Moctezuma’s Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar, the premier Puget Sound Authentic Mexican original, continues to grow as this local family-run restaurant company expands to a fourth location later this year. Conveniently situated in Silverdale’s Kitsap Mall, the newest restaurant will accommodate up to 300 guests, and will follow the same approach that proved successful at their location in Southcenter.
“We are very excited to open our doors to such a highly dynamic and diverse community,” said owner and president of Moctezuma’s Restaurants Bernie Garcia, whose parents launched the restaurant in 1978. “We chose this location because it is dense with families we believe will embrace authentic, quality Mexican cuisine.”
“These are recipes from the heart,” he continued, “passed through generations of our family something we are all very proud to share.”
The newest Moctezuma’s will open in the same space previously operated as Hale’s Alehouse, across from Silver City Brewery at Kitsap Mall. With proximity to both the Bangor and Bremerton military bases, the site will include a large yet comfortable dining area for guests, as well as a sizable and well-stocked tequila bar with patio.
The signature tequila bars at Moctezuma’s three existing locations are integral components of their concept, according to Garcia: “They’re designed to offer a quality atmosphere that’s still inviting, perfect for an enjoyable evening out.” Among the bars’ 100+ choice tequila selections is a Moctezuma’s exclusive: their Maestro Dobel Diamante tequila. It’s blended specially in Mexico by their bar team and only available in-house. The Maestro Dobel is featured in their popular Toasted Coconut Margarita that is shaken with house made coconut puree and fresh citrus juices.
“We hope to continue our success in a region that’s continually growing, with a community excited about authentic, distinctive Mexican cuisine in an upbeat and ambient atmosphere,” Garcia added. Moctezuma’s has been a popular local restaurant in the Puget Sound area for years; with each of their locations previously recognized and awarded on both a state and national level, according to Moctezuma’s Director of Operations, Michael Goronkin.
Their menus have long featured family favorites, with recipes hand crafted from only the finest and freshest ingredients. These homemade masterpieces include many traditional selections alongside exciting and innovative dishes. “Beyond being delicious,” Garcia points out, “it’s also a feast for the eyes. Each dish created in our “scratch kitchen” reflect the rich, authentic style our restaurants are known for.”
Growing up, Garcia and his siblings spent time working in the legacy Tacoma location, learning the family business and mastering the complexities of running a great operation. With their father’s blessing upon retirement, they began expanding the menu and rebranding the concept to be more contemporary.
The response and recognition continues to inspire the Garcia family to further grow their endeavor, with planned expansions of a new location in each of the next few years. Despite the growth, an effort is made to bring uniqueness and spirit to each new location. “Each restaurant features its own original and distinctive style,” Garcia said, “adorned with hand-painted tiles, custom blown glass light fixtures and open air patios perfect for enjoying our scratch-made food and margaritas made, of course, with only 100% agave tequila.”
As with their other locations, authentic art and furniture sourced from Mexico will be used at Moctezuma’s in Silverdale. Among glowing fire pits and intimate dining areas, guests will be able to watch as tortilleras prepare fresh corn tortillas by hand.
“My design inspiration comes from our many travels to Mexico,” Garcia explains. “From the rustic finishes to custom-built furniture, to soft ambient lighting that evokes a sense of dining in the finest restaurants of Guadalajara, Mexico.
“Moctezuma’s is truly unlike any other Mexican dining experience in the Pacific Northwest.”
