Fiesta Mexicana, one of the most popular restaurants in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, will soon close its doors after 45 years, leaving many diners devastated.
Kiara Dacres, who has been eating at the restaurant for more than 30 years, was one of dozens who came to the neighborhood to offer support.
“It was always so good,” she said. “It’s the first place I’ve eaten horchata. Customer service has always been excellent. They make you feel at home.
Tania D’Agostino and her family took over the business, but faced with the challenges of the COVID pandemic and the increasing costs associated with running a restaurant, they announced in a social media post that It was time to move on.
“It’s a blessing,” she said. “We are proud, honored and very grateful to have had this opportunity.”
Tania said she and her siblings spent much of their childhood within the walls of the restaurant and it left them with many incredible memories.
“Being able to help wash glasses, or sit at the counter and maybe do our homework, or even pretend to play restaurant,” she said.
The restaurant was founded by Peruvian immigrant Lucy Matthew in 1979, and thousands of families have passed through its doors over the years, enjoying the impressive food, live Mariachi bands and much more.
The restaurant’s proximity to several classic Chicago music venues has added some flair to the neighborhood, but in the coming days it will close its doors for the last time.
According to the owners, diners have until December 20 to come and enjoy a meal at the restaurant.
