For Taco Connoiseurs This One's For You, Taqueria Del Mar Bar & Grill Now Open

Peachtree Corners, it seems, is a mecca for creative business people with innovative ideas. The new Taqueria Del Mar Bar & Grill that recently opened is further proof.

Andrew Hoppen, a Peachtree Corners resident, is the new restaurant's owner, and he's brought a unique - and flavor tempting eatery for us to enjoy.

Taqueria Del Mar, located in the Ingles shopping center a few doors down from the grocery store, is his creation. From the unique menu to the interesting decor, there's nothing run-of-the-mill here.

"Our focus is on seafood," said Hoppen, hence the name "del mar" which means by the sea. "Taqueria" means taco stand - but take my word for it, this is no ordinary taco stand.

"We're definitely not your traditional Mexican restaurant," said Hoppen.

A look at the menu will tell you he's right. If you're a taco aficionado, you've seven choices - from Fish Taco del Mar, which is panko fried tilapia served with crunchy slaw, picked jalapenos and poblano tarter sauce and Braised Short Rib which is braised in red wine and served with creamy horseradish and crispy Maui onions.

There's plenty more, of course, starters, sides and soups. House specials include BBQ'd Shrimp & Grits, a Key Lime Hangar Steak and Grilled Ahi Tuna.

Hoppen said he built the menu on what fresh ingredients he could find in the metro area. Focusing on seafood was an easy choice for the new restaurant owner who grew up on south Florida's east coast, fishing as a lad then cooking up what he caught.

"I have a passion for food, he said. "I've always loved fresh seafood. Fortunately for diners who appreciate fresh seafood, there is a distribution center located in nearby Norcross that trucks in fresh catch every day.

And if you have a passion for a fresh made margarita, cocktail, a glass of wine or a cold beer, you've come to the right place. Non-alcoholic beverages are also on the menu including Coca-Cola products, coffee (Cuban, American, espresso), cappuccino, latte, hot and iced tea.

The unique interior is quite eye catching and is built entirely from reclaimed wood and other recycled items which Hoppen constructed himself. He even created one-of-a-kind bar pendant lights using recycled Mexican Coca-Cola bottles. The bar and tables were designed and built using discarded wooden pallets and reclaimed steel. Red bar stools and chairs add a nice splash of color to the decor.

"The only thing new are the chairs," said Hoppen who even equiped 90 percent of the kitchen with re-purposed equipment from restaurants that had closed.

Customers may place their orders at the counter or have a seat at the bar or community table for personal service. Everything on the menu comes al a carte.

On the kids menu is cheese quesadillas, PB & J quesadilla, milk and juice.

Taqueria Del Mar is open every day for lunch and dinner. And a southwestern-themed brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays until 3 p.m. Five brunch items are in the menu including Huevos Rancheros, Buttermilk Pancakes and a Breakfast Quesadilla.

Taco prices range from $2.90 to $3.90, house specials $9.5 and up, sides $2.50 to $3.50. Saturday and Sunday brunch from $7.50 to $9.50.

Visit the restaurant's website for a complete list of menu items.

Taqueria Del Mar
5075 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 105A
Peachtree Corners 30092
678-820-4836
Website: TaqueriaDelMar.com

Restaurant hours:

Mon-Thurs: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Fri: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sun: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

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