El Coyote to Open New Restaurant in Forest Hills View Full Caption

QUEENS — El Coyote, a chain of Mexican restaurants, will soon open a new location in Forest Hills, the owners said.

The new restaurant will replace Garcia's Mexican Cafe, which closed earlier this year after 25 years in business.

El Coyote is expected to open on the second floor of a retail complex at 70-09 Austin St., near 70th Avenue, in about two months, said Paula Vargas, whose husband, Carlos Axilote, established the chain about a decade ago.

Currently, the chain has three locations — one in Jackson Heights and two in Connecticut.

Vargas said the owners wanted to expand into Manhattan, but they chose Forest Hills instead, after the opportunity presented itself.

“It’s a great area and we hope that the neighborhood will like us,” she said.

Vargas said that each restaurant has a slightly different menu, catering to the preferences of local residents.

The menu for the Forest Hills location, she said, is still being worked out, but she added that it will have a number of gourmet dishes, in addition to the restaurant's traditional offerings, which include enchiladas and fajitas.