Two New Mexican Restaurants Opening Soon in Billings

2024 was a tumultuous year in the local restaurant scene, with a handful of eateries closing. Soup and Such downtown closed, along with Uberbrew, Bull Mountain Grille, Chalet Market (both locations), Cork and Barrel, and possibly others that I can't think of at the moment.

It's not all doom and gloom in the food business, however. Two new restaurants are opening soon in the Magic City, and we stopped by both this week to check in on their progress.

Pablo Nunez and his wife. Credit Michael Foth, TSM

Santiago's is opening soon.

Heights residents will be thrilled to have a new option for sit-down dining. Santiago's is opening its second location in the former Bull Mountain Grille spot at 2376 Main St (the other location is at 16th and Grand). Owner Pablo Nunez took a break from assembling some shelving to chat with us for a few minutes.

Credit Michael Foth, TSM

Santiago's is known for its variety of tasty burritos. The chili Verde plate, and chili relleno entrees are also among its most popular dishes, said Nunez. The new Heights location is expected to open "within the next week" and will also have beer and wine as soon as the license transfer is complete with the state of Montana.

Santera is at the former Cork and Barrel building. Credit Michael Foth, TSM

Santera opens November 20th.

On the West End, the former Cork and Barrel location is rapidly transforming into a new Mexican spot called Santera. Manager Maria Sandoval said they're on track to open on November 20.

Credit Michael Foth, TSM

The diverse menu features authentic Mexican dishes, street tacos, combo plates, taco flights (that can include Mahi Mahi or octopus), tableside guacamole as well as an assortment of Americanized favorites. Santera has a full liquor license with a vast selection of specialty tequilas and the restaurant plans to make its tortillas in-house.

Credit Michael Foth, TSM

The company owns a handful of other Mexican restaurants, including Charras and Tequila in Bismark and Grand Forks, ND, Ma Cualli's in Rapid City, SD, a location in Boulder, CO, and a new restaurant in Aberdeen, SD is opening soon. Santera is their first venture in Montana. We can't wait to give them a try.