Twin Cities' Best Mexican Food 2008

This casual, bare-bones cantina is a perennial crowd-pleaser thanks to authentic chefs who offer every Mexican and Tex-Mex meal imaginable.

Reviews:

• “Burritos Rancheros A++”
• “YUCK!!!!”
• “awesome authentic mexican in Savage!”
• “Good food, average drinks.”
• “Disappointed”

Tips: Looking to add even more spice to their meal? Head in on Sunday nights for the live mariachi band, playing from 5pm to 8pm.

El Loro Mexican Restaurant – Savage

A devoted clientele lines up to devour big burritos and enormous enchiladas at this family-run joint.

Reviews:

• “Quality and reasonably priced.”
• “Love it, always have always will!!”
• “Never going back”
• “great food!”
• “About average food – but fun!”

Tips: Pepito’s has a serious following and doesn’t take reservations, so get there early and be prepared for a wait.

Pepito’s Tex-Mex Bar and Grill

A hopping market serving heavenly authentic Mexican food with roots.

Reviews:

• “Disappointment numero uno…”
• “Speak Spanish and get preferential treatment..”
• “Amazing authentic Mexican food”
• “Truly Mexican!”
• “TRULY AUTHENTIC”

Tips: There’s a lot behind the building and free street parking.

El Burrito Mercado

More foodie-haven than cantina, let the Latin flavors of the decor, drinks and food whisk you away, if only for an evening.

Reviews:

• “Masa – Good for a bite, not for dinner”
• “Love it!”
• “lousy place for vegetarians”
• “Great Happy Hour – But Don’t Sit Down!”
• “The Most Expensive Taco Bell ever”

Tips: From 2pm to 5pm, Mon to Fri, you’ll save half off tap beer and $1 off specialty drinks and margaritas.

Masa

Fresh, creative Mexican dishes match the local artwork on the walls of this popular eatery.

Reviews:

• “Fun and relaxed”
• “Third Strike, They’re Out”
• “Huge disaster!”
• “Big Let Down!”
• “Would rather have had Chipotle”

Tips: Fajita, taco or enchilada catering deals are available for five to 10 people and can be picked up during lunch time.

Salsa a la Salsa

Authentic, south-of-the-border fare that has escaped Northern influences.

Reviews:

• “True Mexican in a hole in the wall off Nicolette Avenue—Eat Street.”
• “really good food”
• “Are you kidding?”
• “good value, delicious food”
• “Diamond in the rough!”

Tips: There is tons of free parking in the big lot outside.

El Mariachi Restaurant

Very cheap, very good and very authentic tamales.

La Loma Restaurant

Around since the ’60s, this cantina is still a St. Paul favorite for fresh food and fiestas.

Reviews:

• “Taco Bell was better”
• “Carrot Cake = amazing”
• “Such a drag”
• “Everyone was right. Not so good”
• “mediocre food, horrible service”

Tips: If the idea of 30 dinner choices seems daunting, order the “Son of a Fiesta” combination plate, which includes a little bit of everything.

La Cucaracha

Morelos offers no-fuss authentic Mexican dishes and real-deal margaritas loaded with a choice of more than 16 tequilas.

Tips: In the warmer months, Morelos sets up tables outside that make a great spot for watching all of the folks along Eat Street.

Morelos

For fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine in Minnesota, La Poblanita cannot be beat.

Tips: Grab take-out from the restaurant’s tortilleria or stop in to the meat market to grab fresh ingredients like pork and shrimp to make tacos of your own.

La Poblanita

This colorful St. Paul institution sets the standard for authentic Mexican fare in the Twin Cities.

Reviews:

• “Don’t listen to the bad reviews!”
• “Best Mexican Restaurante!”
• “Tasty Food; Great Food Service”
• “Be prepared to be underwhelmed”
• “not worth the price”

Tips: After your meal, walk a couple of blocks down Concord to El Burrito, a Mexican grocery with imports from all over Latin America and the largest Mexican deli in the Cities.

Boca Chica Restaurante

Reviews:

• “BIG BEERS for $4”
• “You can get a margarita’s in a 64 ounce pitcher!!!”

Acapulco Restaurante Mexicano

Reviews:

• “Had a bad experience once.”
• “I would go everday if i could”
• “Excellent, authentic Mexican food, fast service, great prices.”
• “I love this place!”
• “The Best”

Acapulco Restaurante & Cantina

A sit-down restaurant in the Midtown Global Market, A la Salsa serves up healthy and unique south-of-the-border fare and drinks

Tips: Parking for the Midtown Global Market is free in the 10th Street ramp with validation from any shop or restaurant.

A La Salsa

South-of-the-border spot that serves authentic Mexican food in the evening and becomes a lively dance club at night.

Reviews:

• “Wait, wait, wait, wait”

Tips: Happy hour is 4pm to 7pm, Monday thru Friday. On the menu: $2 Margaritas, 2×1 beers and drinks and 1/2 price appetizers, most around $3. Monday thru Wednesday, El Nuevo also has late happy hour from 9pm to 11pm and half price bottles of wine all day.

El Nuevo Rodeo Mexican Restaurant or email El Nuevo Rodeo Mexican Restaurant

Reviews:

• “Horrible tacos "
• “best mexican tacos outside of mexico”
• “Best real tacos in town”

Taqueria La Hacienda Taco

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