Southwest's Señor López is planning a downtown Detroit location

Southwest Detroit Mexican restaurant Señor López is planning a second location for which owner Rafael López is still scouting in downtown Detroit.

The current restaurant offers everything from tacos to chile en nogada to several mole dishes, but López tells Metro Times his new location will be more upscale than the laid back shop at 7146 Michigan Ave. It's been a popular joint since López opened in 2002, and getting a table at peak hours can be a challenge.

Though he doesn't have a specific location in mind, López says he's looking downtown and along the riverfront, and he's ready to jump when he finds the right deal. He adds that he recently flew to Mexico City to meet with several well-known chefs, one of whom he plans to hire to run the new spot's kitchen.

“I always liked downtown Detroit. Even when it was in a bad situation it had a lot of potential," López says. "I like the people down there, and the atmosphere is very nice. I always saw a lot of potential, and it’s coming back and I’d like to be a part of that, too."

In the meantime, López is installing an 800-square-foot patio at his current location that will be ready for summer.

"Of course, our food is the best, so the restaurant is too small now," López explains when we ask about the motivation for the patio. "People respond good to us, so we need to expand."





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