The Bay View neighborhood welcomed Riviera Maya, 2258 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., last night in the former location of Scott McGlinchey's failed Q American BBQ. Riviera Maya is the new incarnation of Xel-há, the popular Bay View eatery which came from the same launch pad location on the corner of Howell and Lincoln that spawned Taqueria Azteca (now on Chase and Oklahoma) years before.

Named after another famous Mexican destination spot, Riviera Maya's new space has been transformed into a bright, fun eatery, and the menu looks to feature many old favorites as well as some new additions.

Bay View welcomes the space back as Xel-ha's unceremonious closing took many residents by surprise (there was no immediate indication that the restaurant was reinventing itself across the street and many regulars mourned its assumed passing.)

The new location puts Riviera Maya in one of the neighborhood's most happening triangles, kiddie corner from nightlife queen Lulu Café and Cocktails, right next to Harry W. Schwartz and Babe's Ice Cream and Desserts, and a block away from Joe Katz's happening Highbury Pub.

Bay View's dining scene continues to evolve with the impending opening of Hector's on Delaware, 3040 S. Delaware Ave., and Classic Slice, 2797 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., continuing Bay View's reputation as a destination for Mexican (the aforementioned Riviera Maya, Taqueria Azteca, Hector's on Delaware) and Italian (Mama DeMarini's, Dom and Phil DeMarini's, Tenuta's, Pietro's and Classic Slice) selections.

2 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by TBinWI on Feb. 9, 2009 at 9:24 a.m. (report)

The food was so-so. I had the fajitas which lacked in flavor *and* they were served with corn tortillas instead of flour. :( There are plenty of other great Mexican restaurants "down the road" that would better serve your tastebuds. The bar area was cold and make-shift in appearance. Overall, I'd give it 2 stars. **

Posted by alba on Nov. 27, 2006 at 1:32 p.m. (report)

I miss Q.

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