Restaurant Report: Urbano 116
Tacos: not just for Tuesdays anymore. Thankfully, since Mexican restaurant Urbano 116 opened this week at 116 King Street, we now we get our fill of tacos, moles, and more any day of the week! If you have a craving for authentic Mexican fare, Common Plate Hospitality’s newest addition will be your new go-to spot.
We stopped by Urbano 116 for their soft opening on Saturday night and boy is Old Town in for a treat! Urbano 116 falls somewhere between Rosa Mexicano and Los Tios. You get high-quality authentic food and drinks for a great price in a trendy, but low-key environment.
This is the first time that award-winning Chef Alam Méndez Florián brings his renowned cuisine to the United States. His traditional menu includes zesty ceviche, assorted tacos, and mole-soaked enchiladas. The daily-made corn tortillas and decadent moles are created during a meticulous 48-hour process and made with all locally sourced ingredients.
Originally from Mexico City, Chef Méndez Florián’s culinary inspiration is rooted in family recipes. His mother rightfully earned the nickname “La Madre de Mole” (Mother of Mole) because of her acclaimed specialties. Méndez Florián attended the Culinary Institute of Mexico in Puebla, where he apprenticed under Chef Angel Vazquez. After graduating, Méndez Florián worked in several Michelin-starred kitchens including Noma Mexico, Fabes, and Arzak.
Co-owner and Chef Chad Sparrow believes diners will feel like they’ve left King Street for the contemporary sights, sounds, and smells of Mexico City. The Alexandria native made sure traditional and contemporary elements were also incorporated in the interior design. The build out features exposed white-washed brick, traditional patterned tiles, neon signs, and a modern mural of a Mexican wrestler by local Latino artist David Amoroso. The restaurant seats 160 people total, with a private dining room for 45 and a large U-shaped bar. Urbano 116 will offer craft cocktails and a large, variegated list of agave-based spirits.
Upon opening, Urbano 116 will offer lunch and dinner service. Guests can also grab chocolate and cinnamon churros at the King Street walk-up window. The restaurant plans to launch brunch in the coming weeks. We have officially begun counting down the days.
For more information visit www.urbano116.com or follow the team on social media @Urbano116.
- About the team
The Patterson Group is one of the most experienced and trusted real estate teams in the area, serving Alexandria, VA for over thirty years. We offer professional, hardworking, detailed and friendly service and a large network of contacts and resources accrued over our many years in Alexandria real estate. Comprised of seven Alexandria locals, six of whom are licensed realtors and three of whom are accredited staging professionals, The Patterson Group is passionate and knowledgeable about Alexandria, VA and here for all of your Northern VA real estate needs. Allow us to help you find your home here and discover all that the Alexandria lifestyle has to offer.
400 South Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.310.6201
