May 5, 2025 - Food and Drink

Mala Pata and its minibar Peyote will open in Raleigh on May 14

Zachery Eanes

Mala Pata's menu is centered around making its own masa from heirloom corn. Dishes include Tuna Tartacos, Aguachile, Pozole Verde and Grilled, Butterflied Whole Fish with fresh made tortillas and all the garnishes so guests can assemble their own tacos. Credit: Matt Ramey. — Mala Pata's menu is centered around making its own masa and its menu include dishes like Tuna tartacos, aguachile and pozole verde. Photo: Courtesy of Matt Ramey

Mala Pata, a highly anticipated Latin American restaurant focused on fresh masa, and its sister bar Peyote will open May 14 at Gateway Plaza in Raleigh.

Why it matters: Mala Pata joins a growing hub of local restaurants at Gateway Plaza. It will share kitchen space with the soon-to-re-open vegan restaurant Fiction Kitchen, and an alley way with the bar Natural Science, indoor golfing space Dogwood Country Club and Mordecai Beverage Co.

Driving the news: Mala Pata said it will host its final pop-up dinner on May 5 at the adjacent Natural Science bar for Cinco de Mayo.

Zoom in: Mala Pata was born from the creative minds behind spots like Centro, Gallo Pelón, Ex-Voto and Locals Seafood, combining a love for classic Latin American dishes as well as fresh seafood.

At the center of Mala Pata will be a focus on fresh masa, a dough made from corn that's used to make tortillas, tamales and other items.
The menu will also include tuna tartacos, enchiladas with a Cheerwine-infused mole, aguachile featuring North Carolina shrimp and fish tacos.
Attached to the restaurant is a seven-seat minibar called Peyote, which will focus on serving cocktails, beer and wine to patrons at Mala Pata and in its alley way.
Eventually, Peyote will offer several late-night bites after Mala Pata closes, including items like nachos and burritos.

Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 5-10pm.

Address: 2431 Crabtree Blvd., Suite 102, Raleigh

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Mala Pata and its minibar Peyote will open in Raleigh on May 14

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