El Centenario Stromsburg stands as a culinary gem in the heart of Nebraska, renowned not only for its authentic Mexican flavors but also for its warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu at El Centenario Stromsburg offers a vibrant mix of traditional dishes crafted with fresh ingredients and bold spices that transport diners straight to the streets of Mexico.
Whether you are a longtime fan of Mexican cuisine or exploring it for the first time, the diverse offerings cater to all palates, balancing classic favorites with inventive twists. The restaurant prides itself on creating an experience that combines comfort and excitement, making each meal memorable.
From hearty enchiladas to sizzling fajitas, the menu reflects a deep commitment to authenticity while embracing modern culinary techniques. The variety ensures that both meat lovers and vegetarians find satisfying options.
Beyond the food, the ambiance and attentive service make El Centenario a go-to destination for families, couples, and groups looking to enjoy a flavorful meal in a friendly setting. This exploration of their menu reveals the rich tapestry of flavors and thoughtful preparation that characterizes El Centenario Stromsburg.
Appetizers and Starters
The appetizers at El Centenario Stromsburg are designed to ignite the appetite with bold flavors and satisfying textures. These starters provide a perfect introduction to the restaurant’s culinary style, blending traditional Mexican ingredients with a few creative flairs.
Whether sharing with friends or beginning a solo meal, the options are crafted to please a variety of tastes.
One standout is the Queso Fundido, a melted cheese delight often paired with chorizo and served alongside warm tortillas. It melts smoothly in your mouth, offering a rich and savory experience.
Another favorite is the Guacamole Fresco, prepared fresh daily with ripe avocados, onions, cilantro, and a hint of lime, bringing a refreshing balance to the menu.
For those seeking something with a bit more crunch, the Chicharrones provide a crispy, salty snack that pairs wonderfully with the house-made salsa. These starters set the tone for the meal, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor.
Popular Starters
- Queso Fundido: Melted cheese with chorizo served with warm tortillas
- Guacamole Fresco: Freshly made guacamole with lime and cilantro
- Chicharrones: Crispy pork rinds with house salsa
- Nachos Supreme: Tortilla chips loaded with cheese, beans, jalapeños, and sour cream
“The appetizers at El Centenario perfectly blend tradition and creativity, setting the perfect stage for the full meal.” – Local Food Critic
Traditional Entrees
El Centenario’s traditional entrees form the backbone of the menu, offering hearty dishes that celebrate classic Mexican cooking. These meals emphasize rich, layered flavors and authentic preparation methods that honor heritage recipes.
The entrees cater to those who appreciate time-tested dishes delivered with consistent quality.
Enchiladas, a staple in Mexican cuisine, are available in various styles here, including red sauce, green sauce, and mole. Each enchilada is stuffed with seasoned meats or vegetables, then baked to perfection.
The mole enchiladas stand out for their complex sauce—a blend of spices, chocolate, and chilies—offering a unique depth of flavor seldom found outside of Mexico.
Another highlight is the Chile Relleno, a roasted poblano pepper stuffed with cheese or meat, battered and fried, then topped with a flavorful tomato sauce. It delivers a satisfying combination of heat and creaminess.
These entrees provide a fulfilling meal that honors Mexican culinary traditions.
Classic Dishes
- Enchiladas: Corn tortillas filled with cheese, chicken, or beef, topped with sauce
- Chile Relleno: Roasted poblano pepper stuffed and fried
- Tamales: Steamed corn dough filled with pork or chicken wrapped in corn husks
- Carne Asada: Grilled marinated steak served with rice and beans
| Entree | Protein | Sauce | Spice Level |
| Enchiladas | Chicken/Beef/Cheese | Red/Green/Mole | Medium |
| Chile Relleno | Cheese/Meat | Tomato Sauce | Medium-High |
| Carne Asada | Steak | None | Low-Medium |
| Tamales | Pork/Chicken | Salsa Roja | Medium |
Specialty Fajitas and Grilled Dishes
For those craving a sizzling plate of flavors, the fajitas and grilled dishes at El Centenario Stromsburg offer a delicious option. These dishes are known for their interactive and lively presentation, often arriving at the table still sizzling hot.
The combination of tender meats, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices makes these entrees a favorite among regular patrons.
The fajitas come with a choice of grilled chicken, beef, or shrimp, each marinated in a blend of lime juice, garlic, and traditional Mexican spices. Accompanied by sauteed peppers and onions, they are served with warm flour tortillas and sides like rice, beans, and pico de gallo.
This allows diners to assemble their own flavorful wraps exactly to their liking.
Grilled dishes extend beyond fajitas to include items like Pollo Asado and Alambre, which showcase the skillful use of the grill to enhance flavor and texture. The smoky, charred notes complement the vibrant spices and marinades.
Sizzling Favorites
- Chicken Fajitas: Marinated chicken with peppers, onions, and tortillas
- Beef Fajitas: Tender grilled beef strips with sautéed vegetables
- Shrimp Fajitas: Juicy shrimp grilled with spices and served with sides
- Pollo Asado: Grilled chicken marinated in citrus and spices
“The fajitas at El Centenario bring a festive, hands-on dining experience that delights every time.” – Frequent Diner
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
El Centenario Stromsburg recognizes the importance of catering to diverse dietary preferences. Their vegetarian and vegan options are thoughtfully prepared, ensuring that these dishes are just as flavorful and satisfying as their traditional meat offerings.
The restaurant uses fresh produce, beans, and plant-based proteins to create hearty meals that appeal to both vegetarians and vegans.
One popular vegetarian dish is the Vegetable Enchiladas, filled with a medley of bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, smothered in a rich tomato sauce. The Vegan Tacos feature seasoned beans, avocado, and fresh salsa wrapped in corn tortillas, offering a vibrant and nutritious choice.
Additionally, the sides and appetizers can be customized to fit vegan needs, such as substituting cheese or sour cream with guacamole or fresh salsa. This flexibility highlights the restaurant’s commitment to inclusivity and culinary creativity.
Plant-Based Highlights
- Vegetable Enchiladas: Mixed veggies with red sauce and vegan cheese option
- Vegan Tacos: Black beans, avocado, and salsa in corn tortillas
- Bean Burrito: Refried beans with rice, lettuce, and tomato
- Grilled Veggie Fajitas: Seasonal vegetables served sizzling hot
| Dish | Vegan Friendly | Gluten Free | Spice Level |
| Vegetable Enchiladas | Yes (with cheese substitution) | Yes | Medium |
| Vegan Tacos | Yes | Yes | Low-Medium |
| Bean Burrito | Yes (no cheese) | No (flour tortilla) | Low |
| Grilled Veggie Fajitas | Yes | Yes | Medium |
Side Dishes and Accompaniments
The side dishes at El Centenario Stromsburg complement the main courses perfectly, enhancing the overall dining experience with fresh and flavorful additions. These accompaniments are crafted to balance the richness of entrees and offer variety in every meal.
Classic sides include Mexican Rice, a fluffy, seasoned rice with tomato and spices that pairs well with nearly every dish. The Refried Beans are creamy and well-spiced, providing a comforting texture contrast.
For a lighter option, the Pico de Gallo fresh salsa adds brightness and a touch of acidity.
Other offerings like Elote (Mexican street corn) bring a sweet and smoky flavor, often topped with cheese, chili powder, and lime. These sides are thoughtfully prepared to stand on their own or as part of a complete meal.
Essential Sides
- Mexican Rice: Tomato-based rice with herbs and spices
- Refried Beans: Creamy, spiced pinto beans
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato, onion, cilantro salsa
- Elote: Grilled corn with cheese, chili, and lime
“The side dishes at El Centenario add depth and balance, making the meal truly complete.” – Experienced Food Enthusiast
Desserts
El Centenario Stromsburg offers a selection of desserts that provide a sweet finish to the meal. These treats blend traditional Mexican flavors with comforting textures, perfect for those looking to indulge after a hearty dinner.
The Churros are a beloved classic—crispy on the outside, soft inside, and dusted with cinnamon sugar. Served with a side of rich chocolate sauce, they are ideal for sharing.
The Flan, a creamy caramel custard, offers a smooth and delicate end to the meal.
For a lighter option, the Fresh Fruit Cup incorporates seasonal fruits with a sprinkle of lime and chili powder, bringing a refreshing contrast to richer desserts. Each choice reflects the restaurant’s dedication to quality and authenticity.
Sweet Treats
- Churros: Fried dough sticks with cinnamon sugar and chocolate sauce
- Flan: Traditional caramel custard
- Fresh Fruit Cup: Seasonal fruits with lime and chili powder
- Sopapillas: Puffy fried pastries served with honey
| Dessert | Texture | Sweetness Level | Best Paired With |
| Churros | Crispy & Soft | High | Chocolate Sauce |
| Flan | Creamy | Medium | Coffee or Tea |
| Fresh Fruit Cup | Juicy & Refreshing | Low | Light Meals |
| Sopapillas | Fluffy & Puffy | Medium | Honey |
Beverages
The beverage menu at El Centenario Stromsburg complements the food with a variety of refreshing options, from traditional Mexican drinks to classic American beverages. These drinks are carefully selected to enhance the dining experience and balance the bold flavors of the cuisine.
Signature drinks include the Horchata, a sweet rice-based beverage flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, offering a cool and soothing contrast to spicy dishes. The Agua Fresca options rotate seasonally, featuring fresh fruit infusions like watermelon, hibiscus, or tamarind.
For those seeking alcoholic options, the restaurant offers a selection of margaritas, beer, and wine, all chosen to pair well with Mexican cuisine. The margaritas are known for their smooth balance of tart lime and sweetness, often made with premium tequila and fresh ingredients.
Drink Selections
- Horchata: Sweet rice and cinnamon drink
- Agua Fresca: Seasonal fresh fruit beverages
- Margaritas: Classic lime or flavored with fresh fruits
- Mexican Beers: Popular brands like Corona and Modelo
“Pairing a spicy entrée with a cool horchata or a zesty margarita completes the authentic dining experience at El Centenario.” – Beverage Expert
Conclusion
The El Centenario Stromsburg menu offers a rich and varied culinary journey through the flavors of Mexico, skillfully adapted to meet the tastes and preferences of a diverse clientele. Each section of the menu—from appetizers to desserts—reflects a dedication to authenticity, freshness, and balance.
Diners can expect a harmonious blend of traditional recipes and modern touches that come together in every dish.
Whether indulging in the sizzling fajitas, savoring the comforting enchiladas, or finishing with a sweet churro, the menu caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs. The inclusion of vegetarian and vegan options demonstrates the restaurant’s commitment to inclusivity and thoughtful cooking.
Pairing meals with signature beverages like horchata or margaritas further elevates the experience.
El Centenario Stromsburg is more than just a place to eat; it is a destination where flavor, culture, and hospitality converge. Every visit promises a satisfying meal that honors tradition while inviting exploration.
This menu is a testament to the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories around the table.
