By Kevin Wilkeson, PubClub.com
Sometimes, you walk into a place for the first time and feel like you’ve been there forever. There’s a smile or warm greeting from a staffer, cool decor that suits your style or an overall feeling that’s just “you.”
I felt all that and more the first time I walked into the The Haute Enchilada Café & Gallery in Moss Landing, CA. Oh, I had passed by it on Highway 1 north of Monterey many times. It, and a sister restaurant in the front along with a couple other roadside businesses, looked inviting enough with “these places have character” sreaming at me to stop, but I was always in a hurry headed someplace else.
Well one day I did stop and instantly felt as if I belonged there I met the owner Kim, who kept me laughing with her vigrant personality while I went through pretty much every one of her very good margaritas. I don’t get up there often but always knew it was there for me when I did return.
But the thing about the “I can always go back” mentality is that sometimes you cannot go back. That’s because The Haute Enchilada Café & Gallery – a beloved restaurant and bar for so many the past 25 years – is no longer. It was forced to close by back-to-back fires in early 2025, one of which was across the street at a battery facility that caused the entire area to evacuate.
When I learned of the news, I was saddened. Not for me but for Kim and the Solano Family, the employees and the people who lived in the area and went there a lot.
This was posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page:
A Heartfelt Farewell – The Haute Enchilada Closure Announcement
Dear Friends and Patrons,
With heavy hearts, we announce the immediate closure of The Haute Enchilada Café & Gallery. The January 16 fire incident at the nearby Moss Landing battery storage facility, as well as the new fire incident on February 18 have made it impossible for us to continue public operations.
For years, our café and gallery have been a hub of art, culture, and community. The recent fires at the Vistra facility have introduced uncertainties that we cannot overlook.
We hope to welcome you back when it’s safe. In the interim, we intend to limit the use of our space to private events only. We are profoundly grateful for your support and understanding during this challenging time.
Thank you for being part of our family.
With love,
Kim and the Solano Family
Stay updated by visiting www.hauteenchilada.com.
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