Blind Coyote Cantina, a new upscale Mexican restaurant by local restaurateur Tony Monaco, is now open at the Yorba Linda Town Center. Formerly known as The Blind Pig Kitchen + Bar, Monaco has reimagined his previous concept with a fresh Mexi-Cali menu and a revamped interior featuring ranchero-style influences, bringing a renewed dining experience to the area.
Driven by Monaco’s vision to create a concept tailored to the Yorba Linda community, the 3,000-square-foot interior blends local heritage with modern elements, featuring whitewashed brick walls, earthy-toned textiles, and contemporary Mexican ceramic motifs. A new generation of chef-driven entrées, weekly specials, and a world-class agave bar complete the dining experience.
“My journey in the restaurant industry began with a dream to bring a unique dining experience to my hometown, leading to the opening of my first concept, The Blind Pig, in 2013. Now, eleven years later, I still feel just as inspired to evolve with the needs of Orange County today,” says Monaco in a statement. “This project with Chef Karl has allowed us to explore a new dimension of our restaurant endeavors, so we’re thrilled to now share it with our guests and hope it offers fresh inspiration and a place to create lasting memories for our beloved Yorba Linda community.”
Crafted by Executive Chef Karl Pfleider, the Blind Coyote Cantina’s menu draws influence from his Mexican heritage and blends regional flavors with his unique culinary vision. All guests are welcomed with complimentary chips, salsa, and bean dip, and can begin their meal with a variety of appetizers such as Tableside Guacamole, Lamb Empanadas, and Esquites (grilled corn, jalapeño, mayo, lime, radish, cilantro, cotija, chili salt, crispy hominy), as well as options from the ‘Mariscos’ menu, such as the Bay Scallop Tostada and Snapper Ceviche (cucumber, red onion, jalapeño, tomato, cilantro, avocado, micro radish, chili oil). Entrées, or ‘Especiales,’ include a variety of Fajitas, Enchiladas, and Tacos, as well as standouts like the Burrito Mojado (choice of protein, salsa verde, refried beans, rice, pico de gallo, Monterey cheese, flour tortilla), the Milanesa Torta (breaded chicken breast, refried beans, panela cheese, jalapeño mayo, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickled jalapeño), and the Vaquero Steak (20 oz bone-in ribeye, avocado, pico de gallo, rice, and beans). The dessert menu stays true to Mexican classics with decadent, chef-driven renditions of Tres Leches, Flan, and house-made Churros, served with a warm chocolate ganache dip.
The bar program focuses on specialty cocktails crafted with premium agave, tequila, and mezcal. Guests can enjoy made-to-order classics or try one of the bar’s unique craft ‘cocteles,’ such as the Casa Amor (vodka, crème de cempasuchil, hoja santa tincture, amontillado, lime, xe’ek’ shrub), the Alligator Pear (tequila, grapefruit ponche, pear, mango, grenadine, lime, avocado), or A Tus Zapatos (bourbon, nixta, charanda, black bean orgeat, lemon, chorizo bitters). The Blind Pig’s popular tiki cocktail menu has been reimagined at Blind Coyote Cantina, featuring options like the Painkiller #2 (aged rum, Jamaican rum, coconut, pineapple, orange, nutmeg), La Farmacita (tequila, apricot, strawberry, coconut, ginger, pineapple), and more.
Weekly specials include a daily happy hour from 3-5 p.m., with half off select appetizers and mariscos and discounts on beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as the weekly Taco Tuesday, featuring half-off tacos and deals on Mexican beers, margaritas, and tiki cocktails with a Latin agave twist. In addition to traditional dining, Blind Coyote Cantina also offers catering services and private event opportunities by request on its website.
Blind Coyote Cantina, located at 4975 Lakeview Ave in Yorba Linda, is now open six days from Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. The Blind Pig, Rancho Santa Margarita location will remain the same and both locations will accept The Blind Pig gift cards.
