Samuel Cruz recently relocated Tlapazola Grill from Marina del Rey, opening in the former Venice home of Pam’s Place on July 20. Cruz decided it was important to have a larger space with a patio, so he uprooted his Mexican restaurant, which is named for a town in southern Oaxaca. He’s also applied for a full liquor license, hoping that the application comes through in four months. The décor is similar to what you’d find at Tlapazola Grill’s MDR location, including art-lined walls, in this case red, blue and yellow.

Chef Roman Cruz – Samuel’s younger brother – added two dishes to the menu since the move: sand dabs with cheese enchiladas, vegetables and spinach; and a Royal Plate with chiles rellenos, carne asada tacos, and shrimp enchiladas.

A restaurant called Southwest Mexican Grill will occupy Tlapazola Grill’s former home at 4509 Lincoln Boulevard.