By Janet Wight
When El Aguila Restaurante opened for business at 1552 Como Avenue in July 2023, it marked the fulfillment of a lifelong ambition for its owners.
Owners Jose Landaverde and Ana Vargas had always dreamed of owning their own restaurant and serving delicious food, Vargas said. Their restaurant is located in the space formerly occupied by Lisu’s Thai Taste, which was previously the home of Bascali’s Brick Oven for many years.
Landaverde moved to the United States from El Salvador in 2001. Vargas, a native of Honduras, followed in 2004. They each have 20 years of experience in the restaurant business in Minnesota, although this is the first restaurant they have owned.
Aguila is the Spanish word for eagle. The couple wanted to use this name for their restaurant since it symbolizes strength and also because eagles are frequently mentioned in the Bible, Ana explained.
El Aguila’s extensive menu features familiar Mexican dishes as well as authentic flavors unique to El Salvador and Honduras. Specialties include el aguila platillo (potato pastelitos, flank steak and shrimp), tipico Salvadoreno (tamales, pupusas and grilled cactus) and molcajete (flank steak, chicken, shrimp and grilled cactus).
Breakfast favorites include classic dishes like huevos tradicionales (eggs, refried beans and plantains) and tamales Salvadorenos (tamales filled with pork or chicken served with a carrot salad).
Vegetarian food is available and there are also many gluten-free options.
The couple decided to locate their restaurant on Como Avenue due to its neighborhood setting. Vargas enjoys the beauty of the area and added that everyone has been very friendly.
There have been many challenges in running their business. “Attracting new clients is the biggest challenge,” she said, “but with faith, everything is possible.”
When asked why they came to America, Vargas was reflective. Landaverde came here with a lot of dreams, she said.
“I came to the United States because I wanted to have money to send back to my home country,” she said.
Vargas said she relishes being a restaurant owner.
“What makes me happiest is being able to give work to others,” she said. “Dreams in the United States do come true with effort, courage and the help of God.”
Visit elaguilamn.com for additional information.
Janet Wight lives in the Como neighborhood and is a regular freelance writer for the Bugle.
Photo cutline: Ana Vargas and Jose Landaverde are co-owners of El Aguila. Photo by Janet Wight.
