:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71822273/Screen_Shot_2023_01_04_at_9.46.43_AM.0.png)
La Fonda Latina is opening this spring in the former Lake and Oak BBQ space at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Hosea Williams Drive in East Lake, Decaturish first reported. The restaurant resides across the street from the emerging Hosea and 2nd development, home to Poor Hendrix, Salaryman, Hippin Hops Brewery, and Perc Coffee.
Lake and Oak BBQ, owned by chefs Todd Richards and Joshua Lee, closed in September 2022 after just two years in East Lake. However, a new location of the barbecue restaurant is slated to open this year in West End along the Westside Beltline trail.
La Fonda serves a mix of Spanish, Mexican, and Cuban dishes, including tacos, burritos, paella, and Cuban sandwiches. Locations are also open in Buckhead, Chastain Park, Candler Park, and Poncey-Highland.
Co-owner Karen Haan tells Decaturish they own the building and wanted to bring La Fonda “closer to this side of town.” The restaurant will likely be open daily, starting at 11 a.m., and serve the same menu as the other locations.
The opening of La Fonda in East Lake is a return to the neighborhood for the group behind the restaurant, which also owns Fellini’s Pizza and the Greater Good BBQ. The latter occupied the building until its closure in 2019. A location of the Greater Good BBQ closed in Tucker soon after, and the location in Buckhead also now appears closed. Eater is working to confirm the status of the Buckhead restaurant location.
