Franklin Ave Chavela’s to Open in July

move from their quaint digs on Classon Avenue around the block to a larger location on Franklin will finally happen in early July.

The cozy restaurant has been a fixture on Classon Avenue, offering authentic Mexican street food classics such as tortas, tacos, chile rellenos, mole, and enchiladas, you won't find a burrito on the menu here.  

While owners Arturo and Desiree Leonar are quick to note that this is a new Chavela’s, the menu, prices and flavors will remain the same.

The biggest change is in the spelling of the restaurant’s name as the new spot will drop one “L,” which will encourage people to correctly pronounce the restaurant’s name – a double “L” denotes a “y” sound in the Spanish language.

In addition to the name change, manager Chris Cammer explained the three features that sets the new restaurant apart from the old, “the space, a full liquor license, and casual but professional service.”

Indeed, the space is markedly larger, going from roughly 30 seats on Classon to over 60 seats on Franklin. There may also be an outdoor seating area with 20 seats, but the restaurant would need to comply with a requirement set by Community Board 8 to not serve alcohol outside. Management hasn't made a decision on this yet.  

Either way, the inside portion of the restaurant will have a full liquor license, bringing over 55 to 60 different Tequilas and Mezcals, Mexican and Latin wines, Mexican beers, and a draft station that features their classic margaritas, red and white sangria and agua frescas.

The new location will have nearly three times as many servers, bartenders, and bussers than the old location, Cammer said.

As for the menu, for the last four years, Chef Arturo Leonar has been infusing the authentic flavors of his homeland in Mexico City into the offerings at Chavella's. The new location's expanded kitchen and prep area will not only allow for him to experiment more with flavors and ingredients but also add new menu items and daily specials. Yet Leonar’s influence reaches far beyond the kitchen – he was also the primary decorator of the new space.

For fans of the restaurant's “taco happy hours,” they will continue to be offered everyday between 4 and 6pm featuring $2 tacos, $4 beers, $5 sangrias and $6 margaritas.

Arturo and Desiree Leonar plan to open a new restaurant in the Classon Avenue storefront, but are staying mum for now on the details. 

Call the new spot Chavela’s 2.0, an updated take on a classic joining other casual sit-down restaurants such as Island Thyme, Dutch Boy, and Kelso on Franklin Avenue that are quickly elevating the neighborhoods burgeoning dining scene.  

Chavela’s, 736 Franklin Avenue at Sterling Place, will be open at 11am daily with the kitchen to close at 12 am Sunday-Thursday and at 2am on Friday and Saturday.  718-622-3100.