Sept. 11, 2024

Angel Ruiz left a 20-year career in construction to start his own restaurant.

“I always liked to cook. … Even after a long day of work, like 16 hours, I’d have a little grill at the hotel or wherever, and I’d cook a little something,” said Ruiz, who opened Sabor Latino in April.

The restaurant is at 4110 W. Maple St. in a retail center just north of Southeast Technical College.

Ruiz was born in El Salvador and moved with his family to California when he was 10. He came to Sioux Falls after graduating from high school, following a cousin who moved here first and said there were more job opportunities.

His mom has a restaurant in California, and that’s where many of his recipes come from.

“She came over here for two weeks. That helped me out a lot,” he said of opening Sabor Latino.

His menu features the flavors of El Salvador and “a little bit of Mexico, a little bit of the U.S. and a little bit of Guatemala.”

Customers like the restaurant’s pupusas, which are a traditional dish of El Salvador. They are a thick fried tortilla that’s stuffed with fillings like pork, cheese and beans. El Loco versions have jalapeno.

Quesabirria tacos are popular too, he said. The cross between a taco and quesadilla features stewed beef that’s folded into a tortilla with melted cheese and served with a broth for dipping.

Another favorite is the asada fries, which are topped with steak, cheese, onion, cilantro, sour cream and guacamole.

Ruiz also makes Indian chicken soup, which has vegetables like potatoes, carrots and zucchini. The chicken, which has been boiled in the broth and then finished on a flattop grill, is served on the side on a plate, along with rice, beans and salad.

Diners will find the usual tacos, burritos and quesadillas, with meat options of asada, carnitas, al pastor, chicken and fish.

The more American flavors on the menu include chicken wings.

A kids menu includes hot dogs, chicken nuggets, grilled cheese and mac-and-cheese.

Customers can order Mexican beers.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and sometimes as late as midnight. “If I’ve got people here at 10 and they order, I’m not going to leave until the last one leaves.”