A Mexican Restaurant From Boston Is Moving Into the Old Kapnos on 14th Street

The prime real estate spaces that Mike Isabella left behind in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal continue to show signs of new life. Next up: the space at 14th and W Streets NW that housed Greek darling Kapnos before it closed amid the embattled chef’s bankruptcy filings.

Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar, a Mexican restaurant based in Boston, will slide into the corner space that used to hold rotating spits of lamb. Lolita offers various takes on guacamole, tacos, and quesadillas. Other dishes in Boston include passion fruit tuna tartare, jalapeño chicken flautas, pumpkin hummus, and cheddar masa fries. Along with a dizzying list of tequila and mezcal pours, the cocktail list stars multiple margarita options, mojitos, and sangria served in a porron.

Rachel Leah Blumenthal/Eater Boston

Last month Popville flagged a demolition permit on the door at 2201 14th Street NW. A public relations representative for the Boston-based hospitality group COJE says it plans to plant a Lolita there by this summer. COJE’s portfolio also includes supper club Yvonne’s, Peruvian-Japanese fusion spot Ruka, and Havana-themed Mariel.

It’s likely the old Kapnos space will get a refresh under COJE’s watch. The detail-oriented group’s second Lolita in Boston — a dark, sprawling setup nestled along the water in its Fort Point neighborhood — took home Eater Boston’s 2017 award for Design of the Year, winning big points for its luxurious leathers, flashy artwork, and flourishes like a stained glass angel and plenty of skulls.

There’s already a Mexican restaurant with a similar name just one block south. This fall, Bar Lorea brought guacamole, tacos, canned beers, and more than 20 cocktails to the narrow space that formerly housed cocktail/retail combo Diet Starts Monday.

Along with Richard Sandoval’s El Centro DF, the 14th Street strip’s now-competitive Mexican scene also includes Tico and Mexicue, the months-old replacement for failed NYC import the Meatball Shop.

• A New Mexican Bar Opens Off U Street With $6 Happy Hour Margaritas [EDC]
• Lolita Fort Point Coverage on Eater [EBOS]
• Designing Intimate, Occasionally Skull-Filled Restaurant Interiors Is Half the Battle [EBOS]