El Cerro Grande | Our Story
From Degollado to Jacksonville, since 1992
El Cerro Grande takes its name from a big hill near the Ibarra family ranch in Degollado, Mexico — a small detail that says everything about where this restaurant comes from. What started as one family's idea has grown into something Jacksonville has called its own for more than three decades.
How it started
The Ibarra family opened their first restaurant in Wilmington, NC in January 1992 with a clear purpose: serve authentic, quality Mexican food and treat every guest like family. That founding idea hasn't changed since the day the doors opened.
Bringing it to Jacksonville
When the Ibarras expanded to Jacksonville, they brought something the city didn't yet have — a genuine, family-owned Mexican restaurant rooted in tradition. El Cerro Grande holds the distinction of being the first authentic Mexican restaurant in Jacksonville, NC.
The menu as a family tradition
The menu centers on dishes the Ibarra family grew up with — tacos, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas, and house specialties — made the same careful way, every day.
A place to come back to
Guests keep returning not just for the food, but for the feeling — a warm room, a familiar face, a meal worth sharing.
