Mason City to welcome Mexican restaurant to downtown in vacant building formerly known as The Other Place

MASON CITY – A dormant former hot spot in downtown Mason City may soon be the talk of the town once again with Mexican food on the menu.

A source tells NIT that the vacant building that once housed the Other Place bar and restaurant – located at 125 1st Street SE – will soon re-open as a Mexican restaurant.

Townsfolk will recall that the Other Place closed suddenly back in June of 2012. A sign was hung in each of the front doors back then, which said, “The Other Place is closed for business effective June 11, 2012.  Thank you for your patronage in Mason City for the last 23 years.” The OP was a long-time pizza joint and bar that still has locations in Cedar Falls and Clear Lake.

The venue set empty until 2016, when Wise Guys Sports Bar opened. Sadly, the bar closed only months later and the building has only seen meager attempts at business ever since.

On July 12, 2023 Agave Azul announced they are opening a restaurant here in this building.

“Coming Soon in Mason City Downtown,” they said. “Family Mexican Restaurant. We can’t wait to open and serve everyone! Stay tuned for more updates!”

There appears to be some activity in the building at this time. No exact opening date has been announced, other than a promise of “opening soon.”

Mason City will likely see an influx of possible patrons as The River I & II residents will populate the downtown area, along with a possible hotel.  Southbridge Mall is rumored to undergo a major remodel in the near future, as well.