Our History | Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
The first Hacienda was opened in Overland in 1968 with the goal of introducing traditional Mexican cuisine to the greater St. Louis area. A simple menu of classic dishes featuring many recipes that we continue to use today coupled with attentive service and an inviting atmosphere helped to make the restaurant in instant success. After serving the community for almost a decade, Norberto Rodriguez decided to expand upon that same concept with another restaurant.
After considering several different properties, the uniquely historic building and prime location made our current address on Manchester Road in Rock Hill a perfect fit and we opened for business in 1977. In 1993, Hacienda decided to construct a small outdoor dining area to accommodate customers when the weather was suitable. Hacienda’s menu coupled with a uniquely lush landscape made it an instant hit and we began expanding to keep up with the demand.
Over the last 20 years, that small 8 table area has developed into our award-winning, beautifully landscaped “La Terraza” which is made up of several covered and uncovered seating areas and a full bar capable of serving over 200 guests as well as hosting private parties. with the recent addition of 12 high-powered overhead heaters, we are now capable of serving our outdoor patio customers virtually year-round.
For 35 years, our commitment to Norberto’s vision of great food in a festive atmosphere with friendly service have made us one of St. Louis’ premier dining destinations. Come see why we were recently named the “Best Mexican Restaurant” in Missouri by Official Best Of.
The Building History
Hacienda Mexican Restaurant was founded in 1968 by Mexican-born restaurateur Norberto Rodriguez, with the goal of introducing authentic Mexican cuisine to the greater St. Louis area. The restaurant was an immediate success and to satisfy growing customer demand, our current location on Manchester Road in Rock Hill was founded in 1977 in one of the area’s most historic buildings which dates all the way back to the 1860’s.
Since then, there have been many renovations and improvements including additional dining rooms, a tortilla chip factory and one of St. Louis’ largest and most popular outdoor patios, as well as an expansion of the Hacienda family of companies. The Hacienda Catering Company continues to grow bringing the unique flavors of Hacienda to local families and businesses. You can also find Hacienda’s famous homemade chips and original salsa in over 100 grocery stores in the greater St. Louis area. Our latest efforts include creating The Hacienda Foundation of St. Louis to give back to the wonderful community that has shown us so much support.
In July 2016, we opened the doors to Mayana Mexican Kitchen, Hacienda’s new restaurant in downtown Clayton. Mayana serves many of Hacienda’s favorites, as well as some surprises, in a fast casual environment without compromising the quality and experience that made Hacienda famous.
For almost 50 years, Hacienda Mexican Restaurant has remained entirely family owned and operated and been continually committed to realizing Norberto Rodriguez’s vision of serving authentic Mexican food in a festive atmosphere with the highest level of hospitality.
Please enjoy your visit and see why Hacienda remains one of the area’s most acclaimed, unique dining destinations.
The Founder
At the age of 17, Norberto Rodriguez immigrated from a small town in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula to St. Louis and quickly began working his was up through the restaurant industry gaining experience at area landmarks such as “Sala’s Cafe” and “Busch’s Grove”. In 1963, he decided to open his first restaurant, a quick-service diner with a mostly American menu. The restaurant became very popular and after successfully introducing several authentic Mexican dishes to the menu, Norberto decided to open St. Louis’ first, full-service Mexican restaurant and in 1968, Hacienda first opened it’s doors.
Norberto’s vision of an exciting menu, unmatched hospitality and a unique atmosphere made the restaurant an immediate success. He worked tirelessly to improve all aspects of Hacienda and was responsible for bringing many innovations in restaurant management and operations to the St. Louis area. With business growing, it was time to expand and Norberto began a series of major renovations that would lead to two newly constructed dining rooms, an entirely new bar, a full banquet room, a tortilla factory and St. Louis most recognizable and unique outdoor patio.