El Vago Mexican Kitchen Set to Open in Greenville, Bringing a Modern Twist to Traditional Cuisine

El Vago Mexican Kitchen Set to Spice Up Greenville with Modern Mexican Flavors

Greenville is buzzing with excitement as a new culinary gem, El Vago Mexican Kitchen, prepares to open its doors in the heart of downtown come April 2025. This family-owned restaurant promises to introduce a refreshing twist to traditional Mexican cuisine, combining authentic flavors with modern flair.

A Fresh Start Amidst Change

Just a stone’s throw away from the closing of beloved gastropub The Velo Fellow, the owners of El Vago are ready to bring a new vibe to the well-loved 7,000-square-foot space. Jonathan Sanchez, the enthusiastic owner, along with his wife and business partner, Sonia Barillas, aim to create a vibrant dining experience, complete with live music and a lively atmosphere.

After nearly 14 years in business, The Velo Fellow will close its doors the week of December 8. Sanchez and Barillas, who marked the launch of their first El Vago location in Columbia in August, believe the time is right to step into this dynamic community. “Greenville is such a vibrant city; we wanted to add a place we would love to visit ourselves,” Sanchez shared.

Culinary Inspirations and Unique Offerings

El Vago will be the second location of a concept that highlights the duo’s passion for Mexican culinary traditions. Sanchez noted that their initial plans involved opening a Hispanic market, Maz Fresco, but upon discovering the unique downtown space previously held by The Velo Fellow, they reimagined the opportunity for a full-service restaurant.

As for the menu? Get ready for a blend of the familiar and the unexpected! Traditional offerings like homemade taco fillings—think al pastor, birria, and carne asada—will take center stage. Diners will enjoy customizing their dishes to their heart’s content. Not to mention, the menu will also include regional specialties like menudo and pozole, reflecting authentic Mexican flavors.

But that’s not all; the kitchen is set to experiment with some fun twists on traditional dishes, including sushi that embraces Mexican flavors, like fried shrimp sushi rolls and the innovative birria eggroll. Fancy a plate of ceviche? Look out for seafood offerings that showcase regions like Nayarit.

Creating an Experience

Sanchez and Barillas are committed to combining food with an experience—much like those they discovered during travels to places like California and Miami. Their aspiration? To create a hub where patrons can dine, drink, and dance, fully immersed in the lively atmosphere. Sanchez shared, “If you decide you want to get up and dance, you could, and no one would bat an eye.”

Embracing Greenville’s Evolution

While some might mourn the closing of long-standing establishments like The Velo Fellow, others recognize it’s all part of Greenville’s evolution. With an uptick in popularity, downtown has witnessed several businesses transform or move locations. Macy Scoggins, a retail brokerage associate, remarked on the bittersweet nature of change. “It’s sad to see some businesses go, but it’s encouraging to see how the regional market feels about Greenville as a whole,” she said.

As Sánchez steps into this new chapter, he acknowledges the community’s attachment to its past while expressing hope for El Vago to carve out its own place in the city. He emphasized, “I saw people’s love for the previous restaurant, and I hope to create a space that fosters that same sense of community.”

A Culinary Future Awaits

The couple plans to move from Columbia to Greenville this year, bringing their passion to a new home. In the meantime, they’re hard at work planning an extensive renovation of the space and curating a menu that balances both traditional and unique Mexican offerings. Expect a robust drink menu featuring tequila and mezcal, as well as a kid’s menu to welcome families.

So, mark your calendars and get ready to savor the flavors at El Vago Mexican Kitchen, where traditional Mexican fare meets modern presentations. It’s not just about food; it’s about creating lasting memories in a lively setting. Keep a lookout for updates as the opening day approaches—you won’t want to miss it!