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Mexican street food and cocktails are nothing new in Houston but a new spot on the Washington Corridor is hoping to redefine the cantina theme.

El Venado, billed as a modern cantina with traditional Mexican cocktails and a tacos menu, is set to open June 13 at 6502 Washington.

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Tequila and mezcal cocktails are the focus of the bar menu, including Cucumber Fresco (tequila, lime, cucumber, mint and Topo Chico), Strawberry Sabor (tequila, amaretto, strawberry and lemon), El Venado Old Fashioned (aged tequila, mezcal, bitters and cinnamon), Anna Maria (gin, sherry, grapefruit, lemon, black pepper, and rosemary), and Mexican 75, a take on the French 75 with tequila, lemon, raspberries and sparkling wine. For food there are street-style tacos (grilled chicken, chicken tinga, bistek, chorizo, fish, or crispy cauliflower), tostadas, nachos, sopes, and elotes. The brunch menu will offer dishes such as Latin shakshuka, chilaquiles, churros, and dulce de leche ice cream.

The indoor/outdoor space (set in the former Revolver) offers a 1,500-square-foot interior anchored by a large bar, and 1,200-square-foot patio; the design of deep blue colors and rattan chandeliers is mean to suggest a chic cantina-inspired icehouse vibe.

“We’re excited to offer a place where folks can kick back and enjoy themselves,” said owner Alexander Noons. “Inside, it’ll feel like an upscale mezcal bar, and outside will be an approachable space for familiar cocktails and bites with friends.” 

El Venado will be open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to midnight, Saturday 10:30 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Greg Morago writes about food for the Houston Chronicle. Follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Send him news tips at greg.morago@chron.com. Hear him on our BBQ State of Mind podcast to learn about Houston and Texas barbecue culture.

Greg Morago was a features editor and reporter for The Hartford Courant for 25 years before joining the Houston Chronicle as food editor in 2009. He writes about food, restaurants, spirits, travel, fashion and beauty. He is a native Arizonan and member of the Pima tribe of the Gila River Indian Community.

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