With the now shuttered Third Edition commanding a prominent chunk of Wisconsin Avenue for more than 40 years, it's safe to say that Richard Sandoval had some rather big shoes to fill when it was first revealed that he would be taking over the well-liked restaurant and bar's prime Georgetown location.

Washingtonians alike, however, quietly breathed a sigh of relief when the chef and restaurateur extraordinaire announced that he would replace 'Thirds' with a second location of his widely popular El Centro D.F. taqueria and tequileria.

The city's foodies and cocktail hounds are already quite familiar with the original El Centro imprint, which is one of the most popular destinations on 14th Street's explosive restaurant scene.

And everything that made El Centro so widely successful at its first home has smartly been duplicated at its sister restaurant, which is scheduled to open next week. Existing favorites, such as Grilled Skirt Steak Huaraches and Jalisco Shrimp & Crab will all be on the new menu, as will the 14th Street hotspot's famed weekend bottomless brunch (Saturdays and Sundays from 10AM to 4PM).

Chef Juan Romero, an Arlington native and Sandoval veteran, has also prepared a series of new dishes -- unique to the Georgetown restaurant -- such as Vuelve a la Vida Tacos with octopus, shrimp, chorizo, and tomatillo salsa and Roasted Octopus with rojas, pico de gallo and chile de arbol sesame salsa.

Also newly introduced for the second El Centro location will be a series of house-infused tequilas, which will be offered in addition to a selection of more than 270 other types of tequila and mezcal, handcrafted margaritas, and classic Latin cocktails.

Spread over two floors, El Centro Georgetown can accommodate 59 guests on its first level, 99 guests on its second, and 55 guests on its secluded, outdoor patio. Architect Brie Husted drew inspiration from traditional Mexican towns in designing the space, with reclaimed wood, vaulted ceilings, custom murals, and used metal abounding.

El Centro D.F. Georgetown will be open for lunch, Monday through Friday, from 10AM to 4PM. Dinner service will be offered daily from 4PM to 11PM. And happy hour specials will be available nightly from 5PM to 7PM and feature $4 libations.

For late night fun, patrons will enjoy a special Mexican street food menu from 11PM to 2AM (3AM on Fridays and Saturdays) with every item priced at $6. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling (202) 333-4100 or visiting the El Centro website.

Be sure to check out all of our photographs from the new Georgetown El Centro location HERE!