A new Mexican bar and grill has taken over the Polaris Parkway spot previously occupied by Fiesta del Rio, bringing tacos, birria-centric ramen and a bar to north Columbus. Fuego Fiesta Mexican Bar & Grill quietly opened in May and celebrated with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 15.
The restaurant sits at 1025 Polaris Parkway, according to NBC4 WCMH-TV, which reports the address previously housed Fiesta del Rio for about four years before that restaurant shuttered in April. Fiesta del Rio still operates a location in Johnstown, per the same report. The ribbon-cutting earlier this month was held jointly with the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce.
What's on the Menu at Fuego Fiesta
Fuego Fiesta describes itself as serving Mexican cuisine with a modern touch, according to its website. The menu spans the expected lineup of nachos, tacos, tortas, fajitas, burritos and enchiladas, but it also veers into less traditional territory with birria-centric ramen and pizza dishes, the station's report notes.
The kitchen doesn't stop at Mexican staples. American grill fare rounds out the menu with chicken wings, burgers and steak, while dessert options include fried ice cream and churros, per the same account. It's a broad spread aimed at pulling in both traditionalists and diners looking for something unexpected.
A Bar Built Around Tequila
The drinks program leans heavily into craft cocktails and what the restaurant's own site calls “Craft cocktails, premium margaritas and creations that light up your night,” according to Fuego Fiesta Mexican Bar & Grill. Margaritas and mixed drinks come in flavors including strawberry, blue raspberry, mango, peach and hibiscus, available with or without alcohol.
The restaurant's drinks menu includes hard liquor. The bar menu overall includes cocktails, mocktails, margaritas, hard liquor, beer and hard seltzers, rounding out a program built for a night out rather than a quick lunch stop.
Hours and Atmosphere
Fuego Fiesta describes its own vibe as home-like and festive, pointing to music, energy, a working grill and what it calls a welcoming team. The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and stays open later on Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
With the ribbon officially cut, Fuego Fiesta is open daily, giving north Columbus another spot to grab a margarita and a plate of tacos — or, if the mood strikes, a bowl of birria ramen instead.
