West Hollywood is set to welcome a vibrant new culinary and social destination as Marvito Mexican Restaurant & Bar prepares for its grand opening on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. Located at the historic 1113 N. Harper Avenue, the space formerly housed the beloved Garden of Taxco, a West Hollywood mainstay for nearly five decades. Marvito promises an unconventional dining and drinking experience, described on its Instagram page as an “all-day dive bar meets psychedelic honky-tonk”.
This new establishment marks a significant development in the Los Angeles dining scene, offering a unique blend of Mexican Americana cuisine with an eclectic atmosphere. The concept originated as a popular pop-up across Los Angeles, generating buzz for its distinctive theme and menu. The establishment is co-owned by Max Marder and Ricky Moreno, who are continuing the culinary legacy begun with their father, famed restaurateur Bruce Marder, through their previous venture, Marvin wine bar.
A New Chapter for an Iconic Location
The Harper Avenue address carries considerable history. The Garden of Taxco, established in 1971, was known for its warm hospitality and traditional Mexican fare before relocating in 2016 and eventually operating as a ghost kitchen. Marvito’s arrival signifies a new era for this storied site, aiming to infuse it with its own unique energy. This location has seen previous restaurant attempts, including Salud Mexican Restaurant in early 2022, which ultimately did not materialize.
Menu and Atmosphere: A Psychedelic Blend
Marvito’s menu features a diverse range of Mexican-inspired dishes, alongside American classics. Offerings include burgers, tacos, mariscos (seafood), steak, and ceviche. Notable items include various cheeseburger creations, such as the California Cheeseburger and a Sourdough Cheeseburger, alongside more traditional Mexican fare like Al Pastor Tacos and Mariscos Tostada. The influence of “beachy burger stands & taco shops in Southern California” is also noted, suggesting a blend of casual favorites with a sophisticated touch. The bar will offer a selection of drinks to complement the food, aligning with its “dive bar” aspect.
Opening Delays and Licensing
The path to opening has seen some delays. While Marvito initially hoped for a launch in time for WeHo Pride, inspection hurdles and the pending status of its liquor license pushed the opening date back. The restaurant is in the process of transferring two permits – License 47 (On-Sale General Eating Place) and License 58 (Caterer Permit) – from El Patron Mexican Restaurant & Cantina in Tarzana. Despite these preliminary challenges, the restaurant is now slated for a public debut on September 23, following a neighborhood pre-opening happy hour on September 21.
Marvito Mexican Restaurant & Bar is poised to become a trending new spot in West Hollywood, adding to the vibrant culinary landscape of Los Angeles. The news of its opening brings anticipation for a unique dining experience that merges bold flavors with a distinctive, psychedelic honky-tonk atmosphere.
