New Restaurant Brings Upscale Latin Fusion To Downtown Stratford

STRATFORD, CT — Fans of Stratford eatery Cibus who want to enjoy its blend of South American and Spanish cuisine in a more upscale setting can now visit Cibus's new sister restaurant, Cibus dos.

The business opened July 18 on Main Street. Local officials gathered Friday for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the restaurant.

"As soon as we opened, we had a really, really good response," said owner Maya Cabrera, a Stratford resident.

Cibus dos is a more grown-up version of her first restaurant, Cabrera said, providing a place for people to sit and relax or enjoy a date. The menu offers a twist on Latin American classics, with empanadas, lobster, steak and the popular parrillada — a shareable dish featuring chicken, sausage, pork and three types of steak. Unlike the original Cibus, the new restaurant has a full bar, including craft cocktails like a coconut mojito and passion fruit margarita.

The decor features light colors, silver finishes and antiques, with an open seating lounge where customers can wait for a table while sipping a drink.

Before Cibus dos took over the storefront at 2415 Main St., the location was occupied by Maxwell's American Grille, which closed earlier this year, according to Stratford Director of Economic Development Mary Dean.

"She really revamped it," Dean said of Cabrera.

Cabrera decided to open a second restaurant to accommodate customer demand with a bigger space and a more central location, she said. The new business offers an opportunity for people on Stratford's north side to become acquainted with the Cibus brand. The original restaurant is located at 1 Woodend Road, on the south side of town.

"This location gives more attention to the other one," Cabrera said.

Cibus dos has plans to start hosting jazz nights on Thursdays, according to Cabrera, and may expand to karaoke nights as well.

“The original Cibus has been a signature restaurant in Stratford, serving amazing Latin fusion cuisine by expanding the international palette of dining experiences available in town,” Mayor Laura Hoydick said in a news release. “I have every expectation that the new Cibus dos will continue to deliver the excellence that Maya Cabrera and her team have brought to Stratford.”

For more information, visit cibuslatinfusion.com.