Oct. 29, 2022

Plaza Azteca, which started on the East Coast and has a location in Fargo, has opened in southwest Sioux Falls.

The upscale Mexican restaurant at 69th Street and Louise Avenue has a modern, clean aesthetic with a dining room and bar area surrounded by windows.

As soon as the doors opened Friday, “it was busy,” said Antonio Magana, co-owner and general manager. “We don’t have all the stuff we want to, but so far people seem very happy. It’s something this city deserves is what we feel, something we are missing.”

The menu is large, with a broad selection of burritos, tacos, fajitas, quesadillas and enchiladas.

There also are a variety of salads, beer, chicken and seafood dishes.

“Everything is scratch,” Magana said. “It’s a lot of people behind the kitchen that do a lot of work every morning. I go through the line when they cook, and I can pick whatever and I like everything.”

One specialty is tableside guacamole, where the chef blends avocado with tomato, onion, jalapeno, cilantro and spices before serving.

The beverage menu includes a long list of margaritas, martinis, mules and mixed drinks.

The restaurant isn’t quite done yet, either.

A patio will offer lounge and dining seating next year, and garage doors will open from the bar out to it. There also are some tables and chairs that have yet to arrive.

Plaza Azteca is still hiring. Some help came down from Fargo to support the opening, but there’s a need for host and wait staff, plus kitchen help. Stop in to apply or click here.

The restaurant also plans to add online ordering and will offer a call-ahead wait list — as soon as Magana can find time to get it set up.

“As soon as we got ready, we opened the doors, and we were just running,” he said.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily and will adjust depending on demand.