Plaza fiesta translates to “party plaza,” which is why owner of La Plaza Fiesta Antonio Hernandez added it to his business name “because every meal here is meant to feel like a celebration.”
The Sioux Falls Mexican eatery is located on 85th Street, and brings its family roots from Guanajuato, Mexico right to the guests’ tables.
“Food has always been at the center of our family life, with recipes passed down from generation to generation,” said Antonio.
A few examples of family recipes include their Street Tacos and the Mole—a rich, traditional sauce made with dried chiles, spices, chocolate, and nuts, carefully blended to create a deep, savory-sweet flavor.
“In Guanajuato, mole is often served over chicken or turkey with rice and tortillas, making it a centerpiece dish for special family gatherings and celebrations,” said La Plaza Fiesta’s Emilid Hernandez, who is also Antonio’s daughter.
When curating the rest of the menu, the family added other regional Mexican favorites to give their guests variety.
Some of the most popular dishes are the Fajitas and the Flaming Cheese.
“Our Flaming Cheese is a showstopper made with pepperjack cheese lightly breaded to a golden brown crisp, served with warm tortillas on a sizzling plate and flamed at your table,” said Antonio.
Speaking of showstoppers, La Plaza Fiesta also has performative plates like the Pina Loca with grilled chicken, shrimp, and scallops with fajita blend and cheese cooked inside of a fresh pineapple. The dish is also served with rice, three bacon-wrapped shrimp, corn on the cob, and tortillas.
For a challenge, the restaurant also offers a 20-inch burrito called the Burrito Juan filled with steak or chicken, lettuce, rice, beans, pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole, topped with cheese dip and red salsa.
“Another feature we really love is how we showcase our tequila. As soon as you walk into La Plaza Fiesta, you see it front and center, rows of bottles displayed on bright LED light shelves that make them glow.”
-Antonio Hernandez
Room for dessert? Try the infamous Homemade Churros served with ice cream and chocolate caramel sauce in a miniature churro cart that rolls.
Beverages can also be the star of the show with drinks like the 100-ounce Margarita Towers.
“The Margarita Towers are perfect for sharing,” said Antonio.
La Plaza Fiesta also has a 64-ounce glass purse guests can hold and drink from.
Emilid joked, “Who says food and drinks can’t be fun and fab?”
MORE ON THE MENU
APPETIZERS
Flaming Cheese
Pepper-jack cheese lightly breaded to a golden brown served with warm tortillas on a sizzling plate and flamed at the table.
SOUP & SALAD
7 Mares
Popular Mexican soup featuring seven different types of seafood cooked in a light broth. Served with warm tortillas.
Fajita Taco Salad
A fried tortilla taco bowl filled with onions peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, zucchini, romaine lettuce, tortilla strips, and cheese.
SIGNATURE DISHES
Seafood Molcajete
Shrimp, scallops, and tilapia grilled with mushrooms, zucchini, onions, and cactus, marinated in a green salsa and covered with cheese. Served with rice, beans, guacamole, and tortillas.
MEXICAN FAVORITES
Street Tacos
Three corn tortilla tacos filled with a choice of meat. Served with rice, beans, onions, cilantro, and salsa. Choice: Grilled chicken, steak, al pastor, carnitas, or chorizo.
PASTAS
Chipotle Alfredo
La Plaza Fiesta’s homemade recipe of kielbasa sausage, chicken, and shrimp over fettuccine noodles with parmesan cheese in a creamy chipotle alfredo sauce. Served with garlic bread.
FAJITAS
Hawaiian Fajitas
Grilled chicken, Ham, pineapple, and cheese.
BURRITOS
Burrito Juan
Twenty-inch burrito filled with steak or chicken, lettuce, rice, beans, pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole. Topped with cheese dip, and red salsa.
SEAFOOD
Aguachile
Popular Mexican dish made of raw shrimp submerged in lime juice and seasoned with Mexican spices, cilantro, cucumber and onions. Served with avocados and saltine crackers.
AMERICANA
Jose’s Burger
Eight-ounce hand-pattied burger topped with grilled onions, bacon, pepper-jack cheese, tomatoes, mayo, lettuce, and a pickle. Served with seasoned fries and three onion rings.
DINNER STEAKS
Ribeye Platter
Twelve-ounce ribeye steak paired with steamy vegetables, seasoned red potatoes, and bacon. Served with lettuce, pico de gallo, and sour cream.
For those who don’t feel like eating Mexican cuisine, there are also Americana options like Jose’s Burger (eight ounce hand-pattied burger topped with green onions, bacon, pepperjack cheese, tomatoes, mayo, lettuce, and a pickle served with seasoned fries and three onion rings) and the MN Steak (12 ounce ribeye steak topped with grilled mushrooms, onions, and spinach, served with red potatoes, refried beans, sour cream, and cheese).
“We wanted a menu that celebrates authentic Mexican food, but also offers options for every taste,” said Antonio.
The family wanted to create a physical space that showcases their culture and brings people together.
MEANINGFUL MURALS
La Plaza Fiesta incorporated murals into their interior design including a large piece featuring La Catrina as the focal point behind the bar. La Catrina is a cultural symbol of Mexico that represents heritage, tradition, and a celebration of life.
“Making her a staple in our space felt natural,” said Emilid.
Another mural is of a world map, inspired by the idea of connection, how food brings people together from all over, and to have the restaurant reflect that sense of unity and celebration.
“Finding the right location for La Plaza Fiesta was about more than just finding an available building—we wanted a space where the community could come together and feel at home,” said Antonio. “Sioux Falls gave us that opportunity with a welcoming community and a growing love for delicious Mexican food.”
Special occasions occur frequently at the restaurant, and Emilid says the team makes it a moment patrons won’t forget. For birthday guests, there is a choice of a tequila shot or a fried ice cream. Then the party begins.
“We put a sombrero on the birthday person, sing our traditional birthday song, and end it with some whipped cream to the face,” said Emilid.
As it’s the guest’s choice, birthdays can be as wild or as tame as possible (a.k.a. whipped cream is an option).
The Hernandez family also has something to celebrate, as they just opened a second location in Omaha, NE last month.
“We are so excited to continue this journey with all of our supporters,” said Antonio.
And as the restaurant nears its three year anniversary, they reminisce on how far they have come.
Emilid said, “From families coming in for special occasions, to friends stopping by for tacos and margaritas, our clientele has been a beautiful mix of people who share a love for good food and good company.”
“Honestly, we wouldn’t be here without the community. Their encouragement and excitement have made all the hard work worthwhile, and we’re proud to call Sioux Falls home.”
-Emilid Hernandez
For more information, visit LAPLAZAFIESTASD.COM+
