Mercado's Latin Love Cantina Spreads to W. 3rd Manaña

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Mercado on West Third opens tomorrow at the former Faux Pas location, retaining the overall same feel with slight refinements from the original Santa Monica outlet. Jesse Gomez's popular Mexican concept, whose kitchen is helmed by Jose Acevedo and bar is managed by Cesar Arenas (Las Perlas), expands the eatery across multiple rooms, with an open-air dining area up front, a sunken den with a fireplace, and signature high-counter communal tables.

Designed by Ana Henton of MASS Architecture (Lukshon), who places modern wooden chairs and plush leather banquettes along the main sections, one will see a large mural that accents the back room created by L.A artist Carlos Nieto III. The dark wooden ceilings expose rafters in clean, modern way that doesn't necessarily fit with the whole distressed wood motif that's been prevalent, leading to a fresh, inviting ambiance.

Menu specials here include mustard-guajillo beef ribs, crab-stuffed shrimp with serrano bearnaise, filet mignon with rajas poblanas, and chile piquin-rubbed ribeye with jalapeño horseradish cream. So more of the Mexican-style dishes with New American and Southwestern slants. Finally, a signature tequila room where distilled agave and mezcal will be featured. Hours run Monday to Tuesday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., until 11 p.m. from Wednesday to Saturday, and Sunday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Brunch will hopefully begin in a month.
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