Have You Heard? Santera Cocina & Tequila is coming to town, fall flavors are here
Billings is in for a new authentic Mexican food experience. Santera Cocina & Tequila is moving into the old Cork & Barrel location at 1417 38th St. W., on the West End, and is busy preparing to open by the end of October.
The wine racks are coming out of the glass cellar inside the entrance, and a tortilla maker is moving in. Patrons will have a front-row seat to the daily tortilla-making process.
"We like to share the beauty of Mexican culture through food," part-owner Maria Sandoval said. "I'm excited about coming to Billings and showing people what an authentic, fresh and clean Mexican restaurant is all about."
Sandoval is 26, but she is no stranger to the restaurant business; she grew up in it. Santera will be the newest and seventh installment in a family-owned legacy, with foodie destinations in California, Colorado , North Dakota and South Dakota. Santera is a word for healer, Sandoval said, named for her grandmother, who also loved to cook. Santera is her kitchen.
"Each restaurant has a different meaning," she said. "I had a grandma in Mexico. She lived to a very, very old age and she was the healer of our town. That's what Santera means."
Santera's menu will be most similar, she said, to the family's restaurant in Bismarck, Charras & Tequila . Sandoval and family business partner Chilo Mandoza aim to expand Billings' taste-bud horizons with family-crafted Mexican cuisine, a full bar, and a craft tequila menu sure to impress.
"People might think of Jose Cuarvo and Patron when they think of tequila. We like to introduce a little more than that," she said. "Sipping good tequila doesn't have to be crazy expensive to be a good experience."
Picture this: tableside guacamole service made to order, fan-favorite mix and match street tacos, house-infused margarita flights, and barrel-select tequila with a lively atmosphere and a family experience.
Sandoval hopes to open by the end of October, latest, Nov. 1, she said. Santara Cocina & Tequila will be open every day, Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
"It's beautiful," Sandoval said. "The location is perfect. The West End is growing, and we want to be a part of that growth."
Pumpkin spice and everything nice
The brick and mortar off Grand Avenue and 38th Street West isn't the only thing that's changing in Billings. Fall is in the air. The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and so are the menus. Bin 119 debuted their new menu this week, lunch plates available Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fall flavors are in abundance. Ciao Mambo is offering a Caramel Apple Cannoli, available for a limited time. Coffee shops around town are flowing with fall flavor. Big Sky Coffee Roasters rolled out their fall menu this week, with their Pumpkin Cream Shaker at the top of patron's wish lists.
"It's the perfect blend of creamy, spiced goodness," Big Sky said in an Instagram post.
The Sassy Biscuit Company debuted their fall menu this week as well, with fall-inspired, fan-favorite Mimosas like The Pa, The Buffalo Jumper, and more.
"Mimosas are down to $8-$10 so pull up a chair honey and let's celebrate fall y'all!" The Sassy Biscuit posted to their socials.
Last Chance Pub & Cider Mill is in full fall mode, featuring pumpkin spice wontons with a sweet maple glaze, "pairs well with any of our hand-crafted ciders."
The Granary expanded their hours recently, now open at 11 a.m. on Sundays.
"Be among the first to experience our new Sunday offerings and savor our seasonal favorites," The Granary posted.
It's an exciting time to treat yourself, wherever you may be dining and wine-ing this autumn. The only trouble will be trying them all, this fall.
Have a Billings business tip? Send an email to .
Education and Health Reporter
