Mamacitas Cantina in Dayton is the first restaurant from Jorge Moreira

In May of 2024, Costa Rican-born Jorge Moreira opened Mamacitas Cantina in Dayton, a restaurant inspired by his upbringing and the rich culinary heritage of Latin America. Featuring lively music, flavorful food and creative drinks, Mamacitas Cantina offers Dayton a unique taste of Latin American fusion.

“There was not a place in Dayton where you could find fusion from Latin America,” owner Moreira says. “I wanted to create a place where people could be happy to find all cultures of authentic Latino food all in one place.”

Mamacitas Cantina was inspired by the cultural diversity of Latin America, blending influences from America, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela and Puerto Rico. “I want to guide diners on an adventure through Latin America when they step into my restaurant,” Moreira says.

One standout dish, La Surtida, offers a vibrant mix of flavors from Costa Rica, America, Mexico and Argentina. The dish features barbecue pork ribs, grilled barbecue chicken breast, sautéed shrimp, grilled corn, choripán, tico tacos, fries, mustard aioli, pickled onions, apple slaw, a house salad and house salsa. Perfect for two people, La Surtida exemplifies the culturally diverse and flavorful fusion Mamacitas Cantina has to offer.

Some other notable dishes include Mofongo from Puerto Rico and Mexican birria tacos, giving guest a true taste of Latin fusion.

“We have a lot on the menu, and people come out and try different things,” Moreira says.

Complementing the food, Mamacitas Cantina offers a variety of cocktails and margaritas, all made with creativity and fun in mind. The Frozen Margarita, topped with colorful gummies, and the Mamacita Clasica michelada, a spicy mix of Tajín, chamoy and gummy candy, are among crowd favorites. With each drink crafted for a vibrant taste and creative design, the cocktail menu adds an extra layer of festivity to the dining experience.

Creating a lively, inclusive atmosphere is central to Mamacitas Cantina’s mission. The restaurant hosts weekly events like karaoke Sundays, Latin dancing Fridays and live music on Saturdays. Themed nights are popular as well, including Margarita Madness on Wednesdays with 50% off margaritas until 9:30 p.m. and 99-cent wings all night long on Thursdays.

“We want to become the new hottest place in Dayton, where people can get good drinks and food, and have fun,” Moreira says.

Mamacitas Cantina, 1060 Patterson Road, Dayton. Tu-Th 4-10 p.m., F-Sa 4 p.m.-2:30 a.m., Closed Su- M. mamacitascantina.com