Restaurant Report: Urbano 116

Tacos: not just for Tuesdays anymore. Thankfully, since Mexican restaurant Urbano 116 opened this week at 116 King Street, we now we get our fill of tacos, moles, and more any day of the week! If you have a craving for authentic Mexican fare, Common Plate Hospitality's newest addition will be your new go-to spot.We stopped by Urbano 116 for their soft opening on Saturday night and boy is Old Town in for a treat! Urbano 116 falls somewhere between Rosa Mexicano and Los Tios. You get high-quality authentic food and drinks for a great price in a trendy, but low-key environment.This is the first time that award-winning Chef Alam Méndez Florián brings his renowned cuisine to the United States. His traditional menu includes zesty ceviche, assorted tacos, and mole-soaked enchiladas. The daily-made corn tortillas and decadent moles are created during a meticulous 48-hour process and made with all locally sourced ingredients.[nemus_slider id="56685"]Originally from Mexico City, Chef Méndez Florián’s culinary inspiration is rooted in family recipes. His mother rightfully earned the nickname “La Madre de Mole” (Mother of Mole) because of her acclaimed specialties. Méndez Florián attended the Culinary Institute of Mexico in Puebla, where he apprenticed under Chef Angel Vazquez. After graduating, Méndez Florián worked in several Michelin-starred kitchens including Noma Mexico, Fabes, and Arzak.Co-owner and Chef Chad Sparrow believes diners will feel like they’ve left King Street for the contemporary sights, sounds, and smells of Mexico City. The Alexandria native made sure traditional and contemporary elements were also incorporated in the interior design. The build out features exposed white-washed brick, traditional patterned tiles, neon signs, and a modern mural of a Mexican wrestler by local Latino artist David Amoroso. The restaurant seats 160 people total, with a private dining room for 45 and a large U-shaped bar. Urbano 116 will offer craft cocktails and a large, variegated list of agave-based spirits.Upon opening, Urbano 116 will offer lunch and dinner service. Guests can also grab chocolate and cinnamon churros at the King Street walk-up window. The restaurant plans to launch brunch in the coming weeks. We have officially begun counting down the days.For more information visit www.urbano116.com or follow the team on social media @Urbano116.