A new Mexican restaurant has opened in New Jersey, and if you love tequila, this is the spot for you.
File under facts you need to know for your next night out: The new Meximodo Cocina Mexicana & Tequila Bar in Metuchen has the largest selection of tequila and agave in the country and the most bottles of tequila/mezcal in the world with over 1000+ unique bottle selections to choose from!
On National Tequila Day, which is July 24, Meximodo will celebrate a major milestone: a judge from the historic Guinness Book of World Records will present Meximodo with a certificate awarding them the Guinness World Record for the “most varieties of agave spirits commercially available in a bar/restaurant in the world”. After, Meximodo will hold its 1,000 Agaves Party to celebrate National Tequila Day.
Before you walk into the restaurant, you’ll see the stunning bar through the glass windows. But this is so much more than an amazingly stocked bar. It’s a Mexican hot spot with a menu filled with classics with a modern twist, created by Executive Chef Antonio Carballo. Your meal will start with a basket of fried tortillas but this is no ordinary chips & salsa. The giant chips come with a selection of pico de gallo, a garlic tapenade, crema and fresh lemon.
The guacamole can be blended with corn and roasted cherry tomatoes, pineapple and mango, pomegranate and pine nuts, or chorizo.
Appetizers include queso fundido with candied pumpkin seeds, which is hot and melted, sweet and salty. The chilaquiles, aka Mexican lasagna, is a big enough to order as your entree. Coconut Tiger’s Milk ceviche has market fish mixed with coconut leche, avocado, heirloom tomatoes, red onion and macha oil.
The tacos come three per order, and range from chicken and steak to roasted cauliflower and jicama.
The Chef’s Favorite entree is pollo con mole: adobo-marinated roasted chicken with mole poblano sauce. The Nayarit-style red snapper comes with pineapple pico de gallo and white rice. Chile en Nogada is a dish of roasted poblano pepper mixed with vegetarian stone fruit filling, a creamy walnut sauce and pomegranate – it’s as beautiful as it is creamy.
The kids’ menu includes cheese quesadilla, chicken tenders and a smash burger, all served with fries.
The dessert here is worth saving room for. The chipotle chocolate lava cake gushes with ganache, and has a scoop of creamy Mexican vanilla ice cream on the side. The churros come with Mexican chocolate and Dulce de Leche dipping sauces. And if you like flan, try their corn flan, which has chantilly, raspberry and chocolate shavings.
There are lots of vegetarian options on the menu, and the waitstaff will ask you about any allergies. The menu shows which items are vegetarian, contain nuts and are spicy.
The cocktails here are a must. We highly recommend the Chile Cha-Cha pick-your-spice margarita. There are three levels of hotness, in addition to regular Meximodo margaritas. The Manarita is inspired by The Rock and his Teremana Blanco Tequila, adding in black pepper, basil, fresh lime and a cherry tomato. Tamarindo has Pueblo Viejo Tequila, Tamarindo, Chinola passion fruit liqueur, mint, agave and fresh lime, making it sweet yet refreshing. El Jefe, which is the owner’s favorite, is made with Illegal Mezcal Joven, green chartreuse, Luxardo, pineapple, fresh lime and sparking water – this one is strong! La Catrina has saffron-infused tequila, fresh strawberry and lime.
The list of agave and tequila flights is so long, you need to scan a QR code. There is a wine and beer list, plus non-alcoholic Mexican soda.
The restaurant has two floors, with a private upstairs dining room (with its own bar). The decor is stunning.
Meximodo Cocina Mexicana & Tequila Bar is located at 5 Pearl St., Metuchen. The restaurant is open from 4-11 pm daily. It’s a central Jersey hot spot so make sure to make reservations in advance. The restaurant is a 3-minute walk from the train station, and you can park for free in the nearby Pearl Street lot if you get your ticket validated by Meximodo.
Meximodo is part of Le Malt Hospitality Group, which has locations in Red Bank, Colonia and Staten Island. The restaurant was designed by Celano Design Studio.
Check out our reel on Instagram for highlights from the grand opening of Meximodo!
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