Mexican restaurant to join Gringos on First Ave. SE

The First Avenue block across from the Crowne Plaza Five Seasons hotel is about to have its second Mexican restaurant.

La Cantina has leased space in the former Berthel Fisher & Co. building at the southeast corner of First Avenue and Second Street SE, confirmed landlord Steve Emerson.

Temporary signs indicating the restaurant is on its way were posted on Monday, July 5,  and there were signs the renovation was already under way.

The identity of the owners was not immediately known. La Cantina Bar & Grill was incorporated by the Iowa Secretary of State's Office on April 21, listing Christian Barrios of Cedar Rapids at its registered agent.

The future location is only two doors down from the long-established Gringos restaurant at 207 First Ave. SE., and about eight blocks from Hacienda Las Glorias, 715 First Ave. SW, and El Mercadito, 700 First Ave. SW.

Emerson said he thinks the new addition will be good for the downtown area by attracting more retail traffic.