Catrina’s Mexican Grill Brings a Broader Mexican Menu to McGinnis Ferry

Catrina’s Mexican Grill opened along McGinnis Ferry Road at about the least reassuring moment possible: the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Six years later, the restaurant remains in McGinnis Ferry Promenade, serving a corridor that draws diners from Johns Creek, Alpharetta and South Forsyth.

Its longevity is easy to overlook. Catrina’s occupies the sort of suburban shopping-center space where restaurants often come and go, but it has gradually become an established neighborhood presence—particularly for families seeking a casual dinner, drinks or a table large enough for a group.

The dining room gives the restaurant a character of its own. Bright papel picado banners cross the ceiling, while colorful calaveras, Catrina portraits and other Day of the Dead imagery appear throughout the room. Hand-painted bar chairs depict scenes of rural Mexican life, and warm wood walls frame the bar. Together, the elements create something more personal than the familiar, lightly decorated suburban Mexican restaurant.

The menu is broad without requiring a complete study before ordering. Tacos, enchiladas, burritos and fajitas cover the expected neighborhood favorites, while birria, house-made tamales, mole, whole fried tilapia and large mixed grills offer room to move beyond them. A full bar, margaritas and Mexican aguas frescas complete the familiar cantina experience.

That range helps explain the restaurant’s staying power. Catrina’s can accommodate the child who wants a cheese quesadilla, the diner looking for birria or tamales and the table that would rather share a large grilled platter. It is an accessible family restaurant, but not one without its own identity.

After opening during a period that placed extraordinary pressure on independent restaurants, simply remaining here for six years tells part of the story. Catrina’s has grown into the McGinnis Ferry landscape not through novelty, but through consistency—a colorful, locally rooted restaurant that now feels less like a newcomer and more like part of the corridor.

Catrina’s Mexican Grill is located at 5354 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 208, in Alpharetta.

About the Author

Tsvi Jolles

Author, Editor & Publisher

Tsvi Jolles is the author of seven books and the founder and publisher of North Atlanta Star. He has lived in Cumming for almost a decade.

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