The Story of El Colonial

Nearly twenty years ago, a dream took root in the heart of Russell, Kentucky — a dream shaped by family, hard work, and the desire to share authentic Mexican cuisine with a new community. That dream became El Colonial.

Our story begins much farther south — in Mexico — where food was a way of life and family was always at the center of the table. Diego, the oldest of six, grew up surrounded by community traditions, bold flavors, and the warmth that only a true home-cooked meal can bring. From Mexico, they made their way to California, where they continued to work in restaurants and deepen their love for hospitality and culinary craft.

But it wasn’t until they came to Kentucky that their vision truly came to life. In 2006, Diego and his family opened the doors to El Colonial in Russell, bringing with them generations of recipes, a passion for people, and a mission to make every guest feel like family.

For nearly two decades, El Colonial has been a place where culture meets comfort — where sizzling fajitas, fresh guacamole, and signature margaritas are served with a smile, and where birthdays, anniversaries, and everyday meals become lasting memories.

El Colonial isn’t just a restaurant — it’s the story of a family’s journey, of perseverance, and of building something special in a town they now proudly call home. Thank you for being part of our story. We can’t wait to serve you.