An old breakfast hot spot in Ames received a major facelift recently.

Angie’s Cantina, 2416 Lincoln Way, has replaced Angie’s Kitchen, though the new owners did save some of the old restaurant’s charm.

Peter Muljadi and his father, Iwan, took over the restaurant in February 2010. Peter, who grew up in Ames, saw potential in the business.

“The breakfast was great,” Peter said, “but there was a huge chunk of time when nothing was being served.”

While they kept the breakfast menu, the Muljadis introduced a new lunch and dinner menu featuring Spanish food when they reopened.

“It’s mostly Mexican food, with some Spanish food and kind of a fusion of Latin and Spanish dishes,” Peter said.

There are 18 Spanish restaurants in Ames, according to the Ames Chamber of Commerce. Only about seven of those are chain restaurants, the rest are original, local creations.

Peter and Iwan have a plan to compete with all of those eateries. The food, Peter said, is the most authentic Mexican in town.

“Our tacos are just like you’ll find in Mexico,” he said. “We don’t use cheese, we just used seasoned beef.”

Another signature item from Angie’s Cantina is the sangria, a red wine punch.

“We’re the only place in town I know of doing sangrias,” Peter said. “They are virtually hangover-proof.”

He said Angie’s Cantina’s sangrias consist completely of wine, whereas some places add brandy or other spirits that produce a stronger, harsher affect.

Peter said the beers, wines and other drinks his restaurant now offers add to the relaxed atmosphere he and his father created. When they acquired the space, they found the restaurant was an uncomfortable environment.

“It wasn’t what we wanted,” he said.

The Muljadis invested in new flooring because the old floor was slippery and hazardous. They also bought new tables, artwork, lighting and they repainted the walls for a more Hispanic feel.

“Good food, good wine, good music” is the slogan Peter is working for.

“We want people to come hang out and just relax,” he said.

They’ve also experimented with theme nights. Recently they held a salsa night, which Peter said turned out really well.

“Places like La Fuente are good to take your parents to, and you could bring your parents here, too, but the drinks make it more grown-up,” Peter said.

Angie’s Cantina has acquired a wider variety of clientele since its update. The new menu attracts professors, graduate students, and locals as well as the college students who have always frequented the restaurant.

Despite all the changes, Peter and Iwan have more plans in the works as they look to remodel further.

“We want to be something different,” Peter said.