Diaz’s Essential Recipes is a world-class, historic restaurant that celebrates the Mexican culinary heritage and is renowned for its signature dishes. There has never been a time when the restaurant was not in operation. This pillar of the community has stood strong through decades of prosperity and recession. Diaz’s essential recipes are a must-have for any home chef and is also a tradition that should be passed on from one generation to the next.
Just about generations of families have been raised on Diaz’s Essential Recipes; children and descendants of the founders of this restaurant still come here for all their special events, and to enjoy their favorite dishes. The unique thing about Diaz’s Essential Recipes is that it has thrived during recessions, where similar restaurants have closed their doors. There are numerous theories on why Diaz’s Essential Recipes has managed to weather so many economic storms and remains a popular destination among locals and tourists alike. About 50 years ago, the building was old, but was destined to become something great in its own right.
Features Of Diaz’s Essential Recipes :
1. Chef’s Table Restaurant
The chef’s table is the reason for the name Diaz’s Essential Recipes. It is located in the very back of our restaurant. The Chef’s Table features some of the best dishes from our extensive menu in a casual setting conducive to conversations and visits from friends, neighbors and relatives.
2. Bar & Grill
The bar & grill section serves as a gathering place for visiting friends or family while they enjoy lunch or dinner or simply enjoy an adult beverage at one of our over 20,000 square foot bars stocked with: House-made cocktails, national brands, beers and wines; as well as a full service bar that offers appetizers and snacks.
3. Take Out Section
The take-out section offers a variety of homemade dishes, prepared the same way our family prepares them at home. These are great for get-togethers, special occasions and even for tailgating.
4. Banquet Facilities
The banquet facilities at Diaz’s Essential Recipes can accommodate your group from 30 to 200 people. The banquet area features an expansive dance floor, state-of-the-art audio/video system, full bar and dining area as well as a loading dock entry to expedite any last minute setup or cleanup requirements.
The banquet facilities at Diaz’s Essential Recipes offer an opulent setting for every special occasion – from birthday parties to wedding receptions. Our banquet facilities can accommodate up to 400 people. We offer superior service with a delicious catering experience, throughout your event planning process from start to finish.
5. Festivals & Events
We have hosted countless weddings, birthday parties, baby showers and more, by providing the perfect décor and atmosphere for all of our patrons to enjoy in. We have also provided the perfect space to host corporate events and fundraisers! We are able to host anything from business meetings to holiday parties in our expansive banquet hall.
6. Corporate Events
Diaz’s Essential Recipes is available to host your corporate event! We can accommodate groups of all sizes. Our restaurant has been in operation for more than 40 years and we are very familiar with the needs of your employees and guest – ensuring that their experience at our restaurant will be a memorable one.
7. Discovery Center
The Discovery Center is located on the second floor where youngsters can enjoy an interactive, educational experience about Mexican cuisine, which will help them better understand the culinary traditions from which their favorite dishes are derived.
8. Museum
The museum showcases all the details of the history of Diaz’s Essential Recipes, beginning after the Civil War when it was a stop on the Underground Railroad and a place where escaped slaves could claim their freedom. It was also a safe haven for runaway slaves in an area that was controlled by Confederate Loyalists.
This property served as an important hideout for runaway slave John Henry who, in spite of being pursued by slave catchers, hid out here before going to freedom with Ralph Welday (a black man from Georgia) at Dixon Springs, Tennessee.
9. Gift Shop
We feature a variety of Mexican-inspired gift items, such as folk art, collectibles, books and apparel. We also offer other aspects of the rich culinary heritage of Mexico: authentic Mexican food ingredients and cookbooks, decorative traditional dishes, tools of the trade and other related products found in our museum shop.
10. Gifts Of The Heart Store
The Gifts Of The Heart store features an extensive selection of items that are sure to please everyone on your gift list: beautiful Mexican art objects, folk art crafts and textiles, hand-crafted gifts; as well as authentic Mexican food ingredients including salsas and spices, cooking oil and bottled condiments.
