-Courtesy of Aversa PR & Events
One of the region’s most popular modern Mexican cantinas is expanding to the heart of the Main Line. Stove and Co. Restaurant Group owners Justin Weathers and Joseph Monnich announce the grand opening of Al Pastor at 13W Benedict Avenue in Havertown, Pennsylvania, in the former home of Town Tap. Look for a fun and festive, family-friendly modern Mexican eatery with an emphasis on great food and margaritas, big flavors, bold colors and a casual welcoming vibe.
The restaurant will open with 90 seats inside, with an extensive outdoor margarita garden with 100 additional seats and big summertime vibes coming later in spring. The food menu will focus on shareables and handhelds, with up to 12 kinds of tacos including five variations of birria tacos, plus burritos, enchiladas, nachos, street corn, three kinds of guacamole, salads, soups, empanadas and other street food favorites. Signature dishes include Mexican fried rice, tuna ceviche tostada, Al Pastor wings with pineapple glaze and Birria Cheesesteak Egg Rolls.
From the bar, look for margaritas in classic varieties as well as flavored, on the rock and frozen. Additionally, look for Ranch Water, Spiked Lemonade, Sangria, Spiked Fresca, AP Aperol Spritz and other signature cocktails. The beer program will feature 12 on tap and mix between Mexican and craft favorites, plus bottles, cans and seltzers.
Al Pastor Havertown is the 2nd Location of the popular suburban modern Mexican eatery. The original location has been an institution in Chester county since 2017. Flavorful tacos, perfect margaritas, and shareable bites have been a staple for fans of Al Pastor, along with beautiful outdoor seating, colorful and bold artwork and design, and top service.
“Al Pastor Havertown is our expression of a modern Cantina that on the outside takes inspiration from the beer and wine gardens you see in Center City. We want to combine big flavors in our street food and drinks with big outdoor vibes and translate that to the suburban setting to be enjoyed with friends at the bar, happy hour with co-workers, and out in the margarita garden with your kids running around. There will be salsa, Latin and reggae favorites to set the scene as guests enjoy games on bright summer days,” said Weathers.
“We are grateful for the support of the local community after a long delay in opening. We are looking forward to what we will bring to this community not just as a reliable restaurant, but as an active community member. We feel at home in Havertown and can’t wait to spend many years as a trusted partner,” said Monnich.
Highlights on the menu include Birria Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, Mexican Fried Rice, Nachos, Crispy Cauliflower Tacos, Pork Belly Al Pastor tacos, Chicken Enchiladas, and Grilled Beef Fajitas. Look for multiple flavored margaritas, seasonal cocktails, and 12 beer tap lines that includes local favorites such as Levante, Tired Hands, and Conshohocken Brewery.
Owners Joe Monnich and Justin Weathers teamed up with Balongue Designs to design this approachable, colorful and comfortable cantina. The space that has roughly 90 seats is decorated with a mixture of sombrero light fixtures and unique ceramic traditional pendants. In addition, wall coverings include bright tiles and vintage Mexican movie posters. Both owners are fans of vintage movies and movie memorabilia. The ambiance is comforting and inviting. The festive atmosphere will make you want to sit back and enjoy great food and drinks. The space was also designed to be family friendly for the nearby Delco families who will want to become regulars.
Outside the restaurant there will be a 3000 sq ft patio and “Margarita Garden” covered by pergola for shade. This area will be a premier location for outdoor dining in Delaware county. Expect 70+ seats, a play area, and live music in warmer weather months.
THE STORY OF AL PASTOR
“As Joe and I began our restaurant group in the Philadelphia Suburbs, we thought about the things that made us happy in the city,” said Weathers. “We looked for opportunities to bring those amazing details from the city food scene to smaller communities. We always knew that we wanted to do a unique Mexican concept, which is how we designed our idea for Al Pastor. Al Pastor opened in 2016 and we are proud to now introduce our second location in the heart of the Main Line.”
Weathers explained the inspiration for the new concept came from the early origins of the meaning of “Al Pastor”- when Lebanese immigrants came to Mexico in the 1900s, with them bringing the famous gyro made of lamb and spices. From this comes what was believed to be the first instance of true “fusion” cuisine. The locals began to make the gyro but with seasoned pork. They would let the juice of a fresh pineapple sweeten and caramelize the meat and then serve it on tacos.
“The memories that the two of us have over the years with our employees that we wanted to recreate was the bonding of friends over Mexican street food,” added Weathers. “This is something that Philly is rich in due to the strong Mexican immigrant culture that has made their home here. Mexican fusion is just a use of cool ingredients and techniques and blending them with food truck flavor and style. We pride ourselves on using the freshest ingredients to put together simple yet bold flavors. We use the traditional corn tortillas because we love the deep layers of flavor that make the tacos special. We use fire, smoke, and fresh ingredients to create flavor and personality in the food.”
Weathers explained that is the same approach the duo took for the bar program. He said, “You won’t find any bottled sour mix in this bar, where the role of bartender also means prep cook. Juicing fresh fruit, making mixes, and lots of muddling and straining make this bar the spot for margaritas. But I also love our mojitos! There is no better example of a fresh fruit cocktail than one that is made right in front of your eyes. We believe that when you are going after a great cocktail, you want to be transported to another place. For us, that is the tropics, the sandy beaches, and fresh fruit stands. Our team is here to celebrate the beauty of tequila and mezcal as our cultural ambassadors for Mexico. “
MENU ITEMS OF INTEREST:
Al Pastor Nachos (GF, V)- Charred corn, beans, jack cheese, jalapeño, cilantro, pickled onions, sour cream, chipotle aioli | Add Grilled Chicken, Taco beef, Chorizo, Carnitas or Chili
Birria Cheesesteak Egg Rolls- Smoked Jalapenos, Jack Cheese, Beef Consume
Mexican Fried Rice (V)- Fried egg, peppers, chilis, chipotle aioli, pickled onion, micro cilantro | Add Pork Belly, Taco Beef, Carnitas or Grilled Chicken
Tuna Ceviche Tostada- leche de tigre, kiwi, smash avocado.
Mexican Street Corn Salad- guava vinaigrette, roasted corn, jicama, carrot, bell peppers, arugula, cotija cheese, tajin
Spicy Tempeh & Veggies Burrito (V)- Pico de gallo, rice, corn, beans, smoky jalapeno relish, avocado, Monterey jack, lettuce, dragon fire sauce, sour cream
Churros- served with chocolate sauce
AP Choco Taco- 6″ crispy flour tortilla, cinnamon sugar, vanilla ice cream, chocolate ganache, whipped cream, jimmies
Mexican Flan- Hints of vanilla and almond, custard, whipped cream, cherry
Al Pastor Havertown is set to open officially on Thursday March 7th at 11:00am. They will debut lunch, happy hour and dinner service, with hours seven days a week, with hours Monday to Thursday, 11:00am and 9:00pm, Friday and Saturday, 11:00am to 10:00pm, and Sunday, 11:00am to 8:00pm. Happy hour will start March 11th, Monday to Friday, 4:00pm to 6:00pm. For more information about Al Pastor, call 484-455-4585, visit www.eatalpastorhavertown.com and follow @eatalpastordelco on social media.
This is the 8th restaurant and bar in Stove and Co’s restaurant portfolio which includes Stove and Tap Lansdale, Stove and Tap West Chester, Al Pastor Exton, Al Pastor Havertown, DePaul’s Table, Revival Pizza Chester Springs, and Joey Chops Malvern, plus Stove and Co’s unique Bar Concept, HBU Good, Bad, and Ugly below Stove and Tap West Chester’s restaurant.
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