When Jim Urdiales opened Mestizo Louisiana Mexican Cuisine in Baton Rouge 25 years ago, he wasn’t exactly sure of the restaurant’s direction. In fact, it took him about two years to figure out how to fine-tune the food and determine his business goals.
The result was a unique menu that couldn’t be found anywhere else locally. The food has continued to evolve based on customer feedback. Today, Mestizo has numerous keto, vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as dishes like duck tacos, bacon and feta guacamole, crawfish and spinach quesadillas, jackfruit quesadillas, and hearty bowls filled with vegetables.
“We have a menu that doesn’t exist at other Mexican restaurants,” Urdiales said. “A lot of other places do a Tex-Mex style, but I wanted us to step out of the box and create food that is truly unique. I think we’ve changed the conversation in Baton Rouge about what Mexican food can be and we’ve elevated this type of cuisine.”
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Mestizo this year, Urdiales and the staff are hosting a special event each month for customers. The largest of these will be the official anniversary celebration on Monday, March 25, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will include an exclusive cocktail party with live music and food stations. Tickets are available at www.mestizorestaurant.com.
Other upcoming anniversary year events at Mestizo are:
- Bubbles Tasting, April 25, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Rose Sipping Soiree, May 25, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sugarfield Spirits Cocktail Party, June 25, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- La Adelita Tequila Tasting, July 25, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Mestizo Buffett Extravaganza, August 25, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Jim’s Favorite Tequila Dinner Showcase, September 25, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Day of the Dead Cocktail Specials, October 25, all day
- $25 Thanksgiving sides and spirits, Thanksgiving week
- $25 Christmas sides and spirits, Christmas week
Tickets can be purchased online for any event and will be required for admission.
“To last for 25 years in any business is a milestone. You can’t just let it pass by. One party wouldn’t have been enough,” Urdiales said. “The idea is to have a yearlong celebration, with each event celebrating a different aspect of what we do. It’s a fun way to showcase who we are now.”
As part of the celebration, Mestizo encourages patrons to share their fondest memories at the restaurant on social media using the hashtag #Mestizo25.
Urdiales said one of the most gratifying parts of being a longtime restaurateur in Baton Rouge is seeing multiple generations of families enjoy his food. He often serves original customers alongside their grown children, young grandchildren and extended family members.
“I truly am humbled and honored to serve the different generations,” he said. “When a customer comes in with a new baby, I tell them I have to survive at least 20 more years so that baby can grow up and come to us. It’s a beautiful journey that I wouldn’t trade for the world.”
Even during a milestone year, Urdiales isn’t resting on his laurels. He is continuing to help Mestizo evolve with new ways to respond to customer needs. In recent years, he has expanded the restaurant’s catering options and can accommodate private events at the restaurant or off-site catering with a customized menu. He and the staff also continue to get feedback about menu items, what people would like to see, and how he can continue to add his own spin to Mexican cuisine.
“What excites me the most is the fact that I’m still trying to push myself. That’s the creative outlet for me,” he said. “I have no idea where our menu will be in five years, but I know it will be fun, interesting and ahead of the curve.”
Mestizo Louisiana Mexican Cuisine is located at 2323 South Acadian Thruway, Baton Rouge. The restaurant is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visit www.mestizorestaurant.com for more information.