Mixteca Expands Beyond NYC With East Kensington Location Opening This Summer

The cocktail bar will pair agave-forward cocktails with an expanded food menu.

Courtney McGinley Regional Reporter
Mixteca logo (Image credit: Website)

Apres Cru Hospitality, a hospitality management and investment firm, plans to introduce one of its concepts to Philadelphia, giving both the company and the brand their first presence in the city.

Mixteca will open at 2113 E. York St. in East Kensington, taking over the former Martha space. The Philadelphia restaurant will join the concept’s flagship location on Cornelia Street in New York City, which debuted in July 2025, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

The modern agave bar is led by hospitality veterans Jeff Bell and Victor Lopez. Bell is the driving force behind the acclaimed Please Don’t Tell (PDT) speakeasy, hidden behind a phone booth inside the East Village hot dog spot Crif Dogs. Lopez spent years behind the bar at PDT and was one of the venue’s longest-tenured team members, according to Mixteca’s website.

Mixteca emerged from discussions between Bell and Lopez about building a modern agave-focused bar inspired by Lopez’s roots in Puebla, Mexico.

 

Signature cocktails include the Sandita, made with vodka, watermelon, lime, Aperol and cinnamon; the Cantarito, featuring reposado tequila, lime, citrus, Squirt, petróleo and chili-lime seasoning; and the Carajillo, a blend of cold brew, reposado tequila, coffee and Licor 43.

The team plans to continue its daily “Margarita Hour” tradition in Philadelphia, featuring discounted margaritas for guests.

While cocktails will remain central to the concept, the outlet reported the Philadelphia location will place a greater emphasis on food than its New York City counterpart. The menu will feature housemade tortillas, tacos, shareable large-format dishes and a selection of desserts.

The former space is being reimagined while preserving its signature indoor-outdoor atmosphere ahead of a planned July opening. The restaurant will also add a balcony overlooking the dining room and bar, creating a dedicated space for private dining and small events.

Visit the Mixteca website and follow along on Instagram for the latest updates. Stay tuned!

What Now Philadelphia reached out to the team. This article may be updated.

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Regional Reporter
Courtney McGinley is a Regional Reporter based in Philadelphia, PA. A graduate of Penn State University's Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, she has been working as a journalist since earning her degree. Before joining What Now Media Group, Courtney was a Live News Fellow at Newsweek, where she gained experience in writing, breaking news reporting, interviewing, and editing. She was also nominated for a Mid-Atlantic Emmy. Outside of work, Courtney enjoys cooking and exploring new restaurants, coffee shops, and cocktail bars.
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