Forget lutefisk and hotdish – Minnesota’s got a secret spicy side!
These eleven humble Mexican joints are serving up flavors so authentic, you’ll swear you’ve teleported south of the border.
No passport is required, just an appetite for adventure!
1. El Potro Mexican Restaurant (Grand Rapids)
Giddy up, cowboys and cowgirls!
El Potro isn’t horsing around when it comes to Mexican cuisine.
This unassuming eatery in Grand Rapids might look like it wandered off the prairie, but step inside and you’re in for a south-of-the-border surprise.
Their chimichangas are so good, you might just break into a happy dance right there in your booth.
And the fajitas?
They’re sizzling hotter than a Minnesota summer sidewalk.
The charm of El Potro lies in its simplicity.
The green exterior with its yellow sign is like a beacon of hope for hungry travelers.
Inside, it’s all about the food.
The portions are generous enough to make you consider unbuckling your belt before you even start eating.
It’s the kind of place where the staff treats you like family – if your family happens to make incredible Mexican food, that is.
2. El Taco Riendo (Minneapolis)
If laughter is the best medicine, then El Taco Riendo (which translates to “The Laughing Taco”) is practically a pharmacy.
This no-frills taqueria in Minneapolis serves up street food so authentic, you’ll think you’ve stumbled into a Mexico City alleyway.
Their tacos are small but mighty, packed with flavor that’ll make your taste buds do a little salsa dance.
The colorful exterior of El Taco Riendo is like a preview of the flavor explosion waiting inside.
The menu board above the counter is a work of art in itself, showcasing a variety of Mexican delights that’ll make your head spin faster than a piñata at a birthday party.
3. Andale Taqueria (Richfield)
At Andale Taqueria, the salsa bar is like a choose-your-own-adventure book, but for your mouth.
With more options than there are lakes in Minnesota, you can customize your meal to be as mild as a prairie breeze or as fiery as the Vikings’ defense.
Their tacos are the real MVPs here – simple, delicious, and more satisfying than finding the last parking spot at the Mall of America.
The atmosphere at Andale is casual and welcoming, like a big Mexican hug.
The aroma of grilling meat and fresh tortillas hits you the moment you walk in, making your stomach growl louder than a Minnesotan complaining about road construction.
4. Boca Chica Restaurant (St. Paul)
Since 1964, Boca Chica has been serving up traditional Mexican cuisine with a side of history.
It’s like stepping into your abuela’s kitchen, if your abuela happened to live in St. Paul and cook for hundreds of people daily.
The recipes have been passed down through generations, much like Minnesotans pass down their secret hotdish recipes – but with a lot more spice and a lot less cream of mushroom soup.
The restaurant’s decor is a feast for the eyes, with colorful murals and festive decorations that transport you straight to Mexico.
The warm, inviting atmosphere makes you feel like you’re part of the family – a very large, very hungry family.
5. El Burrito Mercado (St. Paul)
El Burrito Mercado is the Swiss Army knife of Mexican establishments – it’s a market, a restaurant, and a cultural experience all rolled into one colorful burrito-shaped package.
The aromas wafting through the air are so enticing, you might find yourself involuntarily salsa dancing down the aisles.
Their authentic flavors will have you saying “uff da” with a Mexican accent.
This place is a feast for all senses.
The market section is stocked with everything from fresh produce to Mexican candies and kitchen gadgets you never knew you needed.
It’s like a treasure hunt, but instead of gold, you’re searching for the perfect salsa or the most intriguing looking cactus candy.
6. Taco Taxi (Minneapolis)
Who needs Uber Eats when you’ve got Taco Taxi?
This quirky food truck is like the Love Bug of Mexican cuisine, zipping around Minneapolis and leaving a trail of satisfied customers in its wake.
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Their tacos are so good, you’ll want to flag them down like a New York cabbie every time you see that yellow exterior.
Just remember, no meter’s running here – just delicious, affordable Mexican fare.
The Taco Taxi’s menu might be small, but it packs a flavorful punch.
Their tacos are the star of the show, featuring perfectly seasoned meats nestled in soft corn tortillas and topped with fresh cilantro and onions.
It’s street food at its finest, served with a side of Minnesota nice.
7. Catrina’s Cerveza & Mexican Grill (Oakdale)
Catrina’s is like a fiesta for your senses.
The decor is more colorful than a Minnesota autumn, and the margaritas?
They’re so refreshing, you might forget you’re in the land of 10,000 lakes.
The festive atmosphere is infectious – don’t be surprised if you find yourself joining in an impromptu conga line between courses.
The menu at Catrina’s is a delightful mix of traditional Mexican dishes and creative twists on classics.
Their tacos are a work of art, each one a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try their Mexican pizza – it’s like a fiesta threw up on a flatbread, in the best possible way.
8. Plaza Garibaldi (New Ulm)
In a town known for its German heritage, Plaza Garibaldi is the sombrero-wearing outlier that’s won everyone’s hearts (and stomachs).
Their extensive menu is like a ‘Where’s Waldo?’ of Mexican cuisine – there’s something for everyone if you look hard enough.
And on mariachi nights?
It’s like Oktoberfest met Cinco de Mayo and decided to throw a party in New Ulm.
The restaurant’s warm, inviting atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve been welcomed into a Mexican home.
The walls are adorned with colorful artwork and photos of Mexico, providing a stark contrast to the Germanic architecture outside.
9. Taco Libre (St. Paul)
Taco Libre is where Mexican cuisine meets lucha libre, resulting in a flavor smackdown that’ll leave your taste buds tapping out in delicious defeat.
Their creative taco combinations are like masked wrestlers – colorful, unexpected, and packing a serious punch.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to don a sparkly mask and dive into a plate of their tacos.
The decor at Taco Libre is a visual feast, with lucha libre masks and posters adorning the walls.
It’s like eating in a Mexican wrestling ring, minus the risk of getting body-slammed (unless you count food coma as body-slamming).
10. Pineda Tacos (Minneapolis)
Pineda Tacos is the Rocky Balboa of taco shops – humble beginnings, multiple locations, and a loyal following that cheers its name.
Their no-frills approach lets the flavors do all the talking, and boy, do they have a lot to say.
Each bite is like a little victory, making you want to run up the steps of the Minneapolis City Hall with your arms raised in triumph.
The interior of Pineda Tacos is simple and unassuming, but don’t let that fool you.
The magic happens behind the counter, where skilled cooks whip up some of the best tacos in the Twin Cities.
The menu is straightforward, focusing on traditional Mexican street food done right.
11. La Cucaracha Restaurant (St. Paul)
Don’t let the name bug you – La Cucaracha is anything but a pest on the St. Paul dining scene.
This long-standing restaurant has a cozy, old-school vibe that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine set for “Mexican comfort food.”
It’s been around longer than most Minnesotans have owned winter coats, and with food this good, it’s no wonder why.
The interior of La Cucaracha is like a warm embrace, with its dark wood accents and soft lighting.
It’s the kind of place where you can imagine generations of families gathering for special occasions or just a casual Tuesday night dinner.
There you have it, amigos – eleven Mexican joints that prove Minnesota is more than just tater tot hotdish country.
From street tacos to sizzling fajitas, these places are serving up slices of Mexico right in the heart of the North Star State.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some chimichangas to attend to!