1. 62 akronlife september 2014
big bite
Nuevo Modern Mexican and Tequila Bar
If you’re looking for Mexican classics
with a modern twist, you’ll want to spend an
evening in downtown Akron relaxing with a
glass of tequila at Nuevo Modern Mexican
and Tequila Bar.
Located at 54 E. Mill St., this restaurant is serving up dishes with
colorful flavors and recipes that are sure to entice guests who want to
satisfy their cravings for Mexican fare.
This casual eatery opened its doors last February, and business has
been booming, according to Nuevo’s co-owner and chef Zack Hirt.
“Every day is a challenge, but the challenges are exciting,” he says.
“Everyone is so fun to work with. Everyone is learning as we’re going
along.”
Although Hirt is self-taught in Mexican cuisine, he didn’t want Nuevo
to serve the typical taco or burrito. It took him three years of hard
work and collaboration with his wife, Lisa (Nuevo’s co-owner), to
determine the restaurant’s menu.
“I tried a lot of new techniques,” Hirt says. “I practiced until every-
thing was perfect.”
In addition to creating their own taco or burrito, guests can order
fresh seafood and steak from Nuevo’s menu. The restaurant’s pork car-
nitas is made with braised pork shoulder that’s laden with spices and
herbs and slow-cooked for eight hours.
Other notable dishes include the traditional tamales and carnita
empanadas, which are made with Coca-Cola braised beef. If guests
are feeling adventurous, they can try unusual dishes, like grilled cactus
or nopalitos. There are also tasty vegetarian options, like chili-rubbed
tofu.
by Hannah Yang and photos by Shane Wynn

2. www.akronlife.com 63
When it’s time to quench your thirst, Nuevo offers a wide
selection of drinks from aged spirits to tequila flights. After
attending a dinner that paired entrées with different types of
tequila, Hirt was inspired to open a tequila bar at Nuevo.
“They had all these brands of tequila that I’d never seen or
heard of before,” Hirt said. “It completely opened our eyes
to a whole new world.”
Now, Nuevo’s bar serves variations of the drink, including
tequilas that hint at the taste of chocolate, fruit, spices and
other decadent flavors.
“Experience all different nuances that tequila has to offer,”
Hirt suggests.
People from all walks of life visit Nuevo. Students from The
University of Akron can use their Zip Cards there, and Hirt
often serves older groups of guests as well.
Hirt also opened a rooftop patio which seats about 40 people
and provides a view overlooking downtown Akron.
Reservations are encouraged by calling Nuevo at
330-762-8000.
/ Writer Hannah Yang is a senior at Ohio University working
on her bachelor’s in journalism.
Comments?
Email them to managing editor Abby Cymerman at acy-
merman@bakermediagroup.com.