Elimar's Bar & Grill, located at 2309 Columbia Ave., Lancaster, has been renamed Elimar's Cantina and Taqueria, reflecting a new focus on regional Mexican cuisine inspired by the culinary traditions of Mexico. The restaurant is owned by the Ramirez family, which also operates two other restaurants in the Lancaster area.

Chef Gerardo Ramirez recently made the decision to transition away from the Italian and American fare previously served at Elimar's and return to the bold flavors of his Mexican heritage. The updated menu features several signature dishes, including Jerry nachos topped with steak, chicken, and shrimp, as well as El Patron tacos and birria tacos, and the signature Elimar burrito. The restaurant also offers a distinctive Mexican burger prepared with a blend of ingredients and seasonings that create a flavor profile unlike a traditional American burger.

The name change to Elimar's Cantina and Taqueria reflects the restaurant's renewed emphasis on authentic regional Mexican flavors and a vibrant dining experience for guests. The updated menu was put into place at the end of winter and is now available for customers.

Gerardo and his family became restaurant entrepreneurs after losing their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gerardo had worked as a chef for 15 years at Leeds Ltd restaurant in Harrisburg, and he and his family had been talking about opening their own restaurant for years. So, they pooled their saved money, took out a loan, and purchased what had been a vegetarian restaurant on Rohrerstown Road. The Tequila Mexican Grill & Bar was born, and it was a family affair involving Gerardo plus his parents, sister, brother-in-law, and girlfriend. In 2023, the family purchased a restaurant on Richmond Avenue in Manheim, and it became the second Tequila Mexican Grill & Bar. Two years later, they purchased Elimar's on Columbia Avenue.

To contact Elimar's Cantina and Taqueria, call 717-435-9658.