By Sarah Toce

Making the most modest effort to utilize only the freshest local and sustainable ingredients, Centro in Downtown Burien (643A SW 152nd Street; map below) is a feast for the senses.

Centro will open to the public for take-out starting this Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020.

This modern, family-friendly jewel in the heart of Burien is offering an array of Mexican staples with a twist: diverse veggie, vegan and gluten-free options, handcrafted margaritas, micro brews, and local frozen treats from Snoqualmie Ice Cream.

Restauranteur husband and wife team Enrique and Trisha Arias, both 33-years old, have two young girls ages 1 and 3 years old. They are local Burien residents who have lived in the Gregory Heights neighborhood for three years. Trisha was born and raised in Burien and has lived in the Highline area since she was a child. Enrique has been in the restaurant business his whole life, with experience in Pierce County, most notably Tacoma. It was imperative to the couple that they employ local artists for the woodworking inside their restaurant (guests will soon adore the hand-carved booths), on their interior walls and throughout the designing of their website. Burien resident Brent Peterson painted the famous white brick and moniker outside of the building as well.

Centro’s focus is bringing small plates to the table in a way that hasn’t been done before. The purposeful bite-sized menu consists of unique and unusual pairings you wouldn’t normally find at a Mexican restaurant, such as Crispy Brussel Sprouts (garlic aioli, goat cheese, red pepper flakes, citrus) and Street Corn with jalapeno-lime crema, pequin and cotija. Add on Jerk Chicken Wings, Charred Quesadillas, Cauliflower Nachos, or Habanero Enchiladas and you’re in for a quick kick! Want some vegan queso? They have that, too! But meat lovers listen up: you won’t be left behind! Try the Chicken Tinga, Barbacoa, or Braised Pork Shoulder for the win.

The prices are fair and reasonable as well. Guests will enjoy sampling different menu options for around $6-12 per plate. Have a kid in the crew? There’s Mac ‘N Cheese for that! Want to take a margarita on the go? Centro has a full liquor license with takeout margarita mixings just for that purpose.

All of Centro’s sauces, black beans, and rice are made from scratch and are vegetarian and lard-free. They utilize a designated gluten-free fryer for guests who cannot have gluten. Their beef is primo and their chicken dishes are hormone and antibiotic free.

Centro is poised to grace Burien residents and visitors with a new version of bringing the whole person to the table for gourmet dishes that both inspire and elevate a new appreciation for modern dining.

Enrique and Trisha hope to expand to the outdoor seating option on the patio before long. Due to COVID-19, indoor seating is currently restricted, but should be lifted soon as well.

Discover Burien will hold a ribbon cutting at 1:30 p.m. this Saturday, August 8, 2020. The public is invited to attend, however, a crowd is discouraged due to COVID-19. Discover Burien will live-stream the ribbon cutting on their Facebook page for anyone interested in attending virtually.

Like Centro on Facebook and follow them on Instagram @centronk. Visit Centro online to learn more or order your next meal at http://www.centroburien.com.

Centro
643A SW 152nd Street
Burien, WA 98166

HOURS:

    • Tuesday – Thursday 4-8 PM
    • Friday – Saturday 4-9 PM
    • Sunday 4-8 PM

Email: centroburien@gmail.com

Phone: 206.420.7227

IG: @centronk

Photos courtesy Centro


 

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