About Us

The Plaza Experience

La Plaza Fiesta prides itself on providing a welcoming authentic atmosphere accompanied with hand crafted meals on an extensive menu for even the most discerning tastes. A very talented team makes it all possible. The kitchen puts their love into every dish that we serve. The front of the house staff delights guests 

Everyone is committed to ensure all visitors enjoy their experience and more importantly their meal at La Plaza F!esta. The repeat customers are a testament at the high quality of service that La Plaza F!esta executes every day.

Meet Krystal

Krystal Hernandez purchased the Mexican restaurant in Madelia in January of 2012 and renamed it La Plaza F!esta. She began working at her parents’ Owatonna roller rink at age 11 doing concessions, admissions, cleaning bathrooms, stocking shelves, and buying supplies. She ran the computer and was in charge of all private parties. At age 14, and after her parents sold the roller rink, she took a part-time restaurant dishwasher job at The Kernel. “Our family kind of had a string of bad luck, and my older brother and I had to get jobs to help my parents,” she said. After age 16 while attending high school, she worked three jobs—at The Kernel, a sports bar, and a Chinese restaurant. She loved everything about work and over time worked just about every position a person in the industry could. After high school, she finished a two-year degree at Minneapolis Business College in only 14 months. To make a long story short, her best friend and co-worker, Fabian Martinez, lost his life in a tragic car accident on Christmas in 2008. Around the same time, Hernandez lost two of her jobs when Vikings lineman Matt Birk closed his two restaurants after signing with Baltimore. Over time, Hernandez became close to Fabian’s parents, who owned several Mexican restaurants ‘Plaza Morena’, including one in Madelia. She began working at the Owatonna location in 2009 where she met her (now) husband, Daniel Hernandez Tovar, and two years later moved to Madelia to manage the restaurant with him & other family members.

Our History

La Plaza started when current owners Krystal and Daniel Hernandez took over management and the restaurant has thrived ever since. People come from all over the state to enjoy the amazing food and atmosphere at La Plaza F!esta.

In February 2016 La Plaza F!esta along with 8 other businesses on Madelia’s historic Main Street were engulfed in flames and reduced to rubble. This was a devastating blow to a well established institution in Madelia. With the help of charitable donations, community outreach and involvement Krystal and her team at La Plaza Fiesta have were able to temporarily relocate to continue delighting guests while their Main Street location was being rebuilt.  La Plaza F!esta reopened on Main Street in Madelia late 2017.  They added an ethnic grocery store in September 2018. 

What We Offer

Our family and Mexican-owned gem in the heart of Madelia prides itself on being a family-friendly restaurant, offering authentic Mexican food that will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico. Our menu is vast and diverse, including everything from traditional Mexican options, an American food menu, and a full vegan menu.

Start your day off right with our breakfast options like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros.

We serve traditional Mexican lunch and dinner, featuring dishes like our Molcajete Fiesta, Birria, enchiladas, and fajitas. Or, try one of our juicy burgers! 

For seafood lovers, our seafood menu serves up shrimp cocktails, Camarones rancheros, and much more. 

If you’re craving something sweet, look no further than our famous desserts. From crispy Mexican Churros to creamy flan, rich tiramisu, and much more, our dessert menu is a sweet tooth’s paradise.

Our bar serves up the best margaritas in town. Join us for our happy hour!

And if you’re planning an event, consider our Catering services. Our menu includes something for everyone, without ever compromising on flavor, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

Order online and get the flavors of La Plaza Fiesta delivered straight to your door.

We are a short drive from our neighbors in Mankato. Located near landmarks like Watona Park, Madelia Golf Course, Fedje Lake, Madelia Chamber, Tony Down, and Lake Hanska County Park and a community favorite of Madelia High School, Madelia Health, and Madelia Elementary School, we’re ideally situated for a meal after a day out.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!