Isalita Cantina Mexicana Closes in Ann Arbor to Turn Into New Concept

After nearly 12 years in operation, Isalita Cantina Mexicana closed its doors on Dec. 23, 2024, with the building now set to be transformed into a new dining option in Ann Arbor.

Owner Adam Baru decided to close the restaurant as he wanted to direct his focus onto his other business, Mani Osteria & Bar. The Italian restaurant has been in operation since 2011, and it is located right next to the building that was once Isalita Cantina Mexicana.

Baru says that Mani Osteria & Bar is a passion project of his, which caused him to want to particularly strengthen the restaurant and its brand.

With the closure of Isalita Cantina Mexicana, the building is now being transformed into a new concept called Mani Next Door.

Mani Next Door is set to be an expansion of the restaurant, which will offer a private event dining space right next door to Mani Osteria & Bar. Baru said this offers a new opportunity for the business since the restaurant’s current layout does not have the ability to support private events and large parties.

There are also plans to eventually hold weekend brunches out of the space, either on both Saturdays and Sundays, or just on Sundays.

“I thought Mexican restaurants have been really well-represented in Ann Arbor,” Baru said. “I just figured that there was something else we could turn that space into that would be fun and be something new to add to the dining options in Ann Arbor.”


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Baru said that he is considering additional possibilities for Mani Next Door, such as chefs hosting pop-up dinners and wine-tasting events.

The food options that will be offered at Mani Next Door will not be identical to the options at Mani Osteria & Bar. Baru said some favorites may still be included, but that he hopes to explore different dishes with the new space and equipment. The brunch menu will also differ in options from the event menu.

“It really becomes more of a laboratory for us to be able to play around with different types of cuisine, potentially different types of service, and hopefully just create a dynamic space that ultimately gets used on our terms,” Baru said.

The design and layout of the space is currently being finalized, with Baru aiming to give the space a new look and feel that still maintains the brand of Mani Osteria & Bar. The creation of both the event and brunch menus is also in the works, and the contractor is set to begin work soon.

“I’m really excited about it. It allows us to keep our staff busy, keep our chefs engaged in being creative, so there’s just a lot of different wins,” Baru said. “Both internal to the business and for all of the people who work there, as well as externally in the community, what it can be and what we can offer.”

Mani Next Door is aiming to open its doors by April 1, with the hope to serve customers during the graduation season.

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Victoria Smith is a multimedia journalist who covers local news and local government. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Media Studies and Journalism.

Victoria Smith
Victoria Smith
Victoria Smith is a multimedia journalist who covers local news and local government. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Media Studies and Journalism.

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