Antojitos Mexicanos Kitchen and Cantina opens Monday in downtown Appleton at 204 E. College Ave, a restaurant space that previously housed 1910 Sausage Co.
The nearly 8-year-old Antojitos Mexicanos moved from a much smaller location on Richmond Street to this more rustic and larger setting.
Fernando Almanza, who owns the restaurant with sister Veronica Banda, said he’s been hearing from regulars who are concerned they’ll change too much with the move.
“The flavors and recipes will stay the same,” he said. “They’ll be prepared by the same people.”
“But they might be stirring with a brand new spoon,” said Kristina Almanza, his wife who helped with building preparations.
“The main menu is similar to what we had before. We brought the best from the other place and we will be doing our new fusion menu as specials every week. We’ve got crazy ideas in the kitchen sometimes,” he added.
He’s referring to taking the classic Mexican cooking of his childhood, including his mom’s gorditas, and adding different sauces. They might combine tamarind and guajillo chili sauces or tomatillo with guava.
“It’s homestyle with more modern flavors,” he said.
The extensive menu includes burritos, chimichangas and tacos, but also things like ceviche, molcajete dishes and grilled steaks. It has more vegetarian dishes. It features brunch specials everyday and fast lunch specials on weekdays starting at $7.50.
The restaurant will now be open every day. It resumes limited hours on Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. On weekends, it also sells carnitas and birria de chivo (goat cooked in a red chili sauce) by the pound for take-out.
The family put about $70,000 into renovations, including a newly constructed bar in the back portion of the building.
Reservations are taken during the week, and they suggest large groups call ahead on weekends. 920-380-0244.