If you haven’t been to Hacienda Del Rio in Historic Folsom in a while because you thought it was closed, Owner Chris Corda wants you to know they’re open and better than ever. During a two-year closure—due to a fire that ripped through the 40-year-old kitchen—the Hacienda engaged in some necessary R and R (remodeling and reopening). The results are immediately noticeable; the “L”-shaped bar that once shared space with the dining room has been replaced with a beautiful rectangular centerpiece bar, replete with flat screens on all sides that serve an expanded bar seating area, and modernized lighting and décor to boot. 

Whether you choose to eat in the dining room, bar or outdoor deck, a chilled pitcher of margaritas and basket of complimentary chips with house-made salsa awaits you. Try the chicken flauta appetizer to get your lunch or dinner rolling. The hand-rolled flour tortillas—filled with seasoned, shredded chicken—are lightly fried and seriously delicious. 

Though their famous fajitas sounded tempting, I couldn’t resist the chile verde, featuring tender chunks of pork simmered with mild chiles, onions and tomatillos in a tortilla bowl alongside rice and refried beans. 

Another of my go-to Tex-Mex-style entrées is shrimp diablo, and Hacienda’s didn’t disappoint. The grilled shrimp, bathed in a fiery tomato sauce with a touch of Mexican oregano and hint of sweetness, got my nose running and my taste buds begging for more. Warm tortillas (corn or flour) helped keep the heat just below four alarm. 

If your sweet tooth is feeling left out, you could follow the recommendation server-bartender Stacy gave me—deep-fried ice cream. I had to try it, if only for a couple of bites. I’d like to tell you it’s not really deep-fried, but I’d be lying. A sphere of vanilla ice cream, coated in something reminiscent of cookie dough, was given a quick plunge in a hot oil spa then quartered and topped with whipped cream and caramel syrup. It’s a perfect reason to bring your kids—you can all share one, thereby protecting them from too much of the horribly sinful goodness.

Cervasas on the patio while you listen to a live band on a warm Sutter Street Friday evening? Sounds like the good times are back and rolling at “the Hac.” 

Article by Lorn Randall // Photos by Dante Fontana © Style Media Group

Hacienda Del Rio
702 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-351-1800

Hours:  10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. (Sunday); 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Monday-Wednesday); 11-2 a.m. (Thursday-Saturday)

Try This:  Shrimp Diablo, Ultimate Fajitas, Deep-Fried Ice Cream

Alcohol:  Full bar; beer, wine and margaritas

Tab:  $$

Heads-Up:  Coupons in the Style Savings Guide, Thursday game nights, music and dancing Fridays and Saturdays (10 p.m.-2 a.m.), kids eat free Tuesdays (4:30-9:30 p.m.; one meal with each paying adult), Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas (10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.)