A popular Northern Quarter dining spot has quietly shut its doors after nearly a decade in the city - but only for a few months. El Capo, a Mexican street-food restaurant and tequila bar, has closed until further notice due to electrical issues.
El Capo first launched as a bar in 2014 before launching its South American street food-themed restaurant in the basement later the same year. It's become a popular Northern Quarter spot, with many customers regularly queuing up to snap up its £1 taco deal.
A closure notice has been posted on its website homepage and yesterday a notice was shared on its Instagram and Facebook pages. The Tariff Street bar and restaurant’s Google Business page has also been updated to say that it is ‘temporarily closed.’
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
Sharing an update on its website, owners wrote: "Closed until further notice. Unfortunately, due to electrical issues encountered we have made the decision to close temporarily.
"Were looking to be back in the winter 2023 with full electrics sorted and a brand new basement area, making El Capo better than ever. In the meantime, keep up to date on our Instagram and we will see you soon. EL CAPO."
Yesterday, owners also posted an update on Instagram: "Hey everyone. We're working hard to get your site ready to start trading again and get back to serving you your favourite tacos and margs, as soon as possible. Keep and eye out for updates."
Followers on both accounts were quick to show their support for the Northern Quarter establishment. In the comments of the Facebook post, one person wrote: "The best food place in Manchester. Can not wait until your [sic] back open."
Prior to its temporary closure, the restaurant has most recently posted about its £1 tacos and £6 margs deal, which many have praised as one of the best affordable dining deals in the city centre. It also launched a series of Greek-inspired tacos and dishes including The Grand Gyritto in celebration of Greek Independence Day, filled with chicken gyros, chips, tzatziki, salad, tomato and chilli sauce.
El Capo confirmed to The Manchester Evening News that the site’s closure was temporary whilst the business worked on a refurbishment of its kitchen and basement and that it was planning on reopening later this year.
A spokesperson for the bar said: "We have only closed temporarily due to electrical issues as we are in need of a complete electrical refurb. We are also refurbing our basement cantina and extending the kitchen. We plan to re-open in winter this year with a refurbished basement, new kitchen and a better and fresher El Capo."
READ NEXT: