Bartender turned business owner Joe Vandal recently opened his own restaurant, Coa Cantina, in the former longtime location of the locally loved Yo Mama’s Cantina in Breckenridge. Vandal said he knows it’s a tough act to follow, but he is willing to take that on by bringing something fresh to the table.
He says at Coa Cantina, agave is the name of the game. Vandal’s entire business is essentially driven by the sweet syrup taken from the center of the plants. Coa Cantina gets its name from the coa tool, which is used to harvest agave.
After spending nearly 20 years in Breckenridge working in the restaurant industry, Vandal decided it was time to take the next step and open his own spot. With a passion for high-quality ingredients and supporting smaller agave farmers, he has worked to ensure his bar is stocked with tequila from Mexican-owned brands.
“Agave is trending right now,” Vandal said. “If you look at products we carry on bars, you’re not going to find tequila from celebrity-endorsed brands.”
Vandal’s desire to support Mexican-owned tequila brands with agave from local farmers all began with an industry trip to Mexico with Patron Tequila while he was still a bartender. What was supposed to be a month-long business trip turned into a passion that would later go on to fuel his restaurant.
Vandal said meeting the producers of the agave themselves inspired him the most.
“Seeing the production side really tugged at my heartstrings, for the families in these rural towns in Mexico agave production has been handed down generationally,” Vandal said. “That’s what got me down the rabbit hole of agave. For me it’s all about respecting it, caring about what I pour and supporting these families.”
A career bartender, Vandal knew he needed to bring in a chef who could create a menu to match his vision. He’s brought in Amanda Berg who draws experience from working at the Mount Golian Grill and Rootstalk in Breckenridge.
Vandal immediately had three requests for Berg: good food, pork belly tacos and homemade tortillas.
“I understand that homemade corn tortillas are a big ask, it’s tedious. Yet, it’s the little things, any nuances or little touches that we can provide that really make the experience,” Vandal said.
Open for just five weeks, Coa Cantina recently had a grand opening celebration on Aug. 12.
On the food menu patrons can find plenty of starters including tostadas, chips and salsa, and a queso Vandal says is pretty close to Yo Mama’s, with prices ranging from $7 to $18. Tacos, of course including pork belly ones, range from $5-$7 individually and $17-$20 for plates. Large plates, such as chicken mole cost anywhere in between $16-$25.
Coa Cantina’s drink menu features a myriad of cocktails including classics and traditional ones with a twist and range from $10-$16.
Below cocktails you will find caguamas, a slang Spanish term for a big bottle of beer, that are served with extra glasses and meant for sharing. Patrons can order Corona Familiar, Victoria, or Modelo to share with the table all for $12.
Additionally Coa serves glasses and bottles of wine, glasses ranging from $9 to $10 and bottles $34 to $38. Happy hour is everyday from 3-5 p.m. — patrons can get $2 off tacos, margaritas, and starters; $5 off plates; $1 off draft beers; and $3 off caguamas. The restaurant plans to put on “taco Tuesdays” on Aug. 22 and Aug. 29 where happy hour will be all day from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
You can find Coa Cantina at 1900 Airport Road, unit A3/A4. No reservations are needed and walk-ins are welcome. Dogs are also welcome on the patio.