Three years ago, longtime friends, Wendy Lemus and Yuri Rodriguez, opened La Hacienda del Sol, American Latin Grill on the corner restaurant of Dixie Highway and Commercial Boulevard.
The story is similar to many people in South Florida: They are foreigners who have come to the United States looking for a better life and opportunity. With a dream and a lot of hope, they joined forces and bought the restaurant that already brought with it, its name.
Except for the name that they decided to keep, they took over the restaurant from previous owners and revamped it completely. Everything was bought new, and even the menu was reconstructed and made new. The entire staff and cooks were also hired by Wendy. She wanted to create something that was going to be successful in order to help provide for her family.
The Latin Mix
La Hacienda El Sol offers a variety of foods reminiscent of the menus of traditional Mexican, El Salvadorian, and Honduran restaurants. Some of the most popular items ordered are the Pupusas, Baleados, and the Tacos.
All foods are cooked fresh to order with no frozen ingredients. All salsas are homemade, and the hearty soups are prepared fresh on site. There is no delivery service offered now, but the owners hope to begin offering it Saturday and Sundays. Carry-out is always an option for people who cannot dine in.
Their busiest time of the day is between 12 and 2pm. However, if you’re in the mood for a satisfying lunch, they do open at 11 and do not close until 10pm. That is ideal for a delicious meal on a busy night when one is too tired to cook. They are planning on starting up their own version of Taco Tuesdays with many promotions such as their Lunch Specials for $10 with a free soup or a soda.
Family Place and Night Life Spot
The restaurant is family oriented. Wendy wants the public to know that this is a family friendly locale where people can come with confidence that they will be taken care of.
The restaurant itself is colorful and inviting and at night on the weekends, it also comes alive with music spun by a DJ. The vibrancy of the music on weekend nights offers a place for adults to come enjoy and relax while being assured they are in a place that is complying with all CDC guidelines.
COVID-19
As the pandemic continues to guide how close we stand to others, and making sure we continue to wear our masks, we continue to adjust to what seems is our permanent new normal. Wendy and Yuri want the public to know that La Hacienda del Sol is a safe place to come eat, relax, and enjoy their time. The restaurant is spacious with tables at safe distances from one another. Booths offer extra distancing as well. The cleanliness is evidence that Wendy and Yuri take everyone’s health seriously.
Where to Find La Hacienda
La Hacienda del Sol is located on the corner of Dixie and Commercial with their exact address is 5052 N Dixie Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334. Their telephone number is (754) 223-3222.
You can visit Facebook page of the same name to get an idea of the location and their delicious dishes!
Continued Hope and Growth
Both Wendy and Yuri have big hearts and big hopes for the success of the restaurant. Wendy is a very humble person. As owner, she does not like to flaunt that fact. She is part owner with Yuri, but she is also a busser and a waitress. Her humble yet dedicated work ethic shows as she keeps busy making sure her clients are served and satisfied.
Pop into the restaurant any time to experience the warmth of their welcome and the deliciousness of their food. Behind the mask, Wendy, will surely greet you with a warm smile (behind her mask) and make sure your experience at La Hacienda del Sol is unforgettable.
