Crios Opens Tonight With Half-Price Margs All Week

The sister restaurateurs behind beer haven Scion revealed a couple weeks back that they'd taken over the old Vento space with plans to open a Mexican restaurant in its place and now the day has arrived. Crios Modern Mexican swings open today at 5 p.m. — and they're celebrating in perhaps the best way possible: by offering house margaritas at half price all week long.

Owner Joanne Liu explains that she and her sister Julie decided to open Crios when the opportunity to take over the Vento space arose, choosing Mexican simply because their philosophy is about providing comfort food and, well, there wasn't any Mexican food on their stretch of P Street: "I think there was certainly a need for a fun Mexican restaurant on this side of Dupont, this side of the circle. We wanted something that would complement Scion and hopefully we'll succeed in doing that."

Though there's no menu available yet — Liu says it will be available online later this week and perhaps as soon as tonight — but dishes to look for include Dr. Pepper-braised carnitas tacos and turkey hash with sweet potato tacos. For non-taco entrees, there's a wild salmon filet with a pumpkin seed pesto and roasted chayote squash and grilled corn cake, tamarind-glazed pork loin, and boudine azteca. Liu says there's plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly dishes on the menu, too.

Beyond the margaritas on the cocktail list, there's the Tequila Mockingbird, made with milagro reposado, pineapple, basil, ginger beer and bitters. But yes, those house margaritas will indeed be offered for $4 all week long once the doors swing open at 5 p.m.

· Crios Modern Mexican [Official Site]
· All Previous Crios Coverage [-EDC-]