Worcester Eatery Moving Downtown

Popular Mexican restaurant Mezcal Tequila Cantina has outgrown its Shrewsbury Street location and is moving closer to downtown Worcester, according to City Manager Michael O'Brien.

O'Brien said Mezcal will relocate to ground-floor space in the Major Taylor Boulevard Garage. The space has been vacant since the closing of Sh-Booms nightclub.

O'Brien said Niche Operations, which manages Mezcal, has signed a 10-year lease with two, five-year options with the city for 11,466 square feet of space on the first floor. According to the city assessor's date, Mezcal's Shrewsbury Street location is about a third of that size, at 4,872 square feet.

"The new Mezcal Tequila Cantina will bring new vibrancy and vitality to the DCU Center and the downtown dining scene," he said. "With a unique menu and theme, outdoor tables enlivening the sidewalk, and validated parking, Mezcal will draw customers from Worcester and beyond."

O'Brien added that the city is working with Mezcal to improve the garage's façade and awnings, and to install signage.

Niche also operates restaurants near the DCU Center, including the Citizen Wine+Cheese+Chocolate Bar, the People's Kitchen, and Still and Stir Cocktail and Whiskey Bar, all at One Exchange Place. In addition, its portfolio also includes Bocado Tapas Wine Bar in the Canal District.

Despite Mezcal's departure, the city's "Restaurant Row" will not be lacking a restaurant spot at 166 Shrewsbury St. O'Brien said Niche plans to open a new restaurant in that space.

Construction of the new Mezcal is expected to begin in August with an opening slated for early 2014.

O'Brien To Step Down As Worcester City Manager

Mezcal moves to downtown Worcester