El Chupacabra Expanding to South Lake Union This Month

Punk rockers, rejoice: El Chupacabra is setting up its third shop on South Lake Union by the end of this month, probably sooner. This will be the third outpost for the Day-of-the-Dead-spirited cantina since it first opened in Greenwood ten years ago, then expanded to West Seattle in 2011. At approximately 4,000 square feet, the new El Chupa at 901 Fairview Ave N will be about five times the size of the other two locations, seating about 200 and maintaining the same festively dark decor and loud music. And bonus: you can rock outside, too, over tortas and carnitas, on the restaurant's waterside patio overlooking MOHAI and more.

Owner Aaron Wright and general manager Rachel Currier say the menu will remain the same across the three outposts, as well as the hours. All El Chupacabras are open Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. until midnight, and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., with brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both weekend days. Look for the newbie by mid to late month.