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La Pinata Reopens in Washington Heights a Year After Closure

 The restaurant closed its 207th Street location last year, but is now open on 181st Street.
La Piñata Reopens in Washington Heights
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WASHINGTON HEIGHTS — Nearly a year after closing its doors, an Uptown Mexican restaurant has found a new home a few subway stops south of its old location.

La Piñata Mexican Grill, which is under new ownership, reopened at 711 W. 181st St. last week after closing its West 207th Street location in July 2014.

The menu for the new restaurant is similar to the original and features Tex-Mex classics such as fajitas and queso dip, as well as traditional Mexican dishes including chicken mole and homemade tamales.

New items, including more vegetarian options, have also been added to the menu, said owner Tatiana Washington, 27.

Although the restaurant is now located in Washington Heights, Inwood fans can still get their fix, with the eatery delivering to homes between 168th and 218th streets, Washington noted.

Unlike the first La Piñata, this new incarnation will also serve alcohol, with 15 different flavors of frozen margaritas and its own jalapeno-infused tequila, she added. However, the bar area is not open yet.

Washington said the State Liquor Authority has already approved the business for a license, but she is waiting for final paperwork before she begins serving alcohol. She hopes to open the bar service within the next month.

Community Board 12 recommended that the SLA grant La Piñata a liquor license, records show. The SLA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

La Piñata, which reopened on Tuesday, July 14, was very busy this past weekend, with many former customers showing up to try the new location, Washington said.

“We’re very happy, very excited. We feel very welcomed by the people,” she said. “We’re just happy to be back.”

La Piñata will be open from noon to midnight during the week and from noon to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.