GONE FOR GOOD: A POPULAR restaurant located in Downtown Disney is set to be demolished after closing earlier this year

According to The SUN USA, Tortilla Jo’s, a beloved cantina known for serving Mexican dishes and cocktails since 2004, has officially closed its doors in Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. The restaurant, located in a popular lifestyle center that opened on January 12, 2001, was a favorite among visitors for two decades.

Although the restaurant has closed, plans for the building’s future remain in progress. A permit reveals that the basement will stay intact even after the main structure is demolished. However, the exact timeline for the demolition remains unclear, as the City of Anaheim has yet to approve the necessary permit.

Earlier this year, Tortilla Jo’s bid farewell to its loyal customers. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the restaurant extended its last day of service to April 7, giving fans one final chance to enjoy their favorite dishes and drinks. “Thank you, Tortilla Jo’s fans, for an incredible 20 years! We look forward to celebrating with you one last time. ¡Gracias por todo!” the post read. The restaurant officially closed on April 13.

In place of Tortilla Jo’s, renowned chef Joe Isidori will introduce two new eateries. The first will be a steakhouse featuring a “warm and sophisticated ambiance,” while the second will be a barbecue spot offering a “culinary approach to quick-service,” according to Disneyland. The steakhouse will serve classic dishes such as prime beef, seafood, and chopped salads, while the barbecue joint will focus on brisket, pulled pork, and moonshine cocktails.

Chef Isidori is no stranger to Downtown Disney, having previously opened his New York-based restaurant, Black Tap, there on May 18, 2019. Black Tap is famous for its award-winning burgers, craft beer, and milkshakes, with locations in California, Florida, Las Vegas, New York, Tennessee, and Texas.

The demolition of Tortilla Jo’s marks the beginning of extensive renovations and the introduction of new dining and shopping experiences in Downtown Disney. These changes aim to revitalize the area and bring new life to the shopping mall outside Disneyland Park.

The initial announcement of these renovations was made at Destination D23, a Disney fan convention, in 2021. The updates are part of broader renovations at Disneyland, which attracts over eight million visitors each year.

In April 2023, Catal Restaurant and its adjacent Uva Bar also closed after 22 years at Disneyland. They will be replaced by Paseo, a new Mexican restaurant, and its sister courtyard bar Céntrico, both featuring a menu crafted by Michelin-starred chef Carlos Gaytán.

Additionally, the popular sandwich shop Earl of Sandwich will temporarily close in 2025 to make way for the highly anticipated Porto’s Bakery, known for its signature sweet pastries and savory Cuban cuisine.

As part of the Destination D23 project, several new stores will open this winter. Among them, Avengers Reserve will debut in a new building near the Lego store, offering a wide range of Marvel merchandise for fans. Marceline’s Confectionery, currently under construction, will reopen as Disney’s Wonderful World of Sweets, featuring churro toffee, caramel apples, marshmallow treats, and freshly made Werther’s caramel popcorn.

No specific timeline has been announced for the debut of the new restaurants, but these exciting updates are sure to bring fresh energy to Downtown Disney.