Tacos and tequila coming to downtown Chattanooga's West End

Citron et Sel at 212 West 8th St. will be the newest addition to the West End area in Chattanooga's downtown. The new restaurant will serve tequila, wine, beer and food from central and south America. They will also serve about 10 different signature cocktails.
Citron et Sel at 212 West 8th St. will be the newest addition to the West End area in Chattanooga's downtown. The new restaurant will serve tequila, wine, beer and food from central and south America. They will also serve about 10 different signature cocktails.

Downtown Chattanooga's West End is adding a little lime and salt to its mix of new restaurants in the revitalized district.

The taco and tequila restaurant and bar named Citron et Sel is slated to open just in time for the Cinco de Mayo celebrations next month at 212 W. Eighth St., next door to the Italian restaurant, Alimentari Cucina e Bar. Co-owner Cyndi Matheny said Citron et Sel will hold its grand opening on May 5.

The restaurant will serve food from central and south America as well as wine, beer and of course, a lot of tequila. Matheny said the restaurant will also have a "novel theme," decorated with books and with at least ten different signature cocktails named after novels, like Lord of the Pineapple Rings, The Grapefruits of Wrath, Lime and Punishment and A Wrinkle in Lime to name just a few.

The 3,000-square-foot space can fit 60 diners and drinkers, and Matheny said she hired 20 employees. While smaller in size, the restaurant is located right across from the Westin hotel and Matheny hopes to draw business travelers, families and the tequila conosseiurs.

On Thursday, workers were in and out of the restaurant and still busy adding the final touches. The restaurant will be open Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight, Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The DeFoor Brothers are behind the $88 million redevelopment of the West End, or also referred to as the West Village, which is anchored by the Westin Hotel that opened late last year.

"In addition to the common ownership, we are very excited to be a part of an up-and-coming area," Matheny said.

Contact Allison Shirk at ashirk@timesfreepress.com, 423-757-6651 or @Allison_Shirk.

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