Restaurateurs Jeff Motch and Clea Hantman, known for their work with Panama 66 and Blind Lady Ale House, are preparing to open a new restaurant concept in Balboa Park.
The duo will be taking over the vacant Village Grill space in the Spanish Village Art Center, a high-traffic area next to the Moreton Bay fig tree and the carousel, according to San Diego Magazine. This move follows a year-long journey to secure the location after the Village Grill closed in 2017. Motch and Hantman first expressed interest in the space shortly after its closure but faced delays.
After several years and some persistence, they successfully secured the space in October 2024 after a formal bid process. The building, which was built in 1973, requires extensive renovations. While the two business owners are excited about the project, they have not finalized specifics like the menu, liquor license, or opening date.
The new eatery will feature a garden-inspired design with ample seating for on-site dining and takeout options, catering to the park’s vibrant picnic culture. Motch and Hantman are eager to bring more dining options to the park, which they feel has long been underserved regarding bars and bistros. Despite the lengthy timeline and challenges ahead, the duo is committed to making their vision a reality.
Motch and Hantman opened Blind Lady Ale House in Normal Heights in 2009, establishing it within San Diego’s indie beer scene. In 2014, they expanded their culinary footprint with the launch of Panama 66 at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park, offering a vibrant mix of food, drinks, and live music in a scenic outdoor setting. The duo will now return to Balboa Park for a new, yet-to-be-named concept that will take over the long-vacant Village Grill.
“We are excited to work with Jeff and Clea to develop an eatery that best serves the park and its visitors,” said Christina Bibler, the city’s economic development director. “Creating a vibrant restaurant in Balboa Park can come with unique complexities, but given their successful background and excitement for the project, we’re confident it will become a beloved destination in the park.”
