Long-Awaited Baja Kitchen and Taproom Opens in Chula Vista

In the works since last spring, Chula Vista’s Baja-oriented kitchen and taproom has finally arrived and will be opening its dining space on Friday, October 16, operating from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. El Cruce+241, which focuses of Baja California cuisine crafted with regionally-sourced ingredients, spans the two-level building that formerly housed the longstanding Harper’s Music store.

Designed by acclaimed Ensenada-based chef Sano Hussong, best known for his restaurants Humo & Sal and Sano’s Steakhouse, with Patrick Swanner acting as executive chef, the menu emphasizes coastal Baja plates, with ceviches, pulpo asado, fish tacos, and fresh oysters sourced directly from the town of San Quintin among the standout offerings. Non-seafood dishes include a house rib eye steak and a torta stuffed with birria chilaquiles.

The dedication to Baja sourcing also extends its craft beer and wine catalog, with a 30-tap draft system that will exclusively feature brewers hailing from Baja California like Tijuana’s Insurgente and Ensenada brewers Transpeninsular and Wendlandt. Meanwhile, the wine portfolio will be composed of Valle de Guadalupe vintage from Lechuza, Vinos Melchum, and Corona del Valle, among others. El Cruce+241 will also be offering retail and to-go sales of beer crowlers and wine bottles.

As shared by kitchen manager Sean Hale, the restaurant had to make adjustments due to some delays and the difficulties brought to the industry by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the original full brunch menu has been sidelined for the time being, there are plans to introduce an adjusted brunch program in the future.

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