Ringing in 2026 with Flavor: Celebrate the New Year at Señor Julian Mexican Bar & Grill in Springfield, MO
- Rich Haik
- Jan 16
- 5 min read
¡Feliz Año Nuevo, Springfield!
As the clock strikes midnight and fireworks light up the Ozarks sky, there’s no better way to kick off 2026 than with bold flavors, warm hospitality, and a fiesta of food at Señor Julian Mexican Bar & Grill in Springfield, Missouri. Located in the heart of the 417, Señor Julian is more than a restaurant—it’s a vibrant, colorful experience that blends the traditions of Mexican cuisine with modern flair and local charm.
Whether you’re setting new goals, spending time with family, or simply recovering from the holidays with a good meal, this is your ultimate guide to starting the year deliciously.
New Year, New Flavors: A Look at Señor Julian's Signature Dishes
At Señor Julian, every dish tells a story—from sizzling fajitas to comforting pozole. Their expansive menu covers everything from hearty soups and stacked nachos to decadent desserts, and it’s the perfect place to indulge after weeks of cold weather, shopping chaos, and holiday leftovers.
Let’s break down some standout dishes to help you build the perfect meal to welcome 2026.
Start with a Bang: Starters That Set the Tone
If you're a fan of bold beginnings, start your meal with Julian’s Guac—a chunky avocado mix topped with pico de gallo and queso fresco, served with fresh flour tortilla chips. It’s festive, fresh, and a fan favorite for a reason.
Another must-try is El Jefe Dip, a glorious combination of ground beef, guacamole, and pico de gallo layered over queso. This dip means business—perfect for sharing (or not).
Warm Up to 2026 with Authentic Mexican Soups
Few things say comfort like a hot bowl of Chicken Tortilla Soup, rich with shredded chicken, avocado, Mexican cheese, and tortilla strips.
Craving seafood? The 7 Mares Soup is a celebration of the sea in a bowl—jumbo shrimp, scallops, mussels, octopus, tilapia, and crab come together in a tomato-based broth that’s as bold as your resolutions.
On weekends, you can also enjoy Pozole, a traditional stew made with pork and hominy in a red chile broth, served with lime wedges, radishes, and onions on the side.
Light and Fresh: Salads for a Healthy Start
If your New Year’s resolution is to eat a little lighter (without giving up flavor), Señor Julian has you covered. Try the Tampico Salad with grilled chicken, tomato, shredded cheese, and lettuce, or go big with the Shrimp Taco Salad, loaded with grilled jumbo shrimp, tomato, guacamole, cheese, and sour cream over crispy tortillas.
Need something packed with protein and nutrients? The Mexican Cobb Salad is a powerhouse: steak or grilled chicken, crispy tortillas, black beans, avocado, eggs, cheese, and more.
Build Your 2026 Combo: Mix It Up, Julian-Style
Can’t decide? You don’t have to. Señor Julian’s Mix It Up combo lets you choose 1, 2, or 3 items (taco, burrito, enchilada, chile relleno, tamal, tostada, etc.)—all served with rice and beans. It’s perfect for when your taste buds want it all.
Pro tip: Add queso for just $1.99. Because more cheese is always the right answer.
Nacho Average Celebration
Nachos are practically a food group in the new year celebration world, and Señor Julian delivers some of the most epic piles in Springfield.
Try the Trash Can Nachos—a bottomless tin pan heaped with tortilla chips, beef, beans, queso, pico, sour cream, and pickled jalapeños.
Want something next-level? Go for the Waffle Fry Fajita Nachos, a crave-worthy twist with waffle fries instead of chips, topped with fajita steak or chicken, peppers, onions, tomato, and queso. It's the kind of indulgent dish that screams "New Year, new me (after this meal)."
Fajitas That Sizzle
A New Year’s dinner deserves drama—enter the fajitas.
The Traditional Fajitas come sizzling hot with steak, chicken, or a combo, loaded with peppers, onions, and tomato. Served with tortillas, refried beans, rice, and a guacamole salad, it's a complete feast.
Want something even bigger? The Molcajete is an unforgettable experience—a volcanic stone bowl filled with chicken, shrimp, steak, and Mexican sausage in chipotle sauce. It’s as Instagrammable as it is delicious.
New Year’s Steak Showdown
Señor Julian doesn’t hold back when it comes to steak.
El Mexicano – 10 oz ribeye with peppers, onions, tomato, and tortillas.
Julian’s Favorite – A ribeye masterpiece served with mushrooms and onions.
Sky, Surf & Turf – Steak, shrimp, and chicken with a cheese quesadilla. A triple threat.
All served with rice, beans, and that signature Julian flair.
Seafood and Surf Vibes to Start the Year
If you're looking for lighter fare with a beachy twist, try the Tilapia Miramar—topped with mango pico, red pepper, and chipotle sauce—or the Camarones a la Diabla, spicy shrimp that bring just the right amount of heat for a chilly Missouri night.
Looking for surf and turf? The Pollo Camaron features grilled chicken breast and shrimp with onions and tomato in a rich sauce—comfort food with coastal vibes.
Burritos and Bowls Worth Savoring
Start the year wrapped in flavor with burritos like the Bernal—filled with carnitas, black beans, and avocado—or the California, a grilled steak burrito with chipotle sauce, rice, avocado, pico, and beans.
Or go for the Arroz Julian—fajita chicken and queso on a bed of Mexican rice. Add shrimp for just $2.50 and you’ve got a full plate of flavor.
Taco 'Bout a Resolution
Tacos are life at Señor Julian, and the variety means you can visit all month long without repeating a meal.
Highlights include:
Street Tacos – Classic, with your choice of meat, cilantro, and onion.
Quesabirria Tacos – Mozzarella-stuffed tortillas with birria, served with broth for dipping.
Tacos Especiales – Corn tortillas with carne asada, cilantro, and avocado slices.
Desserts to Sweeten 2026
Finish your New Year meal with a sweet celebration.
Chimi Cheesecake – Cheesecake in a fried tortilla, tossed in cinnamon sugar and drizzled in caramel and chocolate.
Tres Leches Cake – Moist, creamy, and made in-house.
Mexican Lava Cake – A decadent twist for the chocoholics.
Pair with a Mexican soda or flavored aguas frescas to complete your experience.
Why Señor Julian is the Go-To Spot This New Year
Since opening its doors in 2022, Señor Julian has made waves in the 417 culinary scene. With vibrant décor, a family-friendly vibe, and dishes that mix tradition with creativity, it's become a community favorite. Their active social media presence—find them on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @#SenorOf417—keeps guests engaged and craving more.
Whether you're meeting friends for margaritas, having a family dinner, or planning a date night, this is the place to create memories and maybe even start new traditions.
Five Ways to Enjoy Señor Julian This January
Host a New Year’s brunch with breakfast items like Huevos Rancheros or a lunch combo with enchiladas and rice.
Celebrate your birthday with sizzling fajitas and a sopapilla.
Try something new each week—like the Enchiladas Suizas or Chimichanga.
Bring the whole crew—the kids' menu and a la carte items make group dining easy.
Order takeout for cozy nights in (pro tip: Trash Can Nachos travel surprisingly well).
Let Señor Julian Spice Up Your 2026
As we welcome the new year, one thing is certain—food brings us together. And at Señor Julian Mexican Bar & Grill, every plate is served with care, culture, and bold flavor.
Make it your go-to spot for all of 2026. From casual lunches to celebratory dinners, you’ll find something to love—and plenty to come back for.
Here’s to a delicious New Year—Salud!
Visit Señor Julian
Location: Springfield, MOFollow them: @SenorOf417 on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTokPro Tip: Don’t forget the queso.




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