Sioux Falls just got a taste of the ocean with the arrival of La Playita, a brand-new Mexican restaurant specializing in mouthwatering seafood dishes. If you’ve been searching for “Mexican Seafood Near Me”, your quest might just be over. Located at 5216 E. Arrowhead Parkway, La Playita, meaning “The Little Beach,” is the realization of a dream for Yvonne Alvarez, her husband Javier Solis Sr., and their family, who are excited to share their authentic flavors and family recipes with the Sioux Falls community.
A Taste of Mexico in Sioux Falls
For those in Sioux Falls who have longed for the vibrant and diverse world of Mexican seafood, often having to travel to cities like Sioux City or Omaha, La Playita is a welcome addition. Javier Solis Jr. emphasizes that while they offer familiar Mexican seafood favorites, they also bring a unique culinary perspective. “We have seafood, but we also have our own seasonings that we’re bringing here, our own dishes,” he explains. “Yes, you have your typical seafood here, but you also have things that you’ve never had before for your palate.” This promise of authentic, yet novel, flavors makes La Playita a must-try for anyone seeking genuine “mexican seafood near me.”
Dive into an Extensive Seafood Menu
The menu at La Playita is a seafood lover’s paradise. Boasting an impressive 17 appetizers, many substantial enough to be a meal on their own, the choices are abundant. Shrimp enthusiasts will find eight dedicated entrees, while octopus lovers can explore another eight dishes featuring this delectable seafood. Fish takes center stage with over 30 options featuring tilapia, salmon, and mahi-mahi.
Image alt text: The Alvarez-Solis family, owners of La Playita Mexican restaurant in Sioux Falls, stand together in their new restaurant, showcasing their commitment to bringing authentic Mexican seafood to the area.
“We do fish on the grill, which is smothered with a special homemade sauce, slowly cooked in there,” Solis Jr. highlights, pointing to the care and tradition infused into their cooking. Understanding that spice preference varies, he adds, “Some stuff is a little spicy, but you can tell us ‘not too spicy,’ and we’ll arrange that for you,” ensuring a personalized dining experience for everyone searching for “mexican seafood near me” that caters to their individual taste.
Explore Signature Dishes and More
Beyond the extensive menu categories, La Playita features half a dozen house specialties, including the signature La Playita Molcajete, a dish brimming with a variety of seafood. For those seeking comforting warmth, the restaurant also offers soups and hearty seafood boils. Diners can customize their boil with choices of crab legs, shrimp, mussels, crawfish, or clams, creating a personalized seafood feast.
Image alt text: A vibrant and refreshing seafood cocktail at La Playita restaurant in Sioux Falls, featuring fresh ingredients and authentic Mexican flavors, a perfect appetizer to start your meal.
With most items priced between $20 and $40, La Playita offers a range of options for different budgets. For newcomers to Mexican seafood cuisine, the staff is ready to guide you through the menu. “If someone is new to the cuisine, the staff will be happy to explain the dishes,” Solis Jr. assures, making it an approachable spot even for those less familiar with “mexican seafood near me” options. And for those who prefer land-based fare, La Playita hasn’t forgotten you; steak and chicken options like fajitas, grilled chicken breast, rib-eye steak, and sirloin bites are also available.
Image alt text: A flavorful and rich Mexican seafood soup served at La Playita in Sioux Falls, highlighting the restaurant’s dedication to authentic recipes and fresh seafood ingredients.
Beach Vibes and Welcoming Atmosphere
Stepping into La Playita is like stepping onto a little beach escape right in Sioux Falls. The decor is designed to evoke a relaxed, coastal atmosphere, seating just over 100 guests. A thatched “roof” above the bar, a fishing boat suspended from the ceiling, and a surfboard mounted on the wall all contribute to the beach vibe, creating a fun and inviting space to enjoy your “mexican seafood near me”.
La Playita is set to offer beer, wine, and wine-based cocktails once their license is finalized later this month. In the meantime, they offer a variety of non-alcoholic options, including Pepsi products and refreshing homemade lemonade and orange juice drinks mixed with carbonated water.
Image alt text: The bar area at La Playita Mexican restaurant in Sioux Falls, decorated with a beach theme including a thatched roof, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere for diners.
Visit La Playita
La Playita is located at 5216 E. Arrowhead Parkway in Sioux Falls, and is ready to welcome you. Their hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and extending to 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday, making it a perfect spot for lunch or dinner any day of the week when you’re looking for “mexican seafood near me”.
Before their official opening, the family hosted a preview meal for friends and family, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. “They said they didn’t like it – they loved it,” Solis Jr. shares with a smile. “It’s my mom’s food, so when they say that, it makes me so happy because her food is the best.” Discover the best “mexican seafood near me” and experience the authentic flavors and warm hospitality of La Playita for yourself.
