MANHATTAN, IL — Aiden Bermudez was ready this time when he got word of the open restaurant space in Manhattan.
His New Lenox venture El Sombrero has been running—successfully, too—for just over two years, and the seasoned restaurateur learned some essential lessons along the way.
But when first asked two years ago if he'd be interested in the space at 330 W. North St, the timing just wasn't right, Bermudez said, as he was just beginning to get his bearings in New Lenox.
"I couldn't handle it," Bermudez said. "Right then, you know, El Sombrero was just starting. So I couldn't do it."
The space most recently occupied by Flor de Fuego had also been previously known as Agave Azul. Flor de Fuego closed in May 2026 after a little more than a year in operation.
The building's owner had dined at El Sombrero at 338 W Maple St. on several occasions, Bermudez said, often prodding Bermudez to reconsider opening in Manhattan.
"He finally convinced me," Bermudez said, laughing.
Now, the space gets new life again, with Bermudez's venture El Mariachi's. He brings all of what's loved at El Sombrero to the Manhattan space—including the margaritas.
"A lot of margaritas," Bermudez said, laughing. "This is the restaurant that I've sold the most margaritas, all my life."
Bermudez, who began his career in the service industry in 1998, is grateful for another chance to continue chasing his dream and provide for his family. His passion for entrepreneurship is matched only by that for cooking.
"It's just what I do," he previously told Patch, of cooking. "I've done it for many years.
"I like when people enjoy the food, when they like what I do," he said. "...When I make up things, and it works."
The move to Manhattan was quick and mostly seamless for Bermudez, who had another restaurant—5 de Mayo—in Streator. As he leased the space in Manhattan, his agreement at that location ended. He and Oscar Munoz partner in both the Manhattan and New Lenox locations.
He picked up everything from the Streator location—seating, décor—and moved it to Manhattan. He removed a bar that had been inside Flor de Fuego, to create extra space for seating.
Like El Sombrero, the interior at El Mariachi's is splashed with vibrant colors; the tables and chairs are hand-painted and imported from Mexico. Booth seating is also available.
The menu features traditional Mexican cuisine such as tacos, burritos, fajitas, enchiladas, chimichangas, and more. There are daily food and drink specials, including Margarita Monday, Taco Tuesday and Thirsty Thursday. On Mondays and Thursdays, a jumbo 20-oz. margarita is $7.99. Lunch specials are also available.
Prices vary; a steak three-taco meal is priced at $13.50; chicken fajitas are $18.25 and steak fajitas are $19.25. A pick-two dinner combination is $12.99. A traditional burrito is $14.99. They focus on keeping prices family-friendly, also offering kids' meals and lunch specials.
The restaurant opened on Oct. 9, just weeks after Bermudez had taken over the space. The Village announced the opening, encouraging residents to visit the town's newcomer.
"Show our newest local business some love, stop by for a meal, and help give them a warm Manhattan welcome," the Village said on social media. "Let's support our local businesses and wish them lots of success!"
Customers have offered overwhelmingly positive feedback from the public. Many praise the portion sizes and the prices—and of course the margaritas are a hit.
"We went to El Mariachi tonight for dinner!!" one customer shared on neighborhood social media site Manhappenins. "Dinner, drinks and service were all fantastic!! We will definitely be going back! This is exactly the Mexican restaurant our town needs~big menu, excellent prices, great food!!"
"We went for lunch and it was fantastic!!!!" another said.
"We also went the other day, we thought food and service were really good, the menu was normal, portions were huge and the price point was great! We'll definitely be back too," another customer said.
Bermudez seems undaunted by taking on a new venture, he says mostly because he learned as he went in New Lenox.
"I think it'll work here," he said, of the Manhattan location.
El Mariachi's Bar and Grill is located at 330 W. North St., Manhattan, and can be reached at 815-418-3004. . Hours are Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Reservations accepted. Carryout is available, but orders might be declined during peak busy times until Bermudez and staff settle in. Find them on Facebook for more.
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