Baja Joe’s Mexican Cantina officially unveils new ‘sports cantina’ Saturday

Not a lot of people outside of north Mesa are familiar with Baja Joe’s Mexican Cantina. That’s a shame, because Baja Joe’s serves up really good Mexican fare, especially seafood. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better fish taco in the entire Valley.

But now there’s another great reason to visit: On Saturday, the sit-down restaurant officially unveils its long-awaited expansion. The 2,500-square-foot addition, dubbed a “sports cantina,” features six big-screen TVs, pool tables, darts, video games, a jukebox, and, eventually, live music.

Saturday’s grand opening celebration will include happy hour specials from 5 p.m.-close, a free Crescent Crown beer sampling from 6-7, an appearance by the Corona girls at 7, and a free Tequila Real sampling from 7-9. T-shirts, beer koozies, and other items will be given away all night.

The sports cantina area typically will offer only a portion of Baja Joe’s extensive menu – small bites like ceviche, shrimp cocktails, tacos, etc. – and additional taps will pour several new beers, including SanTan Devils Ale.

Sean Smith, who bought the restaurant on the southwest corner of Gilbert and McKellips in March 2010, already has expanded once before – adding a 600-square-foot bar area 18 months ago. The restaurant also has a shaded patio, giving it three distinct dining areas now.

“My plan is to always offer the full menu in at least two of those areas,” Smith says. “If it’s too hot on patio, or raining outside, we’ll offer the full menu in the dining room and the sports cantina. And on nights it’s really crowded in the dining area and patio, we’ll also offer the full menu on the sports side.”