Belleville will soon welcome a new restaurant at the former Mariachi’s
I have some delicious news for the Belleville community – La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant is looking toward a June opening at 400 S. Illinois St.
Rafael Torres said that aside from one last electrical inspection and the addition of some décor, the restaurant is ready for business.
Earlier this year, Torres secured the site that previously housed Mariachi’s, which closed in November, and worked to “make it nice” for the downtown Belleville area. While he hoped to open the doors in time for Cinco de Mayo, the space needed many repairs, most of which were recommended by the city.
It was a lot of work, and the place was in bad shape, he said. The hardest part was the cleaning, especially the kitchen, which had a build up of grease that needed to be dealt with.
In addition to thorough cleaning, walls were painted and now include pretty murals – one just for selfies – and other decorative pieces. The furniture is all new, imported from Mexico, according to Daysy Torres, Rafael’s wife. The tables are particularly appealing, each featuring a different painting.
New flooring was installed behind the bar, which has the same tiled surface from the building’s Mariachi’s days.
The basement was also cleared out, and while it’s not yet ready for customer use, it will eventually be available for large parties and private events.
Familiar menu that customers enjoy
As soon as the last inspection is crossed off the to-do list, Torres plans to start cooking in preparation for the opening.
The tasty offerings at La Fiesta will be similar, if not identical, to those at Torres’ other restaurants – Viva La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant in Edwardsville (1027 Century Drive) and Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant in Belleville (4311 W. Main St.).
In addition to a wide variety of appetizers and nachos, folks can order salads, soups, fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, steaks, burritos and quesadillas, chicken, seafood and vegetarian dishes, as well as signature dinners, desserts and a kid’s menu.
The Taste of Mexico section includes street and quesabirria tacos and tortas, all with 11 available fillings to choose from.
Brunch, lunch and weekend options are also available.
Margaritas, cocktails and beer are also on the menu. Torres said he’ll be able to get his liquor license once the inspections are done.
“Customers love our food,” Torres said, which is why he wanted to bring another restaurant to the downtown Belleville area.
He’s not wrong about the food. He mentioned the Tacos de Soya, which will be on the new restaurant’s menu and are available at his other two restaurants. Torres kickstarted a craving in this columnist that prompted a dinner order at Mi Casa later that same day.
I had the Tacos de Soya with a side of grilled veggies (I usually go for that or the veggie fajitas). The husband had The Special Dinner, which is a little bit of everything and more than enough food for two full meals. It includes a bean chalupa with guacamole salad, chile relleno, taco, enchilada and tamale served with beans and rice.
About La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant
La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant is located at 400 S. Illinois St. in Belleville.
The location was home to other businesses over the years, including Gatlin’s Restaurant, Townhouse Restaurant and Diamond Lil’s.
Hours will be 11 a.m to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday. For more information, call 618-641-9109 or visit La Fiesta’s Facebook page.
