Now Open: Los Camaradas in Graduate Hospital

Mural at Los Camaradas

Los Camaradas is now open at 22nd and Carpenter. The Mexican bar and restaurant replaces the unfortunately named Strip Joint. Joseph and Theresa Scull are behind the new spot. This is the couple’s first spot but far from their first time in a restaurant. Joseph is a restaurant kitchen veteran, recently he’s been doing some consulting and has had stints at Bryn Mawr’s Verdad and Chestnut Hill’s Solaris Grill. Theresa was the beverage manager at Fairmount’s La Calaca Feliz.

The bar is stocked with more than 50 tequilas and a healthy selection of mezcals. All of the margaritas are made with fresh fruit and agave, never a mix. The bar will also have specialty cocktails like the Alma Picante, a spicy and smoky number made with mezcal. It went well with the smoked gouda that starred in the nachos.

The menu also features Mexican staples like guacamole and tacos but steers clear of stereotypes like quesadillas and burritos. Four main courses are highlighted by a whole fish that impressed us on an pre-opening visit.

The space has been warmed up with small banquettes cozying up the front room. The bar improved with dark wood and display cases to show off all of that tequila.

An artist is in the progress of installing several Day of the Dead style murals. The restaurant has been transformed in less than two months, navigating the always stressful process of the dealing with the city. There luck though ran out when it came to Comcast but a peek in the window last night showed that the TVs were up and running.

Los Camaradas is open daily at 4 p.m. Brunch will come in a few weeks. The Sculls are excited to meet their neighbors and promise to cater to them.

Los Camaradas [Foobooz]