Roots Latin Grill is expanding with the addition of Socavon, a bar and lounge just two doors down from the restaurant.
“A lot of customers go to the restaurant just to get drinks,” owner Luis Morales told SBJ when plans were first announced last year. “I wanted to make a lounge and bar with more of a restaurant vibe on the quality of drinks. The drinks will be hand-crafted; everything will be a bit more detailed than your average Jack and Coke.”
Socavon is located at 4117 W. Wabash Ave., between Lucy’s Place and Papa Frank’s.
Morales opened Roots Latin Grill, which occupies the west endcap of the retail center, in October 2019. He told SBJ at the time that he wanted the restaurant to reflect his own Bolivian roots and offer Springfield diners more choices in Latin American food beyond Mexican cuisine.
While Socavon will not serve meals, Morales said he is exploring options for samplings that will compliment certain drinks, such as wine and truffle pairings or charcuterie boards.
In a post on the Roots Latin Grill Facebook page, Morales wrote, “With time, we will start adding more items to the drink menu (and) daily specials, as well as some small bites to pair with drinks.”
Morales also plans to shift the live music offerings from the restaurant to Socavon and focus on Latin jazz and Bossa nova. He said his new venture will offer a “different setting if you’re going to get drinks with a group of friends, instead of going to a bar.”
A grand opening is planned for Friday, Oct. 20, at 5 p.m.
