Puerto Vallarta, A New Mexican Restaurant, Opens In Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — At long last, Puerto Vallarta, a new Mexican restaurant with seven other locations in Connecticut, has opened in Stamford.

The eatery, located at 230 Tresser Blvd., at the Stamford Town Center, marked its first day in business on Monday.

Owner Esaul Rodriguez expressed excitement to see his latest endeavor finally come to fruition. The new location was first announced in November 2021.

"I'm very excited. Every restaurant is like a child for me," Esaul told Patch minutes before opening at 11 a.m. Monday.

There are also Puerto Vallarta restaurants in Newington, Middletown, Southington, Avon, Orange, Fairfield, and Danbury.

"People can expect excellent service, a great time, and great food at a very reasonable price," Esaul added.

Described as being contemporary and modern, yet authentic, most of the menu will be similar to other locations.

However, according to operations director Josh Rodriguez — no relation to Esaul — Stamford will feature expanded seafood offerings, from tuna to octopus, and a raw bar, with oysters and more. Specialties will also include beef and chicken dishes.

But there will also be classic offerings on the expansive menu, like a variety of sizzling fajitas, quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, tacos and salads. Dishes are given a personalized touch with secret family sauces.

A children’s menu will be available with smaller portions, lower prices and milder flavors.

Puerto Vallarta Stamford also has a wide range of drink specials and craft cocktails, and a large selection of tequila and frozen drinks. A giant wall featuring an array of tequilas separates the bar area from the main dining room.

For the first week of operation, Josh said there will be a focus on the main menu. Lunch specials are expected to be launched as early as next week, and weekend brunch will be offered in the future, too.

The restaurant is about 7,500 square feet, and sits at least 200 people inside, including about 30 seats at a large bar — the biggest of any Puerto Vallarta restaurant. There is also a small outdoor patio.

About 80-90 full and part-time employees will work at Puerto Vallarta Stamford.

"This is redefining pretty much what a Mexican restaurant experience will be in Connecticut," Josh said. "I don't think you're going to find a Mexican restaurant like this anywhere in the state. I don't think that's an understatement."

Esaul 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, Esaul opened his own restaurant in Oregon in 1991.

After several years there, Esaul decided to bring his cuisine east for new opportunities. He did research at a local library, and circled Connecticut on a map.

In 1999, Esual opened up a restaurant in West Hartford Center.

Esaul said there hasn't been this much excitement for a new Puerto Vallarta since then.

"There's been a lot of positive feedback and reaction and people interested in what we do," he said. "We're excited."

Puerto Vallarta Stamford will open at 11 a.m. every day. Lunch will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and dinner will be offered until closing.

The kitchen will be open until about 11 p.m. on weekdays, and midnight on weekends. The bar will be open for about an hour or so after the kitchen closes.

There will be an online ordering system for takeout. Delivery will be available at a future date.

Reservations will be accepted each day, except during busy hours on weekends.

For more information, visit Puerto Vallarta's website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.