Popular Mexican Eatery Moving To Former Dragon East Spot In Branford

BRANFORD, CT — Popular eatery Los Charros Cantina is moving to Branford with a mid-April opening anticipated.

Chef Colt Taylor shared the news on Facebook, Instagram and on its website. The Mexican restaurant in Centerbrook is closed and the move to Branford is imminent.

The restaurant's new site is the former home of the wildly popular Chinese restaurant Dragon East which closed last summer after decades in Branford.

Chef Colt Taylor wrote:

I am writing to share some bitter-sweet news. Los Charros Cantina in Centerbrook is relocating to an exciting new space on the Connecticut shoreline at 120 N. Main St.

The decision to close our original location was not an easy one. Our entire staff has so much love for the community, fondness for what we’ve created here (The Essex, Los Charros Cantina, The Food Hall, The Coco Club, Memories & More), and gratitude — thank you for sticking with us during the roller coaster ride of events over the last few years, from a pandemic to a burst pipe that led to a massive flood.

With the rising costs of just about everything, the Centerbrook space is simply too large, to maintain on its own, in such a small enclave; as such, it’s become clear that the economics of our business or unsustainable in the current location, and have found a small space that is more cost-efficient.

It is our intention to expand Los Charros and come back to the area when the right location becomes available in old Saybrook. So this is not goodbye, not even close! While we’re saddened to leave, we’re excited to open the doors to our new location in Branford just 25 minutes south on 95, and look forward to your continuing support with the same energy you always brought to 30 Main.

We have served the local community since 2017, have created deep bonds and relationships that far surpass any dining experience, built a life and a family here, and appreciate your loyalty and support along the way, more than any words could do justice.

We are aiming to reopen in mid-April, will continue to keep you informed, and can’t wait to greet you at your favorite little Cantina.

Until then, on behalf of the entire team at Los Charros, thank you for your patronage over the years, and see you soon!

Colt, Katey, River and Sawyer Taylor, and the entire Los Charros Cantina staff.