Metuchen’s award-winning downtown takes another major step forward Nov. 9 as a long-awaited restaurant, MexiModo Cocina Mexicana & Tequila Bar, opens its doors to the public.

The project, which was first announced in June 2022, fills a large restaurant space along the Metuchen Town Plaza — a central hub in the borough’s downtown area, which was honored earlier this year as a Great American Main Street Award winner.

The restaurant concept, from the owners of Le Malt Lounge in Colonia and Le Malte Royale in Red Bank, boasts nearly 8,000 square feet with authentic Mexican cuisine and décor, different seating levels, a rose room, a huge bar as well as the largest selection of tequila around – with plans to offer more than 1,000 different types, which will break a Guinness World Record – and much more.

“We’re thrilled to announce the grand opening of MexiModo, our brand-new Mexican restaurant! Thanks to our incredible construction and design team, MexiModo is now ready to welcome you into a world of vibrant flavors and unforgettable dining experiences,” the restaurant wrote in an Instagram post last week. “Join us as we officially open our doors to the public on November 9th! We can’t wait to share our passion for Mexican cuisine and culture with you all.”

“The opening of MexiModo is another exciting investment in what has become one of the culinary capitals of Central Jersey,” Metuchen Mayor Jonathan Busch told NJBIZ. “We are so excited to welcome MexiModo to our downtown.”

“We are so excited about the opening MexiModo. This will draw people from all over, many who might experience Metuchen for the first time,” Dawn Mackey, executive director, Metuchen Downtown Alliance, told NJBIZ. “I firmly believe that if you come here once, you will keep returning. MexiModo is the latest outstanding addition to our thriving, eclectic district.”

“We searched long and hard for the perfect restaurant and fun spot to complete our award-winning Woodmont Metro transit-oriented redevelopment community,” Stephen Santola, Woodmont Properties’ executive vice president and general counsel, told NJBIZ. “MexiModo checks every box, and we have no doubt the MexiModo team will deliver a special dining experience and become a state-wide destination.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for this week ahead of the Nov. 9 public open.