A NEW REMODEL(O). Taqueria La Poblanita's remodel began at the end of April this year, with the new interior unveiled just in time for Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Patrons can expect a new floor layout, with seating decorated by imagery and scenes from Puebla, Mexico.

Taqueria La Poblanita (2436 London Rd., Eau Claire) has grown into a fixture in the Chippewa Valley's dining scene; its origins stem from the vision to share a family's cultural legacy with new audiences.

Now, with over a decade of business in the Valley, the restaurant has a refreshed look while retaining the same vision that has guided its culinary offerings since 2013.

Michael Nieves Flores, owner and managing partner of Taqueria La Poblanita, felt the establishment was in need of a new layout and design. The restaurant remodel began at the end of April this year, with the new interior unveiled just in time for Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

“We didn’t want to completely change who we are — just upgrade and improve the feel of the place,” Nieves Flores said. “We wanted the space to feel more modern but still comfortable and welcoming.”

VIBRANT HUES. A table at La Poblanita, pictured above, shows two individuals adorned in traditional attire from Puebla, Mexico.

New tables and chairs — each featuring symbols, pottery, landscapes, and figures emblematic of Puebla, Mexico — are among the additions of La Poblanita’s recent renovation. Regular customers of the restaurant will also note a fresh coat of paint on the walls — to match the color schemes within the seating — and an improved flow to allow increased capacity for patrons to enjoy a quick bite or dinner with family, Nieves Flores added.

“The vibe is more modern, but still casual and family-friendly,” Nieves Flores said. “We didn’t change the number of seats too much, but the way everything is arranged feels more spacious and comfortable.”

“This remodel was a big step forward, but the heart of La Poblanita hasn’t changed — we’re still here to serve good food made with love.”

Michael nieves flores

owner and managing partner, la poblanita

Taste a Charola de Tacos, a timless Burritto, Carne Asada, and more with La Poblanita's ongoing menu additions.

Since moving to Eau Claire, La Poblanita quickly became one of my personal dining staples. Often reserved for Sunday nights, this spot is where I relish the week that transpired, catch up with friends, and celebrate life’s milestones with my entire family. Boasting a menu that spans pages, Taqueria La Poblanita offers a piece of Puebla's cuisine to suit all types of foodies.

Upon arrival, a margarita on the rocks is always a good choice (though I often opt for frozen). The La Poblanita dining experience always comes with fresh chips and a trio of salsas, brought directly to your table. Following drinks and appetizers, I notoriously go back to my 'classic'— the restaurant’s taco special — with carnitas that I can only imagine are crafted from traditional family recipes, telling a story through their flavor.

As the restaurant continues to evolve with their recent additions, Nieves Flores shared that the staff are working to update their full menu with new items that regulars and newcomers alike will be excited to try.

“We want to keep the menu fresh while still offering the classics people come back for,” Nieves Flores said. “We’re focused on keeping this location strong and continuing to give people great food and service.”

La Poblanita — amidst renovations and changing the scenery within — has also welcomed an expansion of their retail offerings. This dual restaurant and grocer gives customers a way to take a little piece of la Poblanita home with them, Nieves Flores said.

“The products reflect our roots — Mexican snacks, drinks, and sauces,” Nieves Flores said. “Some staff favorites are the homemade salsas and the Mexican candies and chips.”

With this remodel, customer feedback has remained positive and supportive, Nieves Flores said. As patrons become more familiar with the restaurant's new layout and space, the business welcomes any comments or suggestions during their dining experience.

“We’re here because of the community, and their input helps guide what we do next,” Nieves Flores said. “This remodel was a big step forward, but the heart of La Poblanita hasn’t changed — we’re still here to serve good food made with love.”

Taqueria La Poblanita, located on London Road in Eau Claire, is open to the public daily from 11am-9PM. To learn more about the restaurant's menu offerings and weekly specials, visit its social media platforms (@lapoblanitawi) or call the restaurant at (715) 831-2131.