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New Luna Loca restaurant carries on where The Mission left off

SYRACUSE — Leigh Ann and Ryan Benz opened a California-style Tex-Mex restaurant called Luna Loca at 304 E. Onondaga St. in downtown Syracuse in early June.

SYRACUSE — Leigh Ann and Ryan Benz opened a California-style Tex-Mex restaurant called Luna Loca at 304 E. Onondaga St. in downtown Syracuse in early June. Luna Loca (means Crazy Moon in Spanish) is in the former space of a popular Mexican eatery, called The Mission Restaurant, and formerly the site of a historic church. […]

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SYRACUSE — Leigh Ann and Ryan Benz opened a California-style Tex-Mex restaurant called Luna Loca at 304 E. Onondaga St. in downtown Syracuse in early June.

Luna Loca (means Crazy Moon in Spanish) is in the former space of a popular Mexican eatery, called The Mission Restaurant, and formerly the site of a historic church. Steve Morrison, chef/owner of The Mission, closed up shop last December after 21 years in business.

This is the third restaurant venture in downtown Syracuse for the Benz couple as they also own Oh My Darling and The Fitz.

The owners contend on their website that Luna Loca highlights the best of Tex-Mex cuisine while combining “the freshest ingredients with a ‘California-cool’ vibe that creates an authentic, beautiful experience.” Menu items include home-made chips and dips; luna bowls such as tofu, shrimp, and chicken; burritos; plates such as corn-battered mahi mahi and carne asada medallions; a variety of tacos and salads; and cocktails like mimosas, margaritas, and sangrias.

Luna Loca is open Monday through Thursday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (brunch), 4-10 p.m. (dinner); and Sunday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (brunch).

Adam Rombel