Sal y Limón will bring authentic Mexican cuisine to Brentwood later this year in former Houlihan's space

The team behind Padrinos Mexican Restaurant is debuting a new concept called Sal y Limón at 1221 Strassner Drive in Brentwood. Sal y Limón ("salt and lime" in Spanish) will occupy the former Houlihan’s space with an opening slated for November or December of this year. 

Both concepts are co-owned by Christina Robles and her husband, Enrique Robles, as well as chefs Ciro Trapala and Rafa Rosas. “We’re still going to bring that family feel that we have [at Padrinos], but it’s going to accommodate the surrounding community. The menu will have classic Mexican dishes, but we’re going to add some steak platters to take it up a notch,” Christina Robles said.

Nearly 80% of the Padrinos menu will transfer to Sal y Limón. The street tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, lunch specials and the kid’s menu will be very similar. However, Sal y Limón will showcase more authentic Mexican cuisine and steer away from the Tex-Mex and American options offered at Padrinos. The menu will likely change over time, and specials will be sprinkled in to keep things fresh. Chefs Rosas and Trapala will split time cooking between the two locations when Sal y Limón opens.

“We want people who can’t travel to Mexico to be able to eat here as the next best thing,” Robles said. 

In addition to marinated steak, Sal y Limón’s menu will likely feature pozole soup as a special. Hominy, pork ribs and chiles will be added to the caldo, or broth. The pozole will be served with a side of tostadas for dipping along with fresh radishes, cilantro, cabbage and chopped onion for garnish. 

The full-service bar will have more room to grow at Sal y Limón with higher-end tequilas and premium margaritas, as well as bottled and draft Mexican beers, red sangria and a handful of wine options.

The owners acquired the lease in early August and began updating it for a more clean and modern look while still maintaining the classic feel of a Mexican restaurant. The top of the bar will feature new custom Talavera tiles hand-painted by an artisan in California. Tables and bar seats will have USB port access. Wall-mounted TVs will feature various sports. The 6,000-square-foot dining area indoors will accommodate nearly 200 seats. The 3,000-square-foot patio will seat between 50 and 75. The patio will likely be available to rent out for private events and parties.

Sal y Limón will offer catering and takeout upon opening, as well as delivery through third-party apps. The anticipated hours of operation will be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.