East Passyunk hotspot Cantina Los Caballitos has been granted an extension of premise at the vacant dirt lot adjacent to the popular Mexican restaurant. Los Caballitos, at 1651 East Passyunk Avenue, had irked some neighbors with its overflowing outdoor sidewalk seating. The available adjacent lot, recently graveled and supplied with trees from local landscaper Urban Jungle, will now be used for Cantina’s outdoor seating area to keep tables out of Passyunk pedestrian’s way. The new lot, according to manager Eylse Perreault, “will not change the seating [amount],” and will still host up to 80 guests.

Plans for the lot include more trees and outdoor hanging lights. Renee Gillnger, main street manager of the East Passyunk Avenue Improvement District claims that most extensions of premise include spaces like courtyards and sidewalk seating. Not unlike the outdoor space hidden within Raw, a sushi bar and restaurant on 1225 Sansom Street.

The zoning for the Los Caballitos extension of premise was unique, “because there was no precedent” to model after for the area. With summer approaching, spacious outdoor seating will surely please Cantina regulars and newcomers alike. —-Suzy Grimberg