A new Mexican restaurant is taking shape in Haverhill.
Fiesta Bonita Mexican Bar & Grill owner Gary Ortiz recently secured a liquor license through the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, clearing another hurdle for the restaurant’s opening at 242 Winter Street. The building is currently undergoing a full-scale renovation, and Ortiz hopes to welcome guests around his birthday on November 3, 2026.
The project represents a major transformation for the Winter Street property, which previously housed longtime neighborhood watering hole RG’s Pub. The pub closed in November 2024, and Ortiz subsequently purchased the building and began the renovation, which has now been underway for more than a year.
Though an official menu has not yet been released, the restaurant will serve authentic Mexican fare, with Ortiz bringing on a chef who was born and raised in Mexico and spent roughly a decade working in restaurants in Oregon. The chef also has family ties to the area, with his sister operating restaurants in Athol and Orange.
“He finally decided to move here,” Ortiz told What Now Boston. “He wants to reunite with his family, and we offered him the opportunity to become our chef.”
Fiesta Bonita will also have a major entertainment focus, featuring around three “giant,” high-quality LED screens, including one for karaoke. Additionally, the team plans to host live entertainment such as comedians, singers, and a three-piece band.
“We’re going to have one of the best entertainment restaurants in the state,” Ortiz said. “I want the people to feel like they are in Vegas. Trying to get something modern to the city.”
There is still plenty of work to be done before Fiesta Bonita can open. Ortiz said crews are currently working on electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and other projects, with final inspections still needed. Still, he remains hopeful that the restaurant will be ready to welcome guests this fall.
Once open, Fiesta Bonita is expected to operate Tuesday through Thursday and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., and on Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. The restaurant will also need to obtain its occupancy permit from the city before welcoming guests.
For Ortiz, this project is about more than just opening another dining destination. He hopes Fiesta Bonita will attract guests from across Massachusetts and New Hampshire while becoming part of Haverhill’s growing restaurant scene and waterfront community.
“We invite people to come enjoy our food and try us,” Ortiz said. “We’re going to try to do the best we can.”
