Permanent signage is now up at the future El Patio Argentine Restaurant in the Traville Village Center (Rockville/N.Potomac). While an exact opening date has not yet been announced, the project appears to be on track for a debut later this year.
The new restaurant is taking over the space at 9755 Traville Gateway Drive, previously home to Nantucket’s Reef. Activity at the site has gradually increased in recent months, and the addition of exterior signage signals continued progress as the buildout moves closer to completion.
Plans for the move were first reported in early 2025, with El Patio initially targeting a fall 2025 opening. That timeline later shifted, with expectations moving into the first half of 2026. With construction now advancing and key milestones already underway, the opening window has extended slightly but remains within reach for later this year.
El Patio has been a fixture in the Rockville dining scene since opening in 2001. The family-owned restaurant has built a loyal following for its traditional Argentine cuisine, featuring recipes rooted in its home country and a warm, casual atmosphere.
Beyond its full-service dining experience, El Patio also operates as a bakery and specialty market. Customers can stop in for breakfast pastries such as facturas, browse imported Argentine goods, or explore what the restaurant describes as one of the largest selections of Argentine wines in the region. The menu includes a range of favorites, from empanadas and milanesas to house-made chorizos, chimichurri, and parrillada-style grilled meats.
The future of El Patio’s current location at 5240 Randolph Road in Loehmann’s Plaza has not yet been finalized. More updates are expected as construction continues and an official opening timeline is confirmed.
