Though a recreation of his tried and true modern Mexican concept, first launched here in Philadelphia back in 2008, the arrival of Jose Garces’ Distrito at Moorestown Mall is still a huge cause for celebration.

As recently as last year, the township and its largest shopping destination were completely dry. That, of course, all changed in time for Marc Vetri to open a second location of his award-winning Osteria, paving the way for Graces and others to follow.

Thanks to those newly relaxed liquor laws, guests at the just-opened Distrito outpost can gather ‘round the restaurant’s gigantic, luchador mask-festooned bar and enjoy signature Margaritas and other cocktails inspired by the Spanish-speaking world, as well as beer, wine and sangria.

Beneath the trademark lit-up theater marquee, Moorestown’s first and only tequila bar is taking shape. Currently the collection tequilas and mezcals holds 100-plus bottles and will continue to grow. Cocktails include the El Jefe, a Margarita made with Herradura barrel-aged reposado, Cointreau and fresh lime juice; La Maria Roja, a chile infused Bloody Mary made with El Jimador Reposado, fresh horseradish and lime; and Vaca Verde, citrus-infused Sauza tequila, mint, soda and orange. Happy hours hosted every Monday through Friday from 4 PM - 7 PM offer $3 beers, $5 cocktails and discounts on tacos and other drink-friendly bites. on Check out the full selection of drinks here.

As with the original Distrito in Philadelphia, and its offshoots in Atlantic City, Scottsdale, Arizona, and Palm Springs, the menu celebrates the flavors of Mexico City, or Distrito Federal as it’s known there. Mexican street food-inspired creations range from the obligatory nachos and tacos to enchiladas and traditional masa flatbreads called huaraches. For bigger appetites, Distrito also offers larger Platos Fuertes entrees like Pollo a la Brasa, roasted half chicken with drunken salsa; Bistec a la Parrilla, grilled skirt steak with chimichurri and crispy chipotle onions; and Pescado a la Veracruzana, a daily grilled fish option served with tomatoes, capers, green olives and jalapeno. Exclusive to the Moorestown menu is a selection of Fajitas that include adobo-rubbed skirt steak, achiote-pineapple chicken and tequila-garlic jumbo shrimp, served with a hearty selection of sides and toppings. Dinner is served daily from 5 PM - 10 PM.

Distrito, 400 New Jersey Route 38, 856-252-0300, www.distritorestaurant.com

Photo courtesy of Danya Henninger