Two Mexican Restaurants Replacing First Avenue Restaurants

It's the end of an era for both Riley's Cafe and Moose McDuffy's on First Avenue NE, the latter of which, according to the Cedar Rapids Gazette, rebranded to its original name just last summer after being known for years as "Grey's Pub". That name was a nod to the medical drama "Grey's Anatomy" and the workers in the "MedQuarter" district where the pub was located.

The Gazette says the two will be replaced by new Mexican restaurants. Mamacita's Taco Pub will open at 834 1st Ave. and at 836 1st Ave. will be a new Mexican breakfast cafe known as La Casita. La Casita, from the owners of Mas Margaritas in Cedar Rapids, had posted as recently as November 30 on their Facebook page, saying:

Buenos días Cedar Rapids!
We are so excited to finally announce our upcoming opening! While we still have a couple weeks to go before officially opening, please know we are working to make this an extra special place that will instantly make you a part of our family as soon as you walk in. We are humbled to be a part of this side of Cedar Rapids & can’t wait to serve this wonderful community . We’ll keep you posted

Sounds exciting. Again, it replaces Riley's Cafe which was one of three locations that closed down at the end of October

Phil Wasta is the executive director of the MedQuarter Regional Medical District, where the restaurants will be located. In regards to Mamacita's, he said it will focus on tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and more. The "more" being tequila and margaritas as the main focus at the bar.

Do we have a boatload of Mexican restaurants in Cedar Rapids already? Yes. So why do we need more? There's obviously a demand for it and there are never enough places to grab a margarita, chips, and salsa, or in La Casita's case, according to the Gazette, a full espresso bar and, later on, boozy breakfast favorites like mimosas and Bloody Marys.

We don't have exact dates as to when the openings will take place, but we will keep you posted.