Who knew the Land of 10,000 Lakes was hiding a treasure trove of tantalizing tacos and mouthwatering mole?
Prepare your taste buds for a fiesta as we explore Minnesota’s Mexican food scene!
1. El Potro Mexican Restaurant (Grand Rapids)
Nestled in the heart of Grand Rapids, El Potro is the culinary equivalent of finding a sombrero full of gold at the end of a rainbow.
This humble eatery may not look like much from the outside, with its unassuming green exterior, but step inside and you’re transported to a world of flavor that’ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha.
El Potro’s chimichangas are the stuff of legend – crispy on the outside, bursting with savory goodness on the inside.
It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm, delicious tortilla blanket.
And don’t get me started on their fajitas!
The sizzle alone is enough to make your mouth water faster than a Minnesota winter melts your snowman.
But El Potro isn’t just about the big hitters.
Their menu is like a greatest hits album of Mexican cuisine, with each dish vying for the top spot on your personal chart.
The enchiladas are so good, you might be tempted to write a love song about them.
And the guacamole?
It’s fresher than a daisy in springtime and smoother than a mariachi’s serenade.
2. El Taco Riendo (Minneapolis)
If you’re looking for authentic Mexican street food without the need for a passport, El Taco Riendo in Minneapolis is your ticket to flavor town.
This no-frills taqueria is about as fancy as a flip-flop, but who needs frills when you’ve got tacos this good?
The menu at El Taco Riendo reads like a greatest hits album of Mexican street food.
From al pastor tacos that’ll make you want to kiss the cook (please don’t, that would be weird) to burritos big enough to use as a pillow, this place is a fiesta for your mouth.
Their tortas are a work of art – a symphony of flavors nestled between two pieces of perfectly toasted bread.
It’s like a sandwich had a dream, and that dream came true in the most delicious way possible.
And don’t even think about skipping the horchata.
It’s so refreshing, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with plain old water.
3. Andale Taqueria (Richfield)
Andale Taqueria in Richfield is like the Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory of Mexican food – but instead of rivers of chocolate, you’ve got rivers of salsa.
Their extensive salsa bar is a choose-your-own-adventure of spice and flavor that’ll have you saying “andale, andale!” faster than Speedy Gonzales on a caffeine rush.
But let’s taco ’bout the stars of the show – the tacos themselves.
Whether you’re a carnitas connoisseur or a pollo fanatic, Andale’s got you covered.
Each bite is a little piece of Mexico right here in Minnesota, minus the sunburn and questionable spring break decisions.
The atmosphere at Andale is as vibrant as their food.
The colorful decor and lively music make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a perpetual fiesta.
It’s the kind of place where calories don’t count and diet plans go to die – in the most delicious way possible.
4. Boca Chica Restaurant (St. Paul)
Boca Chica in St. Paul is like that reliable friend who’s always there for you – if that friend happened to make killer enchiladas and has been around since 1964.
This family-owned restaurant is practically an institution, serving up traditional Mexican cuisine that’ll make you want to hug your plate (but don’t, because that’s messy and weird).
With its charming exterior and warm, inviting atmosphere, Boca Chica feels like you’ve been invited to a Mexican family’s Sunday dinner.
The only difference is, you don’t have to pretend to like anyone’s potato salad – everything here is delicious.
5. El Burrito Mercado (St. Paul)
El Burrito Mercado isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a full-blown Mexican fiesta packed into one building.
This bustling market and eatery is like taking a trip south of the border without ever leaving St. Paul.
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It’s so authentic, you half expect to need pesos instead of dollars.
From the colorful decorations to the aroma of fresh tortillas, El Burrito Mercado is a feast for all your senses.
Their menu is more extensive than a telenovela plotline, offering everything from street-style tacos to hearty platters that’ll have you loosening your belt faster than you can say “más por favor.”
6. Taco Taxi (Minneapolis)
Who needs Uber Eats when you’ve got Taco Taxi?
This quirky food truck is like the love child of a New York yellow cab and a taqueria, cruising the streets of Minneapolis and leaving a trail of satisfied customers in its wake.
Taco Taxi’s menu might be small, but it packs a flavor punch that’ll knock your socks off.
Their tacos are so good, you’ll be tempted to flag them down like an actual taxi – “Follow that truck! I need more tacos!”
7. Catrina’s Cerveza & Mexican Grill (Oakdale)
Walking into Catrina’s is like stumbling into a Day of the Dead celebration – if that celebration happened to serve amazing margaritas and even better food.
This colorful eatery in Oakdale is so festive, you half expect confetti to fall from the ceiling every time you take a bite.
Catrina’s menu is a greatest hits of Mexican cuisine, from sizzling fajitas to cheesy quesadillas.
And let’s not forget those margaritas – they’re so refreshing, you might forget you’re in Minnesota and not on a beach in Cancun.
Just remember, no matter how many you have, that snowbank outside is not a sand dune.
8. Plaza Garibaldi (New Ulm)
Plaza Garibaldi in New Ulm is proof that you don’t need to be in a big city to find big flavors.
This family-friendly spot is like the Swiss Army knife of Mexican restaurants – it does everything, and it does it well.
From their extensive menu to their lively mariachi nights, Plaza Garibaldi brings a slice of Mexico to the heart of Minnesota.
It’s so authentic, you’ll be checking your phone to make sure you didn’t accidentally teleport to Guadalajara.
9. Taco Libre (St. Paul)
Taco Libre in St. Paul is what happens when Mexican food meets professional wrestling – a flavor-packed smackdown in your mouth.
This luchador-themed taqueria serves up tacos so good, they should come with their own championship belt.
With creative combinations that’ll have your taste buds doing backflips, Taco Libre is not your abuela’s taco joint.
It’s a culinary adventure that’ll leave you feeling like you’ve just won a royal rumble – satisfied, a little dazed, and ready for a rematch.
10. Pineda Tacos (Minneapolis)
Pineda Tacos is the Clark Kent of Mexican restaurants – unassuming on the outside, but hiding superpowers within.
This no-frills taco shop has multiple locations around Minneapolis, each one a beacon of deliciousness in a sea of everyday eateries.
What Pineda lacks in fancy decor, it more than makes up for in flavor.
Their tacos are so good, they’ve developed a following more loyal than a pack of golden retrievers.
One bite, and you’ll understand why – it’s like a flavor fiesta in your mouth.
11. La Cucaracha Restaurant (St. Paul)
Don’t let the name bug you – La Cucaracha is anything but creepy-crawly.
This long-standing St. Paul institution has been serving up Mexican delights since before most of us were born, and it shows in every perfectly crafted dish.
With its cozy, old-school vibe, La Cucaracha feels like stepping into a time machine set to “delicious.”
From their classic enchiladas to their mouth-watering chile rellenos, every bite is a testament to why this place has stood the test of time.
It’s not just a meal; it’s a delicious history lesson.
There you have it, amigos – a tour of Minnesota’s Mexican food scene spicier than a jalapeño eating contest.
Now get out there and start your own culinary adventure!