La Fiesta Mexican and American Grill now open near West Acres

FARGO - La Fiesta Mexican and American Grill is open in the former Santa Lucia restaurant building just a few blocks north of the West Acres mall.

La Fiesta, 1109 38th St. S., began its soft opening Wednesday, Oct. 2, manager and co-owner Samuel Bobadilla said.

The restaurant’s appetizers include nachos, quesadillas, Mexican pizza, taquitos, as well as a selection of soups and salads.

There is a wide range of beef, chicken and seafood entrees on the menu, as well as a couple of vegetarian options.

Mexican specialties include burritos, fajitas, tacos, chimichangas, enchiladas and tostadas, many of them available in combination dishes, Bobadilla said.

American offerings are more limited, but include burgers, steak, grilled cheese and chicken strips.

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Bobadilla, who is originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, got his start in the restaurant business in Ontario, Ore.
“I’ve been in this industry 22 years,” Bobadilla said.

His partner and assistant manager is Erika Gutierrez. Gutierrez is a 2014 graduate of Moorhead High School, with experience working at Mango’s Mexican and American Grill on Main Avenue.

Bobadilla said the location is perfect, with hotels, movie theaters, West Acres mall, and Interstate 29 all in close proximity. The partners also have an option to buy the building.

Bobadilla is not worried about having opened no more than a few hundred feet from Paradiso Mexican Restaurant. He said each restaurant will have different approaches to their dishes, giving diners more tastes to choose from.

“I think we have different styles, seasonings, preparation of the plates,” Bobadilla said. “I can make ceviche and they can cook ceviche” but they will taste different.

La Fiesta has a full liquor license from the city, but is waiting for the state liquor license to be issued. Until that arrives, the restaurant will only serve soft drinks.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.