Santi’s Mexican Grill has been offering a rich variety of traditional Mexican dishes. Under the ownership of Newman resident Veronica Alcauter, the restaurant has flourished, becoming a community staple.

Alcauter originally came to the United States from Michoacán, Mexico, in 1989. After spending many years in the restaurant business, she took over the establishment in 2017. 

“When I bought the reastaurant, I wanted to keep the name Santi’s because it had a good reputation,” said Alcauter. “The community already loved it, and I wanted to build on that legacy.”

Santi’s Mexican Grill is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, drawing in regulars and newcomers alike with its wholesome and warm atmosphere. 

“We’ve made some changes over the years to improve the menu and services,” Alcauter explains. “For example, we expanded our pozole offering from just Fridays to the whole weekend because people loved it so much.”

The menu at Santi’s features a variety of dishes that have become local favorites. 

“Our enchiladas are particularly popular,” Alcauter notes. “We also have delicious skillets with chorizo and eggs, and we offer vegetarian options like stuffed peppers with squash and mushrooms.”

Santi’s wet burrito is a consistently popular option with a choice of meats and red or green sauce on top.

The chicken Monterey has proven to be another customer favorite. Tender cuts of chicken are grilled with onions and bell peppers and sautéed in a ranchero sauce and drizzled with cheese.

Mariscada Santi’s style is a loaded helping of spicy sautéed seafood with a helping of fresh tomatoes, onions and avocados.

Service starts at 9 a.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 7 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays with a hearty breakfast menu that includes breakfast burritos, huevos rancheros and omelets.

Mexican food is certainly the specialty at Santi’s, but they also offer big burgers, linguica sandwiches and country fried steaks.

Alcauter emphasizes the importance of fresh ingredients in her cooking. She prioritizes customer first notion to better serve them. It keeps her customers coming back and fuels her motivation to provide quality food.

“I cook for the people who support us, for our locals,” said Alcauter. “It’s important that they know they’re getting the best quality.”

Running a restaurant is not easy. Alcauter credits her hardworking team and the support of the Newman community for their success. 

“Our staff is incredible,” Alcauter says. “Most of our employees are women, and they are very responsible and dedicated.”

Santi’s Mexican Grill isn’t just about great food. It’s about being a part of the community. Alcauter works closely with local organizations and participates in community events. 

“We’ve received so much love and support from everyone here,” she says. “It’s important to give back.”

Looking to the future, Alcauter hopes to continue evolving and improving the restaurant. Her customer base is quickly growing and is considering a way to accommodate more seats and offerings.

“We’re considering opening earlier to offer breakfast,” she reveals. “We always want to find new ways to serve our customers better.”

Santi’s Mexican Grill remains a cherished part of downtown Newman, a place where the community comes together to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. For Alcauter, it’s not just a business, it’s a labor of love. 

“Cooking is my passion,” Alcauter said with a smile. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share that with our wonderful community.”

Santi’s Mexican Grill is located at 1405 Main St in downtown Newman. If you have any questions or would like to order some food, contact them at (209) 862-1464. They are open from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturdays. 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sundays.