The award-winning Elote Cafe is opening in its new Sedona digs on Tuesday, July 28 at 5 pm and for the first time will accept reservations. Located at 350 Jordan Rd. and quietly tucked off Sedona’s busiest stretch of Hwy. 89, the freestanding, 4,800 square foot location underwent a $2.5 million renovation to achieve the authentic Elote Cafe look and feel and is just 1.5 miles from the original Elote Cafe location. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and guidelines from the CDC and local and state officials, the new Elote Cafe will open with limited dine-in and patio seating via reservation only to start and take out, before expanding to its 130 seat capacity when it’s safe to do so.
Chef/owner Jeff Smedstad has had a big 2020 already, including being a finalist for the James Beard Award Best Chef Southwest and releasing Volume 2 of his Elote Cafe Cookbook (available now at www.elotecafe.com/cookbook), and the new location is just the next chapter in this amazing run. With the opening of his new location, Smedstad builds on his bold, nationally-noted cuisine featuring authentic regional ingredients and traditional Mexican recipes. Fan favorite dishes returning to the menu include Smoked Pork Cheeks, Elote, and Pastel de Elote, plus Smedstad will continue to offer innovative nightly specials using the freshest seasonal ingredients. Pair it all with one of Elote’s signature margaritas, cocktails, beer, an all-new expanded wine menu for a memorable evening. The new Elote Cafe brings many opportunities for Smedstad including potentially opening a margarita garden and curbside service, so guests could enjoy the award-winning meal in their cars or at home.
Smedstad spared no detail when crafting the new Elote Cafe. Every square inch of the building has been customized with imported, well-worn and thoughtful touches that transport you into the world he’s created. Imported hand-hammered copper tables handcrafted in Mexico, handstitched leather seating, a 60-year-old hand-carved eucalyptus bar top, and 40-year-old eucalyptus community table, and a live edge bar back are some of the most immediately noticeable finishes. But it’s the smaller details, the artwork, the touchpoints all seamlessly integrated that pulls everything together.
“This is the dream of my life,” says Smedstad. “I’m excited for a new chapter for Elote Cafe. I hope that the new location will be a positive light and something to celebrate for the people of Sedona during these difficult times.”
The new Elote Cafe will be open for dinner service starting at 5 pm for limited dine-in service (indoors and outdoors) and take-out orders. Advanced reservations are available by phone by calling 928-203-0105.
