Nov. 6, 2025

A longtime Mexican restaurant has reopened after a six-month remodeling project with a fresh look and a new menu.

The signature colorful chairs and tables at Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant remain, but the arches, plants, carpet and bright walls are gone.

Now, the flooring is tile and polished concrete, the walls and ceiling are painted in a dark color, and there are six TVs to watch sports and more.

The restaurant has been at 5309 W. 41st St. since 2011. Jose “Pepe” Vega and one of his brothers moved from Seattle to Watertown to open their first Guadalajara in 1995. Since then, the family has expanded to Aberdeen, Brookings, Spearfish, Pierre, Rapid City, Deadwood and Keystone, with different members owning and operating some of the locations.

Brothers Eduardo and Jose Vega

“This place has a lot of potential, and Sioux Falls needs a restaurant like this with good service,” said Vega, who came out of retirement in California and moved back to South Dakota to help lead the transformation and improve Guadalajara’s reputation here.

“When they come here, they’ll have a good experience, not only the nice atmosphere, but good service, nice and clean restaurant and great food, very tasty.”

The menu has been consolidated to one sheet with options on the front and back. Combo meals have been simplified from a full page of combinations to an easier format. Choose your size – two, three or four items – and pick from a taco, enchilada, burrito, tamale, chimichanga, tostada and chile relleno with ground beef, shredded beef and chicken options.

Among the new appetizers are pork belly bites, wings in several flavors and jalapeno poppers.

Popular items have been added like street tacos, carnitas and a California burrito stuffed with steak or chicken, french fries and refried beans.

The new Guadalajara Bowl is served on a bed of rice and black beans with spinach, mixed greens, zucchini, squash, corn, avocado and queso fresco.

Diners can build their own meal with Bone Marrow Tacos. The bone marrow is topped with melted cheese and chimichurri, and served with serrano sauce and a lime crema and honey sriracha sauce, and a choice of housemade corn or flour tortillas.

Customers will still find favorites like fajitas and enchiladas.

The Vega family came to the U.S. from Guadalajara in Mexico in 1986. The spark to move to South Dakota from Seattle came when customers’ relatives were visiting from Watertown and ate at the restaurant. They loved the food and encouraged the brothers to open a restaurant in Watertown, and after visiting South Dakota, the Vegas made the move.

“People loved the food, so we were very successful,” Vega said. “That’s why we keep (expanding), and that’s why we’re here now.”

Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.