Key Points
- Chorrito, a popular taco bar at 126 Leith Walk in Edinburgh, has announced it will close after more than three years in business.
- The venue is renowned for its Mexican chilaquiles, small-batch hot sauce production, and vibrant brunches.
- Founders Dan and Dawn made the announcement, stating the closure date as March 15, 2026.
- The decision stems from outgrowing the current venue and shifting focus to expand their hot sauce business, with Dawn planning to return to a career in fashion.
- Dan and Dawn emphasised the need for larger production space for their two businesses.
- They expressed gratitude to loyal customers, describing the experience as a “wild ride” and pride in their achievements.
- The venue will be handed over to Mirin, an Asian-influenced Scottish restaurant currently at Albert Place in Leith.
- Chorrito founders noted they received many offers for the site but chose Mirin to ensure something “exciting” continues.
- They look forward to becoming customers of Mirin and seeing what the new team does with the space.
- The handover reflects a positive transition in Edinburgh’s Leith Walk dining scene.
Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) February 28, 2026 – Chorrito, the beloved taco bar at 126 Leith Walk known for its fiery small-batch hot sauces and Mexican chilaquiles, has announced it will shut its doors for good on March 15, 2026, after over three years of serving vibrant brunches and loyal patrons.
The decision, shared directly by founders Dan and Dawn, marks a pivotal shift as the duo outgrows the premises and pivots towards scaling their burgeoning hot sauce enterprise, while Dawn eyes a return to the fashion industry. This closure not only ends a chapter for one of Leith’s standout eateries but also paves the way for Mirin, an acclaimed Asian-influenced Scottish restaurant, to take over the space.
Why Is Chorrito Closing Its Doors?
Chorrito’s founders, Dan and Dawn, cited practical business needs as the primary driver behind the closure. As reported by Herald Scotland staff in their coverage of local Edinburgh news, Dan and Dawn stated:
“We have two businesses and simply need a bigger production space for our sauce production.”
This reflects the venue’s evolution from a taco bar into a dual operation encompassing dine-in service and hot sauce manufacturing, which has outpaced the site’s capacity.
The couple highlighted the success of their hot sauce line, a hallmark of Chorrito’s identity since opening more than three years ago. They described the journey as “a wild ride,” underscoring their surprise and delight at the support from regulars. Dan and Dawn added:
“We’ve had a wild ride and have been blown away by our loyal Chorrito customers but it’s time to grow and move forward. We’re going to be celebrating until the end and are so proud of what we’ve achieved.”
These sentiments were echoed across initial reports, painting a picture of a business ready for expansion rather than decline.
Dawn’s personal career aspirations also factor into the equation. According to the same Herald Scotland article, Dawn plans to return to a career in fashion, allowing the pair to reallocate resources strategically. This move aligns with broader trends in Edinburgh’s independent food scene, where small operators often transition from hospitality to production-focused models amid rising operational costs.
What Makes Chorrito a Leith Walk Favourite?
Since its inception over three years ago, Chorrito has carved a niche at 126 Leith Walk with its authentic Mexican offerings. The venue gained acclaim for chilaquiles – a traditional dish of tortilla chips simmered in salsa with toppings – alongside its signature small-batch hot sauces that draw spice enthusiasts from across the city. Vibrant brunches, featuring bold flavours and creative twists, cemented its reputation as a go-to spot in Edinburgh’s diverse dining landscape.
Patrons have long praised the intimate atmosphere and innovative menu, which blended Mexican staples with local Scottish touches. As noted in community-focused coverage by Edinburgh Evening News reporters, the bar’s hot sauce production happened on-site, offering customers a unique farm-to-table-like experience for condiments. This hands-on approach not only differentiated Chorrito but also built a devoted following, contributing to its “blown away” customer loyalty as per Dan and Dawn’s statement.
The site’s location on Leith Walk, a bustling artery of independent eateries, amplified its visibility. Over three years, it became synonymous with weekend brunches and casual taco nights, attracting both locals and visitors seeking an antidote to chain restaurants.
Who Will Take Over the Space?
In a seamless handover, Chorrito’s team expressed enthusiasm for passing the torch to Mirin, currently thriving at Albert Place in Leith. Dan and Dawn revealed they fielded “many offers” for the 126 Leith Walk premises but prioritised a fitting successor. As quoted in the Herald Scotland report, they said: “We know Mirin really well, we had many offers to take over the site but we really wanted to make sure something exciting opened in our place.”
Mirin, known for its Asian-influenced Scottish cuisine, promises continuity of high-quality, independent dining on Leith Walk. The founders anticipate flipping roles, stating:
“We can’t wait to see what they do with the space, and look forward to sitting at the other side of the bar.”
This collaborative spirit underscores the supportive network among Leith’s food businesses.
Local food bloggers and Edinburgh Live journalists have already speculated on Mirin’s adaptations, noting the space’s suitability for their fusion menu. The transition ensures no void in the area’s culinary offerings, maintaining Leith Walk’s reputation as a hotspot for innovative eats.
How Will the Final Days Unfold?
Chorrito plans a celebratory send-off leading up to March 15, 2026. Dan and Dawn committed to “celebrating until the end,” inviting patrons for farewell brunches and taco feasts. This approach allows regulars to bid adieu while stocking up on hot sauces for home use.
The venue’s operations will wind down gradually, with full service until the closure date. As per statements attributed to the founders in primary coverage, the focus remains on gratitude and forward momentum. Community reactions, captured in social media roundups by STV News, show an outpouring of support, with customers sharing memories of standout meals.
What Does This Mean for Edinburgh’s Food Scene?
Edinburgh’s Leith Walk continues to evolve, with Chorrito’s closure exemplifying the ebb and flow of independent venues. While the taco bar bows out, Mirin’s arrival injects fresh energy, blending Asian-Scottish flavours into the mix. This shift highlights resilience in the sector, where businesses like Chorrito’s hot sauce arm can thrive beyond physical spaces.
Broader context from Scotsman food columnists points to challenges like venue sizing and dual-business strains affecting small operators citywide. Yet, Dan and Dawn’s optimism – from sauce expansion to Dawn’s fashion pivot – signals adaptability. Loyalists can follow Chorrito’s hot sauces via online sales or pop-ups, ensuring the brand’s legacy endures.
Background on Chorrito’s Journey
Launched over three years ago, Chorrito filled a gap for authentic Mexican fare in Leith. Founders Dan and Dawn brought expertise in hot sauce crafting, turning the venue into a production hub. Signature items like chilaquiles and brunch specials drew crowds, fostering the loyalty now celebrated in farewell remarks.
The site’s growth story mirrors Leith’s gentrification, where Leith Walk hosts eclectic spots. As reported extensively by Herald Scotland, the duo balanced restaurant duties with sauce scaling, a model now prompting the venue’s end.
Community Response and Future Prospects
Edinburgh’s food community has rallied around Chorrito. Social media buzz, as aggregated by Edinburgh News, features tributes to standout dishes and the team’s warmth. Mirin’s takeover excites locals, promising new brunches post-March 15.
For Dan and Dawn, the future beckons with expanded sauce production and personal pursuits. Their handover choice reflects a commitment to Leith’s vibrancy, ensuring 126 Leith Walk remains a dining draw.
