Presidio Cocina Mexicana brings second restaurant to Phoenix

Since 2016, Presidio Cocina Mexicana served scratch-made Michoacán-inspired cooking in central Phoenix. The family-owned eatery, located off Fifth Avenue and Thomas Road, has grown beyond its 950-square-foot dining space and is now expanding with a second, larger location less than two miles away, set to open soon.

The new spot is nestled off Seventh Street and Palm Lane, just north of McDowell Road. Presidio's owners secured the location, which offers 2,500 square feet of dining space, on Jan. 1 and immediately began renovations. Now, it's close to being finished.

“We picked that spot because of the traffic,” owner Sergio Nava says. “We wanted to be somewhere centrally located and more accessible for more people.”

Nava is waiting on the liquor license approval, and hopes to open by the end of April.

The second establishment will have a more Southwest feel — incorporating neutral, muted colors and a slightly elevated vibe from its precursor. While the original space is more quaint, Nava hopes to keep the same inviting feel through both restaurants.

“Although it's significantly bigger than the first one, we want to have that cozy at-home feeling, like you want to hang out, eat there and just relax for a little while,” Nava says.

The menu at Presidio is packed with family recipes and largely inspired by Nava’s mother, Lucina Nava, a Michoacán native. It’s easy to feel full and relaxed after a meal at Presidio. Fresh tortillas, homemade cheeses, thoughtfully slow-cooked meats and indigenous herbs inform the restaurant’s offerings, which will vary slightly between the two locations.

While the exact menu for the second spot is still being finalized, diners can expect the same commitment to quality and tradition.

Both locations will also serve coffee and a full bar menu including premium tequila offerings, cocktails beer and wine.

“The menu will be a little bit different — mainly just a couple of different dinner options at the new location, and we'll take away some options from the old location to simplify that menu,” Nava says. “The old location will probably predominantly be more breakfast and lunch oriented now, as where the new one will have a little bit of all.”

In the meantime, stop by the flagship location to try customer favorites, like the chilaquiles, huevos rancheros or chile verde. As the family prepares for the opening, anticipation is building among both staff and loyal customers. An exact opening date hasn’t been announced yet, but the buzz is palpable as they put the finishing touches on the new space.

“I think we're all super excited,” Nava says. “I know we're probably getting a little anxious at this point, just wanting to get it open.”

Presidio Cocina Mexicana

519 W. Thomas Road
Opening soon: 2024 N. Seventh St.