New Jersey Tequila Bar Branches to the Hudson Valley
by Gabriella Pryor
While New Jersey isn’t necessarily known for its Mexican food, that doesn’t stop El Toro Loco, a tequila bar and restaurant chain, from expanding. After opening two other locations in New Jersey the chain plans to expand to the Hudson Valley in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
The first New York location for El Toro Loco is going to take the place of the former pub, The Tilted Kilt. Located on 1955 North Road off of Route 9, The Tilted Kilt closed back in May 2018 as a result of “economic downturn,” according to signs posted in the previous Celtic-themed restaurant’s window. Prior to this, the location has gone through a variety of different restaurants and owners, posing the question of what business would be more successful.
El Toro Loco’s first restaurant in Kendall Park, N.J. opened in March of 2019 by owner Woody Patel. Patel has been working towards establishing something authentic and appealing to keep guests entertained as well. The success of Patel’s business model has allowed him to open two other restaurants in South Plainfield, N.J. and Bloomfield, N.J.
Patel has said that one of the main goals of the restaurant is to keep a smile on guest’s faces and come back wanting more. With a mixed menu of authentic Mexican dishes and new spins on classic eats at a reasonable price, this goal seems to be accomplished among New Jersey visitors. According to Kendall Park restaurant manager Richard, “Fridays and Saturdays are out busiest nights. People come for a combination of both the drink and dinner menu offerings.”
According to the El Toro Loco website, “tequila is the drink of choice.” This is no secret with over 100 different varieties of tequila to choose from. El Toro Loco offers a Happy Hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays for diners to indulge in this wide selection.
In addition to a variety of drink and food offerings, El Toro Loco aims towards a desirable aesthetically-pleasing interior. With works of art and decor, the place becomes lively and can be booked for special events and parties. Every weekend the restaurant has themed days such as Retro Fridays, Top 40’s Saturdays, and Sunday Brunch. For those not looking to dine in, the restaurant is looking into building a catering menu for outside parties and events.
It is unclear what this new chain could mean for those living in the Hudson Valley. Yet due to its success thus far in New Jersey, it has shown potential in being a new hotspot for college students and locals with its location near the Galleria Mall and a diverse menu and atmosphere. While there is not yet a scheduled opening date for the location, El Toro Loco could be a place that stays long-term in the Hudson Valley.
