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Now Open: Elevated Bar Snacks & Agave Cocktails at Casa Fortuna Botanero in Tijuana
A modern botanero brings regional cuisine and craft cocktails to a stylish new space in Otay
Casa Fortuna has opened its doors in Otay, not far from the border crossing, but with enough distance from the trendy restaurants, food truck parks, and cocktail lounges in downtown Tijuana to make you feel as though you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem.
The Backstory
The family-owned botanero is run by third-generation Tijuana restaurateur Leopoldo Bórquez, who also owns nearby Italian restaurant Caccio.
A man well-versed in keeping bar patrons satiated with food and lore, Bórquez’s grandfather tells the tale of inventing the first burrito one night when he wrapped meat and beans in a large flour tortilla to feed his hungry guests.
While there are no burritos on the Casa Fortuna menu, you’ll be in no danger of going hungry at this modern interpretation of a classic Mexican watering hole.
The Botaneros (Snacks)
Featuring primarily shareable plates and a sizable taco menu, Casa Fortuna is a restaurant designed for socializing.
The taco list includes unusual combinations such as the Taco Copeteado de Ceviche de Atún, a fried potato taco topped with tuna ceviche. Their Taco de Pulpo con Asientos, an octopus taco, is truly exceptional, featuring a tender and vibrant interpretation of the seafood.
The massive Chamorro de Cerdo is a rich pork shank cooked slowly in a beer reduction until it melts off the bone, and is a dish best conquered by a group of friends as they sit for hours, sipping on reasonably priced cocktails and ordering plate after plate of from-scratch Mexican snacks.
Combining ever-popular guacamole and elote, the Guacamole con Esquites appetizer is sure to be one such crowd favorite. As is the Coliflor Frita, which features a half head of cauliflower deep fried and served with spicy chiles and peanuts.
The peanuts in the dish are a nod to the signature bar snack of old Mexican botaneros where peanut shells coat dusty wooden floors.
The Space
The modern flooring at Casa Fortuna is not covered with peanuts; it features an inset of green, white, and black tiles that compliment dark wooden tables and chairs.
The highlight of the interior design is the art deco-inspired bar, gold and gleaming, adorned with fresh herbs and edible flowers.
An expansive patio and floor to ceiling windows bring in so much natural light you might just forget you’re in a strip mall.
The Drinks
As a cocktail bar, expect classic drinks like margaritas, along with innovative creations based around agave liquors, such as the namesake Casa Fortuna, made with mezcal and tepache (a fermented pineapple drink) and served in a brightly colored skull mug.
Casa Fortuna Botanero
Av. Lázaro Cárdenas 18102, Otay Constituyentes, Tijuana
casa-fortuna-botanero.negocio.site
Open Daily, 12pm to 12am
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