243 Cantina Bar & Grill had a soft opening Jan. 17 and held a ribbon cutting Tuesday afternoon. It’s in the building that used to house Kettle & Keg.

Owners Carmelo Ramos and Mike Wazaney joined employees, city of Dunkirk officials and Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce President Daniel Heitzenrater for the ribbon cutting.

Bartender Francisco Martinez chatted with the OBSERVER before the ribbon cutting. Martinez said he’s a trained “mixologist” who was briefly a bartender in Hollywood.

Martinez plans a steady slate of craft cocktails behind the bar. “It’s nice to come in here and demonstrate my ability. I like making people happy,” he said.

OBSERVER Photos by M.J. Stafford Bartender Francisco Martinez works behind the newly renovated bar Tuesday at 243 Cantina Bar & Grill.

Martinez said he tries to bring a personal touch to patrons. “When I’m here, I bring them my time and my ear,” he said.

The first thing he mentioned on the menu was the shrimp florentine pasta. Martinez also spoke highly of the steaks and the “243 Burger.”

The full menu is available on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

While Kettle & Keg was known for its old-school dark wood, 243 Cantina Bar & Grill is going with a more contemporary look. White and gray walls, with a light wood trim, complement corrugated metal behind the bar.

243 Cantina Bar & Grill’s hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m.