Mi Cozumel is expanding its Greater Cincinnati footprint with a new location at 310 Straight St. in Clifton, bringing the family-owned Mexican restaurant’s colorful atmosphere, extensive menu and signature margaritas to Hotel Celare.
The restaurant announced September 3 that it will open inside The District at Clifton Heights and Hotel Celare, a multimillion-dollar development. Mi Cozumel will occupy more than 6,400 square feet on the ground floor of Hotel Celare, with an additional 1,173-square-foot patio.
The upcoming restaurant will take over the space formerly occupied by Cap City Fine Diner and Bar, a Cameron Mitchell Restaurants concept that opened in December 2024 before closing roughly nine months later.
What Now spoke with Diana Jaime, Marketing and Operations Manager for Mi Cozumel, about the upcoming Clifton location and what guests can expect from the new restaurant.
Mi Cozumel was founded in 2018, with its first location opening at Tri-County Mall in Cincinnati. According to Jaime, the restaurant was created around the idea of giving guests an immersive Mexican experience that goes beyond traditional expectations.
“It’s not only mariachi and tacos,” Jaime said, explaining that the concept incorporates Mexican culture through its colors, décor and overall atmosphere. Much of the restaurant group’s décor is handmade by small communities in Mexico, while its beverage program includes more than 40 margarita flavors.
As the concept gained traction, Mi Cozumel expanded throughout the Cincinnati area, opening locations in Finneytown, Oakley and Lebanon. Jaime said the company’s continued expansion reflects the response it has received from customers.
The restaurant also adapted its business during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it began offering margaritas to go in colorful, entertaining cups. The drinks were available in both alcoholic and nonalcoholic versions, including options for children. Jaime said the takeout beverage program became a significant success for the company during a difficult period for restaurants.
The Clifton location will continue Mi Cozumel’s focus on creating an experience alongside its food and drinks. The restaurant’s menu features more than 300 items and more than 90 signature drinks, according to Jaime.
Among the offerings guests can expect are the restaurant’s signature Margarita Tower, which holds nearly 100 ounces and can be customized with more than 40 margarita flavors. Other popular offerings include the Queen Margarita, flaming fajitas, tableside guacamole and daiquiris.
The new location will also introduce coffee, smoothies and traditional Mexican sweet bread. Like other Mi Cozumel restaurants, the Clifton location is expected to feature entertainment, including the restaurant’s dancing robot and gorilla shows. Two private rooms are also planned for the location.
Families will also find an updated kids menu designed to make dining more interactive. Jaime said the menu includes a reusable dry-erase activity that allows children to draw while dining. Guests can submit their artwork for a chance to win a $50 gift card.
For adults and families looking for more affordable options, Mi Cozumel will offer a weekday lunch menu with more than 30 options priced below $15, served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A lower-priced happy hour menu will also feature options such as burrito bowls and quesadillas.
The restaurant’s design will follow Mi Cozumel’s colorful aesthetic while incorporating a more elegant feel. Jaime described the planned atmosphere as a balance between folklore and elegance, with colorful elements, gold accents and décor intended to highlight Mexican culture.
The Clifton restaurant will span more than 6,400 square feet, although the company has not yet determined its final guest capacity.
Mi Cozumel expects the new restaurant to open before the end of 2026. The company plans to hire locally, with at least 35 employees expected at the Clifton location.
For Jaime and the Mi Cozumel team, the Clifton opening represents another milestone for the family-owned and operated restaurant group. She described reaching the company’s next stage of expansion as a dream that has taken years of work from the family and its employees.
The company is also planning additional growth. Jaime said Mi Cozumel is preparing to open a location in Florence, Kentucky, followed by planned locations in Clifton, Toledo and Centerville in Dayton, while the company is also exploring an expansion into Columbus.
Jaime said the Clifton location is particularly exciting because of its position near Hotel Celare and the surrounding development. She expects the restaurant to attract hotel guests and visitors to the area while also bringing additional activity to nearby businesses.
Above all, Mi Cozumel wants the Clifton restaurant to deliver the same memorable experience that has become part of the brand’s identity.
“We are always surprising our clients,” Jaime said, describing the concept as one built around entertainment, food, drinks and the personality of its staff.
With its large footprint, patio, extensive menu and entertainment-focused approach, the upcoming Mi Cozumel will add another destination-style dining option to Cincinnati’s Clifton neighborhood.
