Cantina del Centro opens in Revelstoke

A 1940s staple of Revelstoke’s downtown, formerly the home of The Cabin bowling, lounge and skate shop has reopened its doors as Cantina del Centro. The latest addition to the B.C. chain of Latin American style restaurants, Revelstoke’s Cantina del Centro has kept the retro bowling lanes as a partnership to their street food style menu and wide range of tequila and mezcal drinks.

“After about a year and a half of renovations, it feels great to open,” Bradley Filleul, Cantina del Centro owner told Revelstoke Mountaineer. Renovations on the building have been extensive, delaying the opening for some time. Work was done to preserve the eight bowling lanes located in the back of the restaurant and clean up the retro decor that now sets the mood in the bowling lounge. 

Filleul and his family relocated to Revelstoke to oversee the opening of the latest Cantina del Centro, choosing Revelstoke for the new location in part due to their previous visits here. He’s grateful for the community support in getting the restaurant open, noting the extensive work local trades businesses have done.

“[During] one of our first soft openings we invited them all and their families to come check it out now that it’s done.”

Officially open Monday, Nov. 4, Cantina del Centro had a string of soft openings to help prepare staff and connect with the community. Staff have been busy with mezcal, tequila and menu courses even while opening has been delayed.

“We want them comfortable with the menu and we wanted them to get a chance to really come together as a team,” Filleul said.

Claiming one of the largest selections of mezcal and tequila offerings in B.C., the Cantina offers an extensive drink menu with various cocktail options. The brunch and main menu includes gluten-free dishes and gluten-free alternatives cooked in separate fryers to reduce cross contamination. Vegan and vegetarian dishes and alternatives are also available.

While some restaurants and cafes in town use the shoulder season as a chance to refresh, Filleul plans to be open 365 days of the year, remaining a food and recreation spot for locals and visitors.

With a raised stage in the main lounge area, Filleul is eager to provide another venue for Revelstoke’s live music scene. He’s also open to bowling leagues if there’s enough interest in town.

“We just try to keep the doors open so everyone’s got a place to come and hang out.”

Check out Cantina del Centro in Revelstoke’s downtown area, located by the Regent hotel and open 11 a.m. to late seven days a week.