The Patio Tex Mex Fusion has opened in the former Velvet Cactus building at 655 Old Hammond Highway in Baton Rouge, serving Mexican food with a twist.
Velvet Cactus closed in December 2022 after a drop in business following the pandemic.
Magnolia Restaurant Group, which owns Geisha, Sushi With a Flair in Denham Springs and Umami just south of LSU, opened The Patio at the end of June. The restaurant just received its liquor license, so margaritas and other alcoholic beverages are now on deck.
"The Patio's Torta," is a Mexican-style burger served on a brioche bun with refried beans, avocado, tomatoes, queso fresco and pork al pastor.
On the menu, The Patio boasts classic Mexican dishes like enchiladas, tamales, chimichangas, quesadillas and fajitas. But there are also specialty items like "The Patio's Torta," which is a Mexican-style burger served on a brioche bun made with refried beans, avocado, tomatoes, queso fresco and pork al pastor.
Michael Tran, of Magnolia Restaurant Group, says that one of his favorite dishes is the $22 tuna tostadas plate, which includes Japanese and Korean touches with seasoned sashimi grade tuna on a crispy corn tortilla, topped with avocado, onion and housemade Gochujang aioli — a Korean Chili paste.
The tuna tostadas from The Patio are made with seasoned sashimi grade tuna on a crispy corn tortilla and topped with avocado, onion and house-made Gochujang aioli — a Korean Chili paste.
The menu also features options for kids, desserts like flan, churros and fried vanilla ice cream and lunch specials served 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tran says that the team is also testing out birria and ramen.
"We're putting an Asian twist to it," he said. "We put out a core menu to get everything going."
Tran added that the chefs at The Patio hail from Thailand, Vietnam and more, so there are various cultural flavors that influence the menu offerings. The interior of the restaurant features colorful murals and wall art, and outdoor seating is available as well.
Hours for The Patio are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.