A DMV restaurateur is giving an abandoned eatery a second chance. Jaime Vargas, the mind behind San Antonio Bar & Grill, is getting ready to debut his latest concept, Rocoto’s Restaurant and Bakery, in Arlington’s Courthouse neighborhood, reports local media outlet ARLNow.
The restaurant will be serving up Tex-Mex and Latin fusion dishes in its new 2111 Wilson Boulevard, Suite #111 home. Vargas has applied for a liquor license for the location, ensuring future regulars can look forward to enjoying some adult beverages alongside their meals.
Rocoto’s will offer both indoor and al fresco dining; up to 100 guests will be able to relax inside while another 46 will be able to people watch from an outdoor patio.
Rocoto’s will put an emphasis on seafood and its titular chili, which Vargas explains is: “ a very spicy chili. It almost looks like bell pepper, and it’s really, really hot. If you don’t know how hot it is, you should find out.”
It’s not yet explicitly clear when Rocoto’s will open, however Vargas is shooting for an autumn debut-suggesting the restaurant will be customer-ready sooner than later.
Rocoto’s arrival will certainly be a welcome addition to the neighborhood-one sure to be embraced by locals who have awaited a tenant for the space which previously housed the Corner Bakery Cafe. The building has been vacant since the latter eatery’s closure in February of 2023, making a new neighbor cause for celebration.
