Downtown’s Saltbox Switching to Soulful Mexican Street Food

Saltbox Dining & Drinking, the gastro-lounge-in-residence at downtown’s Kimpton Hotel Palomar since 2011, is headed into its last weekend in its current form. On Monday, November 7, the restaurant will shutter for sweeping renovation to make way for the new food and drink concept that exchanges its upscale comfort food for ‘soulful Mexican street food’.

Newly dubbed Curadero, the upcoming eatery is scheduled for completion in early 2017. The modern interior will feature a menu from executive chef Brad Kraten that ranges from street tacos to antojitos, or small snacks, ceviches made with local seafood, and larger plates of roasted and braised meats. Curadero will keep the venue’s strong focus on the bar, with a new program revolving around tequila and mezcal, Baja wine and Mexican craft beers.

The upstairs dining space, now called The Arriba Room, will be transformed into a game room stocked with vintage arcade games and other classics, and will feature a walkup taco window. During construction, the guests will still be able to dine and drink on the rooftop pool deck and lounge.