Jacqueline Hart Gibson, Nederland. A new restaurant is surfacing at Caribou Shopping Center in Nederland, with an exotic name and mysterious exterior that has yet to be unveiled. Dan Harrower, former owner of the Candy Shop and current owner of the Laundromat, has partnered with Roy Martinez, the owner of Rincon del Sol in Boulder, to bring authentic Mexican cuisine to the mountains.
Dan says this will be his first experience in the restaurant business and he is excited to work with Roy, who has owned and operated the original Rincon del Sol, in Boulder at the corner of Arapahoe and Folsom, for six years. Dan is the business side of the partnership, while Roy has the restaurant and Mexican food expertise.
Rincon del Sol, meaning “corner of the sun” in Spanish, enjoys popularity and success in Boulder, where Mexican food is abundantly available.
Despite the tough competition in the area, Rincon has Yelp reviews averaging 4 stars. Reviews reflect great food and positive experiences with staff. One review from a woman in Ohio stated she was in town for a funeral and Rincon del Sol was able to accommodate a party of 22 people without prior notice, and still managed to serve tasty, reasonably priced, warm food while maintaining excellent customer service. Dan, who has a history of successful businesses in the area reflecting his all-in nature, stated his vision and commitment for the restaurant, and their clientele, is high quality, original food and great customer service.
Renovations to the space formerly known as Dot’s Diner are in full swing.
The space has been overhauled including both cosmetic and operating updates. Walking into the space today feels like walking onto the set of a restaurant makeover television show. Though the upgrades are ongoing, the transformation is exciting to witness. The energy in the space is vibrant and inviting.
Rincon del Sol Nederland will offer mostly the same menu as Rincon del Sol Boulder. Dan says if patrons have a favorite from the Boulder menu they don’t see here, they can let the staff know and their favorite menu item will be prepared for them. Dine-in and take-out service will be offered, and there is a cozy bar where customers can enjoy authentic margaritas while their to-go orders are prepared.
The space Roy and Dan are starting Rincon in is just the beginning. Dan described walls that will be removed in the near future to expand the space, allowing them to take advantage of the beautiful Nederland view offered on the north side of the building. In the meantime, Very Nice Brewing Company offers customers the option to bring take-out food to their establishment. If Rincon del Sol’s seating is full, customers are welcome to bring their entrees to Very Nice for additional seating.
Rincon del Sol will offer their fresh cuisine flavors, and margaritas, to Nederland residents and visitors on May 5, Cinco de Mayo.
(Originally published in the April 4, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)
