Perched on a prime corner lot in Little Italy, King and Queen Cantina at 1490 Kettner Blvd., is like a two-story castle that welcomes everyone into its domain for a magical good time.
Customers are greeted by eye-popping artwork that pays year-round tribute to Dia de Los Muertos, a festive Mexican holiday celebrated Nov. 1 and known otherwise as Day of the Dead.
In keeping with the theme, creative paintings of skulls by artist Genaro Garcia abound throughout the 5,000-square-foot establishment. There are bars and dining areas on each floor amid inviting design elements such as natural woods, exquisite mood lighting, hand-made metal tables and colorful décor that transcends what you’ll find in traditional cantinas.
Restaurateur Jorge Cueva opened King and Queen Cantina in October and has since attracted everyone from locals and tourists to famous musicians and actors.
Jorge also owns the wildly popular Tempo Urban Kitchen in Orange County, which recently won Orange County’s “Restaurant of the Year” for its full-of-flavor menu and enticing cocktails.
From dishwasher to restaurateur, Jorge’s success is no accident. With dozens of restaurants, a catering company and food trucks on his resume — totaling more than 25 years in the industry — he isn’t slowing down, but rather just getting started.
Equipped with a seasoned palate and a keen knowledge of world cuisines from his global travels, Jorge has deliciously bent the rules on Mexican dining.
The menu at King and Queen taps into culinary influences from all over the world, from Europe to Asia to South America. Those influences are then introduced into soulful Mexican cooking, which results in bold and unique flavors in every dish.
From the tacos selection, for example, you’ll find the hot-selling short rib mole taco enveloped in a house-made chocolate tortilla. It’s also filled with pickled onions, crispy carrots and lime crema. Savory and spellbinding, there is nothing else like it in San Diego.
Other fillings extend to Korean-style pork belly, grilled octopus, chipotle steak, roasted veggies and more.
Fuller meal options include everything from the kingly “tempo burger” (a beef patty crowned with pork belly, cheddar cheese, a fried egg and shishito peppers) and well-stuffed burritos to fresh oysters, seafood rice and zesty ceviche. Or for a perfect shareable dish, the “Tijuana grill” is all the rage. And from the grill, you’ll find expertly cooked carne asada, salmon, octopus, shrimp, New York steak, Korean-style ribs and more.
King and Queen’s festive atmosphere is fueled by upbeat music and an extensive cocktail program that features a fun invention called the tableside hickory smoked old fashioned. Imagine smoked Old Forrester bourbon combined with maple syrup, Angostura bitters and orange zest, before the glass is smoked in front of your eyes on hickory wood. If you’re looking for a playful and addicting cocktail, this is it.
With a large collection of tequilas and mezcals in stock, not to mention house-made syrups and fresh fruit juices, the drink list sparkles with some of the best margaritas in town — and in many different varieties. The bar offerings also feature numerous signature and classic cocktails as well as craft and domestic beer.
King and Queen Cantina has unbeatable deals on taco Tuesdays, when select tacos are only $2 each and certain beers sell for $3. Additional specials on food and drink are available during happy hour, which is held twice daily from 3 to 6 p.m., and then from 9 p.m. until closing.
But the convivial vibe isn’t confined only to late afternoons and evenings. If the hankering strikes for a shrimp-topped bloody mary with a chorizo omelet or plate of deluxe chilaquiles, for example, you’re in luck with King and Queen’s impressive brunch, which is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays.
For more information, call 619-756-7864 or visit kingandqueencantina.com.
