Sad. I hated the food -- I called it "Mexican McDonalds" but the patio ... the patio.

I loved the food, not even close to "Mexican McDonalds." I can name many dishes that were the best in the ports for that dish. The chile rellenos was killer.

I know a  lot of folks who would agree with Claire and many who would agree with Johnm. To me it was Duluth comfort food, and oh my yes, the patio!

Any idea what plans Kevin has for the building?

It's been my impression that he was, for awhile anyway, trying to get back up and running.  Until recently he had been making his quarterly liquor license payments.  I was also told that there were some issues with the structure of the building.  The owner of the Hacienda claimed the issue was caused by the construction of the parking ramp behind him.  He wasn't able to get any compensation though and was left to foot the bill himself.  Not sure where everything stands right now as far as reopening or shuttering the place for good.

I went to Jalapeno Express because Claire said it was good. I thought the Burrito was bland and way too big.

Did Hacienda see a decrease in business after Lindo arrived?

Guess he should have sold the place instead of stubbornly insisting they build a hotel around it ... huh?

The salsa at this restaurant was an insult to anyone who has ever enjoyed normal salsa. They must have done something special to remove the flavor ... oh wow, unripe tomatoes and onion. This place is delicious.

Midnight winter freakout party on the patio for the first blizzard.

The food was medicore. More Norwegian than Mexican. However, the "Hacie Hussies" - the college waitresses - were awesome.

Misto, what is so stubborn about not wanting to be bullied off a property you have been doing business at for years? I don't get it.

Casa de Queso.

From Hacienda Del Sol's Facebook fan page:

OPEN LETTER FROM KEVIN 07/27/2011

The Hacienda del Sol remains closed as we take the necessary steps to repair and replace equipment damaged by a broiler flair-up in our main kitchen. Water from our sprinkler fire protection system did the majority of the damage. Further disruption occurred only a few days later when theft and vandalism destroyed our outdoor courtyard service building. Compressors and copper refrigeration coils were cut out of our cooler. These vandals literally stripped the stainless steel off our countertops.

We continued service in our satellite kitchen on Hacienda's second floor without the use of our outdoor service building or main kitchen. However, the overload on the secondary service areas caused equipment failure and the inability to maintain proper service to our customers. Furthermore, we saw potential hazards that could have lead to employee or customer injuries. For these reasons, on July 16, 2011, we temporarily closed to make repairs.

The Hacienda, our patrons, loyal friends, my family, and more importantly my staff, have had to deal with these trying events. For their continued support, concern, and friendship I am in awe and eternally grateful. As many of you are aware, these dedicated groups of people working at the Hacienda have endured far more than these recent tribulations. Over the past years, hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages, done during the development in our block, led to an unsuccessful and unfair legal settlement. I have no words to adequately thank these extraordinary people for taking on these overwhelming battles with me. The mental strain and financial effect of these situations has been severe, and yet these people have continued to support the Hacienda and me. Their "breath of care" is what keeps me going. Some have said, "Take the easier path and surrender." I will not roll over on all the people who have sustained a place that is far more than a business or a single person.

Over the decades, it has taken a "community" to create Hacienda del Sol, a creation I have been excited and honored to be a part of. During this temporary close, I have taken the time to reflect on these catastrophic events. As I do, I see my personal wounds and recognize my responsibility not be overwhelmed by the situations around me. It is because of the support of this large "community," I have faith in an optimistic future and maintain the strength to face this difficult path. My passion and dedication is to rebuild, refurbish, and renew the Hacienda del Sol.

Thank you all for your continued support, friendship, and prayers.

With gratitude,
Kevin
July 27 at 8:54pm

Used to eat there a lot, before my wife found a dreadlock in her food.  The cook at the time coincidentally had dreads.  They offered a free meal.  Couldn't get her to go in there again after that.

The problem with this place was not that it was inauthentic, it's that it wasn't actually good food. Duluthians, well... yeah. This place has the worst restaurants of anywhere I've lived.

We called it "the House of Cheese." It was my favorite restaurant.

Kevin, how do I go about redeeming my $40 gift certificate? I would appreciate a response. I have been unable to contact your restaurant by phone.