For more than 50 years, Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill has been an Orange County staple, beginning as Don Jose Restaurant in Orange in 1972. The popular eatery made headlines in March when its 48-year-old Anaheim Hills location temporarily closed to make way for a complete renovation. Now, the restaurant’s dedicated fans can look forward to a revamped venue and a projected opening date.
Its Anaheim Hills restaurant was gutted down to its walls for a fresh start and a full brand refresh. According to a restaurant spokesperson, the remodel will wrap up in mid-to-late September, with a reopening date slated for fall.
ALSO READ: The major Orange County restaurant closures of 2025 (so far)
Guests can look forward to an expanded dining area with new windows and booths, upgrading flooring, and updated interiors.
In addition to the new digs, Rodrigo’s recently rolled out a new lineup of cocktails, including a Palmoa, a concoction of Patron Silver, grapefruit and lime tinged with agave; the Jala Berry, featuring Cazadores Blanco, lime, strawberry puree, Monin Cucumber and bitters; and Rodrigo’s Ranch Water, a blend of Patron Silver and St. Germaine with lime and topped with soda water, to name a few.
Family-owned and now into its third generation, Rodrigo’s was founded by Roderick and Patricia Fraser who opened their first restaurant, Don Jose Mexican Restaurant, in Orange in 1972. The business was rebranded in 2017 in honor of its co-founder Roderick Fraser.
The Fraser family has deep roots in Orange County: Their first business, Rod’s Liquor in Old Towne Orange, was a local landmark for 70 years before shuttering in 2019. The family also has a history with local government; co-founder Patricia Showalter’s father, Hollis, served as mayor of Orange in the 1940s.
ALSO READ: Tayabak by Dakine Grindz brings more Filipino food to Santa Ana
The popular family-friendly restaurant was selected by Orange County Register readers as their preferred Mexican restaurant for dining and happy hour merriment in 2024.
In addition to its six eateries in Orange County, Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill has locations in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.