Andres’ Bar and Grill is the newest restaurant to open on the Plateau. And along with its eclectic offering of appetizers, drinks and entrees, there’s something else that’s appealing to its patrons: a kids’ menu that assures patrons of its family-friendly atmosphere.

“We want families to know they can bring their children,” said its owner, Andres “Andy” Cardenas Jr. of Enumclaw.

Opened just one month ago by Cardenas and his wife Elizabeth, the eatery has quickly formed a base of loyal customers in search of a fresh new venue for dining – folks like Vincent and Jacqueline Flores of Bonney Lake.

“We’ve been looking for a good place to eat,” Vincent Flores said. “We wanted something different than Mexican or Teriyaki.”

That’s just the kind of response the Cardenas’ have hoped for. At 30, Andy Cardenas isn’t new to the restaurant industry; he’s spent half his life learning the trade under the guidance of his father, Andres Cardenas, Sr., who lends his name to 12 Mazatlan restaurants.

The mentoring paid off. Cardenas gained the confidence to branch out on his own and sought to offer a restaurant outside the expectations he’d grown up with.

“This is my first business endeavor,” he said. “I just wanted to do something that didn’t feature Mexican food.”

So far, it’s worked. And thanks to the consulting of Arnold Shain of Kirkland-based Restaurant Group, Inc., the 210-capacity facility features warm decor in earthtones, a large-screen TV in its bar and a menu that has been met with an overwhelming response.

“I’ve never been here before,” said first-time diner Sarah Cross of Enumclaw. “We go into Bonney Lake a lot and it’s nice to try new places.”

Along with her friend Allison Pippin, Cross said giving the restaurant a try was worth the trip.

“It looks really inviting and it’s a fun place to come – a good place for a Friday night,” Pippin said.

Helping to create an even more welcome ambiance are the homemade selections.

“Our whole menu is made from scratch,” Cardenas, Jr. said.

That homemade theme carries over to its margarita and Hawaiian-blend pizzas, which seem to be customer favorites, said pizza chef Craig Stark.

“I make everything from scratch and the pizza is hand-tossed,” Stark said.

Pouring such details into the business has taken a lot of work, but the couple are committed to making it succeed. They are grateful for the customers who have chosen to give it a try.

“This has been a big magnitude (of work),” Elizabeth Cardenas said. “But to see how we’ve started from zero and watch the business grow has been amazing.”

Andres’ Bar and Grill is located at 9902 219th Ave. Ct. E. state Route 410 in Bonney Lake in the former Mazatlan building. It is open Monday through Thursday for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Happy hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

It will feature a Father’s Day dinner and reservations for groups of six or more may make reservations online at www.andresbg.com or by calling 253-862-7646.

It can also be followed on Twitter and Facebook.

Reach Judy Halone at 360-802-8210 or jhalone@courierherald.com.