The Charlottesville 29

Among the strengths required for success in the restaurant industry are patience and discipline. When the Mayorga family opened Guajiros in 2019, their passion filled them with ambitions. There was so much they wanted to do with their place. But, they knew that trying to do too much too soon was a common path to failure. So, they started slowly, mastering a few things at a time, before pushing further.

Initially their restaurant was a quaint order-at-the-counter space in a strip mall on 29N, focusing on their mother’s time-tested cooking. On the strength of their delicious food and unfailingly happy demeanor, they attracted a following. With that success, in 2020 they moved downtown for the next step: becoming a full-service restaurant.

Now at yet another location, the Mayorgas have gone one step further: dinner and a nighttime bar. One of the Mayorga siblings — Harvey — has a background in bartending, having owned clubs in Nicaragua and the Cayman Islands. His dream was always that their family restaurant would draw on his skills. That dream has been realized slowly over time, with pop-up bar nights and a modest cocktail menu at the previous location. But with the move to 114 10th St. NW – formerly home to Peloton Station – Harvey finally has the bar he dreamed of. The restaurant occupies thousands of square feet, and has one of the largest bars in town.

Once known as a breakfast and lunch spot, Guajiros now also serves dinner Wednesday through Saturday, with an extensive cocktail menu. To execute the cocktails, the Mayorgas brought in one of Charlottesville’s best. On a recent visit, Wil Smith slung one great drink after another. And, the food was delicious as well.

Grilled shrimp, grilled pineapple, and cilantro mayo

Add to that a pulsing soundtrack and a vibrant scene rich with family and cultural artifacts, and the result is the Mayorgas’ dream come true.

A dream for Charlottesville, too. A little vacation on 10th Street, one of the most transporting restaurants in town.