Mala Pata + Peyote Opening May 14

Mala Pata and Peyote delivering new Gateway Plaza destinations

Not your average Latin American restaurant, Mala Pata has been marinating for a couple years now—and is finally slated to deliver May 14.

A menagerie of meaningful influences, the long-anticipated Gateway Plaza spot is a culmination of diverse ideas, backgrounds and influences from four veterans of the Triangle food and bev scene: Angela Salamanca and Marshall Davis of Durham Food Hall’s Ex-Voto, and Eric Montagne and Zack Gragg of Locals Seafood.

Breaking the mold of a singular restaurateur opening their own place, the star-studded foursome aims to “mesh all of our flavors together so we can tell the story of Mala Pata.” says Gragg. Adds Davis: “What makes Mala Pata unique is that it’s this collective—it’s not a single person driving it.”

In an effort to hype up the new spot, R&D menu items and get a feel for how they work together, the team has hosted citywide pop-ups—from popular brunch stints at Centro to burrito experiences at Natural Science and activating the former Garland to-go window during Hopscotch to even events benefiting the Frankie Lemmon School.

Bridging classic Mexican cuisine and techniques with Southern flavors, the Mala Pata menu places emphasis on cultural mainstay corn, which the team plans to nixtamalize in-house for fresh masa daily. “Even though we’re using a traditional method in the nixtamalization, you’re going to see the influences of each of us as individuals kind of projected on that,” emphasizes Davis, with Gragg adding: “We think that’s going to be a key differentiator in our ability to make a name for ourselves.”

Find such standout dishes from the pop-ups that have already staked claim on the permanent menu like lechona tacos; collard green tamales; and a pozole verde featuring housemade chicken broth, Mexican hominy, cabbage, radish, cilantro and deep-fried chicken skin topping. Also expect a unique spin on family-style dining and a big emphasis on brunch.

Playing off of Salamanca’s success with her other local spots Centro and mezcaleria Gallo Pelón—the latter of which Davis also worked on, in addition to smashburger concept Patty Boy—the restaurant will open in tandem with craft cocktail bar Peyote, pouring a mix of playful and classic bevs. 

“Our goal is to focus on simplicity and quality instead of smoke and mirrors,” emphasizes Davis.

Think frozen drinks and refined central and South American classics like a Ruby Red Paloma on tap and Black Sesame Carajillos, in addition to a curated selection of mezcal and agave spirits—plus elevated bar food and to-go options like burritos. 

Both concepts will also boast their own identity through aesthetics that play into the food and drinks. Mala Pata’s modern Latin American look—complete with rustic elements and furniture/light fixtures sourced from Colombia—will be complemented by a 20-foot mural by local muralist Gabe Eng-Goetz, while Peyote will evoke a funky and loud  vibe via pink walls, acid-washed yellow floors, and a concrete tile bar, perfect for pre- or post-dinner ’tails.

All together, Mala Pata and Peyote’s atmosphere, food and drinks will offer a newfound destination for Gateway Plaza patrons and those looking for a go-to spot outside DTR. “We’re really excited to be a part of this community and feel the outreach of Raleigh, expanding the food journey of customers,” boasts Gragg. “We have a great relationship with all of the businesses around here and we’re all really excited about what’s coming in the future.” @malapata.molino