El Sapo Cuban Social Club, a new restaurant from Urban Butcher owner Chef Raynold Mendizábal, will open today (Oct. 30) at 4 p.m., according to a press announcement.

El Sapo (“The Toad”) is located at 8455 Fenton St., with the entrance on Wayne Avenue. It will feature traditional Cuban dishes such as ropa vieja, a dish of shredded beef with vegetables, and puerco asado, described as “slow-roasted pork with bitter orange mojo.”

The menu also includes ceviches and empanadas, along with dishes such as tasajo de chivo-tamal en cazuela (goat “jerky” braised with honey and sofrito, creamy yellow corn casserole), rabo encendío (oxtails braised with habaneros, orange and oregano), and bacalao con pán (fresh cod and tomato, stewed with capers and sofrito).

Dinner will be served beginning at 4 p.m. After 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday (10 p.m. Friday and Saturday), the restaurant switches to a “Havana Nights” theme with a limited menu, mojito specials and cortaditos (an espresso drink).

On Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., “Mañanas in the Mojito Garden” will feature live DJs and musicians, mojito specials, and street food for less than $8. Offerings will include empanadas with beef ragu, yucca frita, tostones, the Frita (a fiery Cuban beef burger with tomato and pickles), and Cubano sandwiches.

El Sapo will have outdoor seating, weather permitting, and will soon add lunch service and a carryout window.

Photo by David Lay.