbury. But a portion of the menu will be unique to Stamford, Rodriguez said.

Specialties include beef, chicken, and seafood dishes and many other classic selections like a variety of sizzling fajitas, quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, tacos and salads. Dishes are given a personalized touch with secret family sauces.

Guests can expect an expansive menu selection and large portions. A children’s menu will be available with smaller portions, lower prices and milder flavors.

Puerto Vallarta also has a wide range of drink specials, and a large selection of tequila and frozen drinks.

Rodriguez came to the United States in 1989 from Mexico at the age of 16 with just $6 to his name, and didn't speak English. He worked for his uncle, who owned several restaurants in the Seattle, Wash. area.

After learning the ins and outs of the business and working in different roles, Rodriguez opened his own restaurant in Oregon in 1991.

After several years in a rural section of Oregon, Rodriguez decided to bring his cuisine east for new opportunities. He did research at a local library, and circled Connecticut.

In 1999, Rodriguez opened up a restaurant in West Hartford Center. Over 20 years later, he will now have eight locations. He eventually wants to move into New York.

"Food and Mexican culture is a celebration. When somebody comes to your house, you always offer food. It's part of who you are, it's part of your DNA," Rodriguez said. "To me, food isn't something to just nourish yourself. It's something to celebrate and to have a good time and celebration with."

For more information, visit the Puerto Vallarta website.