King Corona is more than a new restaurant. It is a lively and festive culinary destination in West Chester.
“There is simply nothing like it around here,” says Nathan Taylor, co-owner of King Corona Latin Kitchen Cantina. “There are other restaurants around, but there is not a high-end entertaining restaurant like this in the area.”
The vibrant atmosphere inside King Corona is reflected in modern, colorful lighting and decor with a Latin American influence.
“People love our décor. We are always complimented on the style of the restaurant,” Taylor says. “When people arrive, they love the eagle wings you see.”
The 4,000-square-foot cantina opened in the heart of the Streets of West Chester in November and adds a distinct dining experience to the bustling entertainment district.
“Our patio is open for the season and seats about 40,” Taylor says. “We have new TVs and heaters for those nights with a little chill in the air.”
King Corona also features intimate booth tables for dining on a date night before or after watching a movie at the AMC theater next door. The inside is also set with tables and chairs if you’re looking for space to accommodate a larger number of guests and a more spirited experience.
“Our service is top-notch,” Taylor says.
The cocktails served at King Corona are beautifully crafted and soaked in the creativity of the cantina. The Queen’s Passion is a signature cocktail that mixes vodka, honey, agave nectar and passion fruit.
“It is by far the favorite cocktail we serve,” says Taylor.
The El Jefe is a special treat combining Buchanan’s Pineapple scotch, Cointreau, lemon juice and Grand Marnier. But if you’re looking for a bourbon-inspired drink, try the Drunk Bee. It mixes Woodford Bourbon, peach syrup, lime juice, honey and sweet tea. King Corona has a fully stocked bar and mixes terrific margaritas.
The decor, entertainment options and drinks do not overshadow the food menu at King Corona. The menu is consistently updated, bringing innovative new dishes to the lineup while keeping traditional favorites.
The pork belly bites served with guacamole, pico de gallo and spicy BBQ sauce are a popular starter. You can also find variations of Argentinian empanadas among the nearly one dozen appetizers.
The main entrees feature a Latin American influence in dishes like the Tamales Empanizados, which are two deep-fried corn tamales filled with marinated pork and rajas con queso. The Chori Pan is an Argentinian chorizo served with ciabatta bread, salsa rosa, salsa criolla, chimichurri and ensalada rusa.
If you’re looking for a unique plate, order the Pulpo al Pastor. It is a chargrilled octopus marinated in a special adobo al pastor and served with grilled pineapple, chambray onion, roasted jalapeno and arroz de coco.
The more traditional bison burger is a best seller. The Bison King Burger comes on a jet-black bun and the bison patty is topped with smoked gouda, avocado, spring mix, crispy onions and garlic aioli. Sweet potato fries complete this popular menu item.
“Our food is very flavorful,” Taylor says. “The birria tacos are tremendous, the deep-fried Oreos are outstanding. There is nothing like those that I’ve found. They are so good.”
You’ll also find sushi on the menu, including the signature King Corona roll of shrimp tempura, cream cheese, avocado and octopus topped with cilantro crab, yum yum sauce and crispy onions.
A recent addition to the King Corona offerings is a brunch menu served seven days a week. Staples of eggs and bacon are available as well as enhanced brunch dishes like the Latin Benedict. The dish features two eggs Mexican-style with salsa verde, sitting atop ciabatta bread and topped with shredded chicken, queso fresco and sour cream.
“We are featuring our brunch menu for those looking for a unique place for a business meeting or a group of friends gathering to catch up,” Taylor says.
For those looking for late-night fun, King Corona recently added a weekend entertainment event featuring a DJ so guests can “eat, dance and drink” from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
“Our sound system is awesome, and it makes for a great place to be with family and friends,” Taylor says.
The cantina features several televisions for those looking for a place to gather to catch a game. Groups also enjoy the 360-degree camera booth for a special photo experience, capturing everyone at the table.
“We are a location where you can come on a special date, bring in your family for a celebration or watch your favorite team on TV,” says Taylor.
King Corona Latin Kitchen Cantina brings a memorable dining experience to West Chester and has something unique for nearly every occasion.
“This is not a typical Tex-Mex place,” Taylor says. “We are bringing different styles and a fun atmosphere for people to eat, drink, dance or just relax. It’s a really fun, festive place.”
King Corona Latin Kitchen, 9421 Civic Centre Boulevard, West Chester, 513.644.9326
“This is not a typical Tex-Mex place. There is simply nothing like it around here."