Stroll down Alki Avenue this spring and not only will you notice it's high time for roller blades, cruiser bikes and copious amounts of flip flops, but it's also time for a little salt, a squeeze of lime, and a side of Campechana (seafood cocktail) to go with your sunshiny day at the beach.

Coyotes On Alki, an "Authentic Mexican Grill and Cantina," opened its doors on Cinco de Mayo and the margaritas have been flowing ever since. The Mexican restaurant offers beach-inspired cuisine, fish bowl sized margs, meso-American artwork by local Richard Garcia and copper metalwork (on the bar as well as indoor and outdoor sconces) by artist Chris Lemmen.

But perhaps one of the most intriguing offerings is the extensive outdoor seating that starts at the end of Pegasus Pizza on Alki Ave. and wraps all the way around the corner to 62nd (which gets summer sun first) providing more ways to enjoy our sunny (or at least warm enough) days.

Coyotes is co-owned by Javier Morales and Ted Nicoloudakis - the same duo who opened the neighboring Bamboo Bar just a few years back (and the latter of which who also owns Pegasus). In fact, Coyote's even has a house drink named after the two restaurateurs- the Two Amigos Margarita (which is also the name of their limited liability company - minus the "margarita" part, of course). According to Morales, their idea has come to fruition after many years of waiting, and planning, and waiting some more.

"Shortly after opening the Bamboo Bar [in 2002], we began planning to open a Mexican restaurant on the beach," recalls Morales. "It just took time and patience to find the perfect place to do it."

Coyotes took over their current space from French restaurant Chez Million in November and Morales seems to think his new Mexican grill will be a perfect fit for the resort-like, beach atmosphere on Alki.

"On a beautiful day at the beach there are so many people down here, Alki is a real destination for families, couples and friends," he explains. "We just want to give them more options - plus margaritas and spicy food really seem to fit the beach atmosphere and care-free attitude here."

Coyotes hopes to cater to Alki's huge summer crowd by offering famous, frozen, south of the border cocktails to keep cool along with fresh seafood options, but it also wants to capture the winter beach-goers by offering toasty, soul-warming enchiladas and Mexican hot chocolate during the chillier months.

The menu was created (and is prepared) by authentic Mexican chefs who have the ability to make great Mexican-American staples such as burritos and enchiladas, but also the skill to re-create entrees you might not find anywhere besides the beaches of Baja and coastal mainland Mexico.

A few seafood specialties to try are the aforementioned Campechana (a seafood cocktail made with halibut, squid, prawns, avocado, tomato and refreshing cucumber), Ceviche (raw tilapia and bay shrimp marinated in lime juice, chilis, garlic and onions), Deep-Fried Tilapia (a light and delicate white fish) and the Seafood Stuffed Chile Relleno (with prawns, squid, halibut, and roasted red peppers).

Other more familiar options include carne asada, chicken enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas and nachos. For dessert Coyotes flaunts homemade flan, tres leches cake, churros, and deep fried ice cream (a kid favorite). The game plan is to also begin serving breakfast during the summer with entrees such as huevos rancheros and eggs with chorizo. And rumor has it that they may open an outdoor food booth as well.

But the food is only half of the Coyotes'story.

"Margaritas are big thing here," smiles Morales.

The cantina has a large tequila bar and offers everything from high-end shots of Patron to the giant, 46-ounce, fish bowl-sized Coyotes Ultimate Margarita. And you can enjoy discount margs and food during two happy hours, the first from 3 to 6pm and the second from 10pm to 12am daily (weekdays only).

On weekend nights, Coyotes offers salsa dancing after 10 p.m. and mariachi players will also be roaming the restaurant on any given afternoon or evening.

"Dancing and entertainment will also offer something new for Alki," says Morales. "Now, if you want to get out and do something different, you can without leaving your own backyard."

What: Coyote's On Alki

Where: (On the corner of 62nd & Alki Ave)

2770 Alki Ave SW

206.923.ALKI

When: Daily hours are11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

Inquire within about breakfast hours

Price: Entrees run from $6 to $13 until the full menu

is available in the next few weeks.

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