El Rodeo resided on Hillsborough Street, feeding students and locals traditional Mexican food for 18 years. But now it’s gone. Chile Bomba , a new venture from the Ibarra restaurant group, is replacing it.
“We wanted a fun, energetic and cool atmosphere that people can have a great time in,” Charlie Ibarra , from the Ibarra restaurant family, said. “It’ll be more liberal than before. N.C . State is right across the street and we wanted a livelier, more social atmosphere for the college crowd — a place where people can create memories.”
The menu will be similar, but dotted with new dishes inspired by Jibarra , an affiliate restaurant. Jalapeño hushpuppies , beer-battered fish tacos and steak burritos are all a few of the new offerings.
One noted appetizer was the carne asada fries — fries loaded with steak, cheese, pico de gallo , black beans and chives. Ibarra also mentioned that the Mama’s Tinga — a chipotle-marinated chicken — is based upon his mother’s recipe. The menu will also feature taco and burrito baskets.
A few of the old menu items will no longer be there, but if the ingredients are available, special requests for old favorites may be accommodated.
In addition to the overhaul in the menu, there will also be an expanded selection of drinks. Nine different types of margaritas and flavored vodka pitchers will be available. Those watching calories can sip on a skinny margarita, while others feeling adventurous can try the Corona Remix — an upside-down coronita placed in a frozen or on-th-rocks margarita. Ibarra called it the “have a good time” drink.
Mexican and American culture are fused together in a playful mix of new and old to revamp the interior. Pop art coexists playfully with vintage pieces. Various colorful murals, ranging from Luchadores (or Mexican wrestlers) to a Star Trek parody of a graphic from a traditional Mexican bingo game, now cover the expansive brick wall. Records that Ibarra found in second hand music shops dot the wall on the opposite side of the restaurant and bright paper mache lanterns in the shape of stars float above the tables. The space itself is more open and airy than the previous layout. Indie music from both Mexico and the U.S . will be played, according to Ibarra .
Ilse Gonzalez, a junior in nutrition science, said she’s excited about working at Chile Bomba .
“The food is Tex-Mex with a twist, and it has a college atmosphere that wasn’t present in El Rodeo. I could definitely see it becoming a student hangout because of the fun vibe and proximity to campus. I personally plan on checking it out when I’m not working.”
With a staff consisting of mainly students, and plans to participate in all Hillsborough Hikes, Ibarra said he hopes Chile Bomba will become a tradition on Hillsborough Street. The restaurant opens Aug. 23 and a grand opening is in the planning stage.
