Southwest-side Mexican restaurant reopens with a bold new look and menu
November 6, 2025
A beloved Mexican restaurant has undergone a dramatic transformation, reopening its doors after a six-month renovation project. The iconic Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant has emerged with a sleek, modern aesthetic, bidding farewell to its former colorful chairs and tables.
The new design features polished tile floors, dark-colored walls, and a sleek, minimalist approach. Gone are the arches, plants, and bright walls, replaced by a sophisticated ambiance. Six new TVs have been installed, adding to the entertainment factor for patrons.
This restaurant has been a fixture on the southwest side since 2011, when Jose "Pepe" Vega and his brother moved from Seattle to Watertown to establish their first Guadalajara location. Since then, the Vega family has expanded their culinary empire to Aberdeen, Brookings, Spearfish, Pierre, Rapid City, Deadwood, and Keystone, with various family members owning and operating different branches.
The restaurant's new owner, Eduardo Vega, a brother of Jose, shared his vision for the restaurant's future. "This place has immense potential, and Sioux Falls needed a restaurant like this with exceptional service," he said. "When customers visit, they'll experience a delightful atmosphere, coupled with impeccable service, a spotless dining area, and mouth-watering cuisine."
The menu has been streamlined, now fitting onto a single sheet. Combo meals have been simplified, making the ordering process more accessible. Patrons can choose from a variety of options, including tacos, enchiladas, burritos, tamales, chimichangas, tostadas, and chile rellenos, all available with ground beef, shredded beef, or chicken.
The new menu introduces a range of appetizers, such as pork belly bites, wings in various flavors, and jalapeno poppers. Popular dishes like street tacos, carnitas, and the California burrito, stuffed with steak or chicken, french fries, and refried beans, remain on the menu.
A new addition is the Guadalajara Bowl, served on a bed of rice and black beans, topped with spinach, mixed greens, zucchini, squash, corn, avocado, and queso fresco. For those seeking a unique experience, Bone Marrow Tacos are available, featuring bone marrow topped with melted cheese and chimichurri, served with serrano sauce, lime crema, honey sriracha sauce, and a choice of corn or flour tortillas.
Classic favorites like fajitas and enchiladas are still available for those who crave them.
The Vega family's journey to South Dakota began in 1986 when they moved to the U.S. from Guadalajara, Mexico. The inspiration to expand to South Dakota came when customers' relatives visited from Watertown and raved about the restaurant's food. This positive feedback 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."
The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., ready to welcome guests with its new look and menu.
