Cuisine: Street Foods from around the Equator: Asian, Caribbean, Mexican, South American, and Polynesian
Restaurant Features: Banquet Room, Bar
Location: Minneapolis (Uptown)
Address: 2916 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis, MN 55408 ( 612) 824-7878
Hours: Sun-Thurs 4:30pm-1am Fri-Sat 4:30p-2am
Links: Chino Latino Website * Chino Latino on Facebook * Google Map
Atmosphere: Chino Latino is located in Uptown on Hennepin Ave at Lake St (across from Calhoun Square). It is a cool and chic restaurant that runs two stories, with most tables set closely together. Most of the tables are big enough for larger parties, but there is also a extra-long community table on the lower level that allows for much bigger parties. One side of the restaurant hosts a sushi bar, the other side has a giant bar that illuminates the entire restaurant with its orange glow. The kitchen is on the lower level, as are the bathrooms.
Menu: The Menu at Chino Latino is printed on a daily basis, so items may vary depending on season and availability.
Tacos include Barbacoa (shredded beef), Tinga (stewed chicken), Crunchy Carne, and Mijangos (stewed chicken).
Sushi Options include Chipotle Salmon Roll, Salmon Roll, White Tiger Roll, Tuna Tataki, Weed Eater, Kalifornia Krab Roll, Spicy Mango Shrimp Caterpillar Roll, Ring of Fire Roll, and Sushi Sampler.
Little Dishes on my visit included Habanero Poppers, Queso Fundido, Chinese BBQ ribs, Black Laab (Thai lettuce wraps), Jerk Chicken Skewers, Shrimp Feast, Tostada de Tinga, Firecracker Wings, Popocatepe (nacho-style fries), Potstickers, Shrimp Wraps, Shrimp Lollopops, Plum Blossom Salad, Bulgogi Beef Lettuce Cup, Empanada de Janeiro, Pescado Ahumado, Satay, Nachos del Sol, Chicken Enchiladas, Calamari, Mushi-Buro Beef, Crispy Saigon Rolls, Spicy Edamame, and Polynesian Pupu Platter.
Bigger Dishes to Share include Carne Asada Ala Moreliana (taco platter), Coconut Shrimp Curry, Mahi Mahi, Lo Mein, Philippine Paella, Fish Taco Platter, Banana Boat Chicken, Cuban Pork Roast, Mandarin Beef Stir Fry, Jerked Chicken, Big Chipotle Burrito, Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice, Miso Noodles, Kung Pao Chicken, Argentine Rodizio Roast, Cuban Pig Roast, and Cuy (roasted Guinea Pig).
Dessert Options include Deep Fried Snickers, Molten Chocolate Cake, Fried Bananas with Coconut Ice Cream, S’Mores Platter, Chocolate Flandango (flan layered with chocolate cake), Brownie Tres Leches, Fried Ice Cream, Mango Spiced Cake, Ice Cream, and Banana Split.
There are countless “Hot Zone Cocktails” at Chino Latino including a variety of Mojitos, Martinis, Margaritas, and many other fruity drinks. Several Beers and Wines also available.
Price guide: Tacos $3-4 Sushi $12-25 Little Plates $7-17 Big Plates $19-35 Desserts $6-14
What we ordered: **Must warn you that these photos are not very good, I was forced to use flash because of the eerie orange glow**
I started with the House Margarita, made with Sauza, fresh lime juice and Triple Sec. Maybe I have gotten spoiled with all the sweet margaritas I have had lately, but I thought this margarita was terrible! It was bitter and strong, no matter how many limes I squeezed into it, it did not get much better. A few of my friends had the same one and enjoyed it. Must be a matter of preference, but I would not get it again.
I ordered the Pescado Ahumado, a delicious dish of bite-size pieces of smoked swordfish tossed in a light, creamy citrusy dressing, served with fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, and thick corn tortilla chips. I loved it! The smokiness of the fish was subtle but gave it such a nice flavor, there was no hint of fishiness at all. The texture of the swordfish was very dense, almost more like poultry than fish. Excellent choice!
Pescado Ahumado ~ Chino Latino
One of my companions ordered the Chicken Enchiladas. There were 3-4 corn tortillas stuffed with shredded chicken and black beans, then covered with a spicy chile salsa and topped with shredded lettuce, sour cream and tomatoes. I tried some of these enchiladas and thought they were good, but not a highlight on the Chino Latino menu. So many other fun and yummy things to try!
Chicken Enchiladas ~ Chino Latino
Another companion ordered Fried Rice with Chicken. This was a giant order of fried rice, with tons of peppers, green onion, egg and chicken. Absolutely delicious!
Chicken Fried Rice ~ Chino Latino
Another companion ordered the Potstickers, an order of six large pan-fried dumplings stuffed with chicken and vegetables. Served with a ginger-soy dipping sauce. Very yummy!
Another companion ordered the Ochos Rios Jerk Chicken Skewers, one of the best things that I tried! The chicken was very spicy and served with a delicious, refreshing mango pico de gallo. The sweetness of the mango was the perfect compliment to the spicy chicken.
Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa ~ Chino Latino
Another companion ordered the Nachos del Sol. These nachos were unlike most you might be familiar with, because they were served with fried plantain chips instead of tortilla chips. The bowl contained black beans, chorizo, pico de gallo, queso fresco, sour cream and jalapenos for dipping the chips.
And last but not least, is the Sushi Sampler that two of my companions shared. Just one look at this tray and I was envious of their choice! For $25, this is the best sushi deal you can get at Chino Latino because you get to try the Tiger Shrimp Roll, Mango Shrimp Caterpillar Roll, Wasabi Tuna Balls, and Chipotle Salmon Roll. Outstanding sushi!
Service: We had very good service while at Chino Latino. We had a party of eight without a reservation but they were able to seat us without too long of a wait. The drinks took some time and the food was brought out as it was made, so we were all eating at different times. One thing that is very nice is that Chino Latino has some round tables and booths made for up to 10 people so we were all able to conversate more intimately and there is a lazy-susan in the middle of the table to easily share dishes.
Overall Impression: I love the food at Chino Latino and think the concept of ”street foods from the hot zones” is absolutely genius. I wish the prices were a little more affordable so I could eat there often and try everything on the menu!
Cuisine: Mexican
Restaurant Features: Bar, Happy Hour, Nightclub,
Locations: St Paul and Minneapolis, MN
Addresses & Maps:
St Paul- 235 E 6th Street St Paul, MN 55101 651-222-3250
Minneapolis- 925 Nicollett Mall Mpls, MN 55403 612-333-9953
Hours: Mon-Thur 11am-1am Fri 11am-2am Sat & Sun 4pm-2am
Links: Barrio Website * Barrio Facebook Page
Atmosphere: The St Paul location is in lowertown, on E 6th St and Wacouta, next door to The Bulldog and across the street from Mears Park. The space is big and open, with wooden floors and festively decorated walls and bistro tables throughout. On the eastern wall there are also a couple of large, semi-circle booths that can seat up to six people. The western wall has a very long bar running the length, holding at least 125 varieties of tequila in addition to the popular liquor brands they carry.
Menu: Tacos and Enchiladas include Pork Carnitas with Serrano Chile Salsa, Red Chile Enchilada with Chorizo and Fried Egg, Fried Mahi Mahi Taco with Citrus Cucumber Pico de Gallo, Grilled Skirt Steak with Roasted Poblanos, Potato-Chorizo Taco, Chicken Enchilada with Salsa Verde and Crema, and Spiced Shrimp Taco with Tomato-Mint Salsa.
Small Plates include Barbeque Pork Sopes, Diver Scallop Ceviche, Black Bean & Chicken Tostada, Fresh Corn Chowder, Jicama & Citrus Salad, Crab Empanadas with Salsa Verde and Avocado, Potato Sopes with Goat Cheese and Red Chile, Tequila-Cured Salmon with papaya and Avocado, Mushroom Quesadilla, Sugarcane Skewered Tequila Shrimp, Queso Fundito with Tortillas, Spicy Crab Soup, and Guacamole.
Price guide: Tacos $3.50-4 Small Plates $7.50
Happy Hour: 2-6pm Mon-Sat 10-Midnight Sun-Thurs
- Small Plates $5: Black Bean & Chicken Tostada, Fresh Corn Chowder, Queso Fundito, Chips & Dips
- Tacos $5: 2 Pork Carnitas, 2 Grilled Skirt Steak, 2 Potato Chorizo
- Specialty Drinks $5: Barrio Margarita, Sangria, and The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
- Pitcher of beer $12: Dos Equis, Summit Extra Pale Ale, Miller Lite
- Carafe of Barrio Margarita $18
- $1 off Rails
What we ordered: We started with a couple of the Happy Hour appetizers, including the Queso Fundito. The hot, melted Mexican cheese was baked with green chiles and then served in the hot cast iron skillet with a side of warm flour tortillas. Delicious but cools quickly and the cheese starts to harden again so eat it while its hot! Especially yummy with salsa or even guacamole.
We also ordered the Chips and Dips, which came with a large bowl of hot, thick crunchy corn tortilla chips, three different salsas and fresh guacamole. Each salsa had a unique flavor and ranged in spiciness from mild to hot. I loved the habanero one especially but the salsa verde was especially yummy too.
I also had a Barrio Margarita. Tart and strong, just the way I like my margs. Have I mentioned how much I like margaritas? They are my all-time favorite drink.
When I saw that they had fish tacos, I knew I had to try them even though they were deep-fried. Oh so glad I did, they were wonderful! The crunchy batter actually made it easier to eat the fish because it didn’t flake apart like fillets often do. There were two mahi-mahi fillets in the order for $3.50 and I was able to make two tacos with the extra tortilla. What a deal! I loved the fresh pico and jalapenos that topped the tacos, and also the crunch from the cabbage.
I also ordered the Carnitas (to-go for lunch the next day). The pork was moist and flavorful, shredded yet tender. They were served on white corn tortillas and topped with the traditional cilantro and onions, and salsa verde. Try ‘em, you’ll like ‘em!
One of my companions ordered the Jicama Salad, which was a basic salad with thin strips of Jicama. Have you had Jicama? It is kind of like a potato, starchy and very mildly flavored. This salad was not a big hit. At least not the jicama!
Another companion ordered the Tequila Shrimp Skewers. There were 3-4 large shrimp impaled by the sugarcane skewer, topped with asparagus. I did not try these but it looked great!
Another companion ordered the Chicken Enchilada, topped with salsa verde, fresh Mexican queso, and raw onion.
Service: I met with a group of friends during Happy Hour, arriving before the crowd when I could still find an open meter on the street. After 4:30 meters are free. There were still many tables to choose from and we picked one near the door. Our server gave us Happy Hour menus and told us that dinner doesn’t start until 5. Our drinks arrived pretty quickly and we ordered a couple of appetizers. We had to ask for dinner menus so that we could order once dinner officially started. Later as our meals were coming out, they brought each item out separately, spaced apart in time. We thought that was strange, not sure why they couldn’t wait and bring them all out at once? Our group was there for several hours and we didn’t see our server very frequently. We were not ordering many drinks so the server stepped back and let us have our social time (I will assume that is what she was doing, rather than just ignoring us).
Overall Impression: The atmosphere was great and so was the food. The food menu is somewhat limited but they have over 125 different tequilas!! The service could be better but like I said, I think our server was just letting my companions and I enjoy our social time. I’ll definitely be back.
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Cuisine: Authentic Mexican, Fish & Seafood
Restaurant Features: Counter Service, Live Music, Market, On Site Parking,
Location: St Paul, MN (District del Sol)
Address: 175 Cesar Chavez St. St. Paul, MN 55107 651-227-2192
Mercado Hours: Mon-Sat 7a-9p Sun 7a-8p
Links: El Burrito Website * El Burrito Mercado on Facebook * Google Map
Atmosphere: El Burrito is not only located within the heart of St Paul’s Westside “District del Sol”, but is arguably the “Heart” itself. El Burrito Mercado is the place to go for anything you would need for preparing Mexican Cuisine and located within is also a wonderful little restaurant.
The Express Restaurant is open all day and offers counter service. This is where you must order breakfast and lunch.
There are a couple of tables in the seating areas near the service line, if you’d like to take in the action of the Mercado around you, otherwise there is a great dining room tucked around the corner to the back. The room is decorated more like a traditional Mexican restaurant with tiled floors, earth-colored walls and royal blue accents. The walls are hung with Mexican artwork. The Restaurant offers table service at dinner only.
There is a self-service bakery counter in the middle of the Mercado, near the restaurant.
El Burrito Mercado has just about anything you would find in a market in Mexico. They have a selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, a variety of Mexican cheeses, creams, chorizo, a big selection of meats and seafood, corn and flour tortillas, and a large selection of imported non-perishable groceries. I discovered you can even buy mango flavored lollipops that are coated in chili! (However after trying one, I do NOT recommend)
Express Menu: Items are served with Mexican or Cilantro Rice, Frijoles Ranchera, Fried Pinto Beans or Fried Black Beans. Includes Burrito Original (filled with choice of meat, beans, rice and cheese), Burrito Ahogado (burrito smothered in sauce and cheese then baked), Burro Gigante (2 ft burrito!), Tamal en Hoja Platano, Tamales, Milanesa (thin chicken or steak breaded and fried), Torta Minnesota, Torta Mexico, Quesadilla, Tacos, Nachos Supremos.
Meat choices include Puerco en Verde, Barbacoa (shredded beef), Birria (shredded beef in spice and chile), Carnitas (shredded pork), Pollo Mexicano, Pechuga de Pollo, Carne Asada (marinated steak), and Cecina (thin, cured steak).
Restaurant Dinner Menu: Appetizers include Chips & Salsa, Chipotle Chicken Wings, Chicken Flautas, Quesadilla, Fiesta Chicharron, Chips with Guacamole and Pico de Gallo, Molletas (bread with beans and cheese), and Queso Fundidio (melted Mexican cheeses).
Salads include Nopalitos (sliced cactus, onion, tomato, cilantro and jalapeno vinaigrette), Verde con Cilantro Aderezo (romaine with cilantro vinaigrette), Chicaharron (pork rinds on top), and Caesar Salad.
Entree Specials that are made with Masa (corn) include Gorditas (small thick tortilla made with corn dough), Quesadillas made with Corn dough (and choice of meat), Huarache (corn dough fried and topped with beans and choice of meat) and Sopes (corn dough fried and topped with meat).
Beef Entrees include Carne a la Tampiquena, Carne Asada, Molcajete de Carnes Mixtas (steak, chicken, pork, carnitas, cactus, chorizo), Bistec Mexicano, Puntas de Bistec, Lomo Salteado, and Sizzling Fajitas.
Pork Entrees include Chuleta de Puerco Relleno, Carnitas en Comal, and Cochnito Pibil (slow roasted pork served in a banana leaf).
Chicken Entrees include Enchiladas, Chicken Mole, Pechuga de Pollo en Crema Poblana and Fajitas Tropical en Molcajete.
Vegetarian Entrees include Roasted Chili Poblano, Beans & Cheese Tamales and Vegetable Fajitas.
Fish & Seafood Entrees include Pescado en Hoja Platano (tilapia served in plantain leaf), Pescado Empanizado, Tilapia Veracruzana, Camarones a la Diabla (shrimp in spicy sauce), Camarones al Mojo de Ajo (shrimp in garlic butter), Camarones a la Mexicana, Camarones Envuelto en Tocino Relleno de Queso y Chipotle (shrimp filled with cheese and wrapped with bacon), Tacos de Camron y Queso, Coctel de Camaron, Ceviche de Camaron (lime cured shrimp mixed with pico de gallo), and Ceviche de Aquachile.
All items on express menu can also be ordered from Dinner Menu.
Dessert items at El Burrito include Tres Leches Cake, Mango Cheesecake, Chili Powder and Chocolate Flourless Cake, Flan, Homemade Pound Cake with Fresh Strawberries, Gelatina, and Chocolate Cinnamon Cheesecake.
Price guide: Appetizers $5-7 Salads $4-5 Masa $7 Meat Entrees $8-10 Seafood & Fish $11 Desserts $4-5 Express Restaurant Entrees $7
What we ordered: I was really at a loss of how to order, so I went with the Barbacoa Plate with a side of corn tortillas(3). I was given a very generous heaping pile of tender, shredded beef which I wanted to make tacos with. There was enough to make 5 or 6 tacos! The plate comes standard with lettuce and tomato but I also asked for cilantro and onions, and shredded cheese. The meat was really good and the rice and beans were decent (good but nothing too special, kind of on the boring-side). The corn tortillas were small, hot and fresh. I liked that they has a salsa bar and tried both green and red. I liked both but the red just wasn’t spicy enough for me (I like HOT), the green was slightly more spicy.
My companion ordered a Quesadilla con Carnitas, which came with a generous serving of beans and rice. The Quesadilla was made with a couple of large flour tortillas, grilled to a bubbly, golden brown and filled with melted Mexican cheeses and tender shredded pork. Lettuce and chopped tomatoes were served on top.
Service: The line at the restaurant was fairly long at lunch time, but moved very quickly. I basically told them what I wanted and they prepared my order in front of me within minutes. Depending on what you order, some foods like quesadillas and enchiladas take a little longer to prepare. There was a self-service salsa bar and drink station at the end of the line. When we finished our meals we weren’t sure if we were supposed to bus our own trays or not but they did have a couple of servers who came and bussed our table for us. The restaurant offers table-service only at dinner.
Overall Impression: I thought the food was pretty good and reasonably priced but the atmosphere was what made the visit memorable. It is enjoyable to browse around the market and purchase items that you would not find at your local Cub or Rainbow stores. El Burrito is Mexican-Cooking Heaven!! I look forward to warmer seasons and the Corn Roast they have outside El Burrito on the weekends. I also want to go back to the Restaurant for dinner and order off the menu! Live Music on weekend evenings!
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Cuisine: Mexican, Kids Menu
Restaurant Features: Banquet, Bar, Catering, Happy Hour Specials, On-Site Parking,
Location: Roseville, MN
Address: 1754 Lexington Ave North St Paul, MN, 55113 (651) 487-2847
Hours: Kitchen: 11a-Midnight Bar : 11a-2a
Links: Ol’ Mexico Website Google Map
Atmosphere: Located just off Hwy 36 in Roseville, Ol’ Mexico is easy to get to from either Mpls or St Paul. Ol’ Mexico has been open since 1979 and is an enchanting restaurant that is quite reminiscent of its namesake. The restaurant itself is quite large with many different seating areas, the center if which is a beautiful indoor courtyard complete with a fountain at its center.
In the areas surrounding the central courtyard there are two tiers of additional seating. The lower level has large round tables within semi-private alcoves that are perfect for parties of eight. The lighting is dim and romantic throughout the entire restaurant.
Ol’ Mexico also has a large open bar area with great Happy Hour drink specials and a taco bar every Friday. There is also Karaoke ever Thursday night from 9p-1a and nightly Buzztime Interactive Trivia. There are also several HD TVs that play local games and ALL NFL Football games, as well as Nascar races.
The Bar also has a Dining area with tables to seat around fifty or so. The lighting is just as dim as the rest of the restaurant but it just doesn’t have the same ambiance as the more formal dining room.
Menu: Appetizers at Ol’ Mexico include Nachos, Black Ben Nachos, Fresh Guacamole & Chips, Shrimp Cocktail, Mexi Wings, Chile Verde with Flour Crisps, Taquitos and Chile con Queso.
Salads offered are the Taco Salad, Tostada Salad, Grilled Chicken with Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette, Caesar, Santa Fe Chopped Salad, and Dinner Salad.
Ol’ Mexico has a “Eating Fit” menu as well that includes Spinach Salad (with chicken or salmon), Grilled Marinated Salmon with Steamed Asparagus, Grilled Chicken Breast with Steamed Vegetables, and Lettuce Burger Wrap.
Burgers and sandwiches at Ol’ Mexico are Cheeseburger, BBQ Bacon Cheddar Burger, Mexican Sandwich and Veggie Sandwich.
Entrees include Four Cheese Quesadilla, Steak or Chicken Fajita Quesadilla, Pocket Taco Enchilada Style, Pocket Taco Platter, Chimichangas (choice of ground beef, ground chicken, spicy seafood, shredded beef and bbq beef), Sizzling Fajita Platter, Southwestern Spicy Seafood Enchiladas, Diablo Shrimp tacos, Pollo Fundido, Grande Burro, Macho Burro, Fajita Burro, Bean & Veggie Burrito.
There are number of combination Mexican dinners and you can also create your own combo.
Grilled Entrees include 14 ox t-Bone Steak, Fresh Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa, Fresh Grilled Tilapia covered in Jumbo Shrimp, Grilled steak, Chicken, Shrimp or Vegetable Skewers.
Desserts at Ol’ Mexico include Mexican Fried Ice Cream, Brownie Sundae, Fresh Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Caramel Lava Cake, Fresh Fruit Plate, and Fresh Strawberry and Banana with sweet cream, walnuts, raisins and coconut.
Kids Menu includes Chicken Strips, Chhese Melts, Taco, Mexi Dog and Hamburger.
Price guide: Appetizers $4-8 Salads $9-13 Sandwiches $10 Entrees $10-16 Grilled Entrees $15-17 Desserts $ 7-8 Kids Menu $5
What I ordered: My visit to Ol’ Mexico was during Happy Hour so I took advantage of the 2-for-1 special and ordered peach margaritas. These are so amazing!!! They are the best peach margaritas I have had anywhere. They use some sort of fruit syrup for all of their fruit margaritas (other choices include strawberry, raspberry, watermelon, wild berry, blue raspberry, pomegranate, banana, melon) and they are packed with tartness and flavor. The chips were also very good, warm and freshly fried to a crispy golden brown. I am not sure if my taste buds were off on this visit, but I did not care for the salsa as it tasted way too salty and not very spicy. The chips and the margaritas made up for the salsa though!
For dinner I made my own combo with a Chile Relleno, a Cheese Enchilada and Mexican Rice. This was a great choice! The Chile Relleno was stuffed with shredded beef and cheddar cheese then breaded and fried and baked with cheese on top. The beef was tender and was seasoned to give it a lot of flavor, especially when paired with the spice of the pepper. The enchilada was stuffed with cheddar and topped with enchilada sauce and even more melted cheese. Rice was decent.
My companion had the build your own combo as well, with ground beef hard corn taco and ground beef enchilada. The ground beef was only slightly seasoned and very boring, and had several pieces of onion mixed in with it. Would rather have had the shredded beef than the ground beef. The beans were good.
Service: My companion and I met at Ol’ Mexico around 3:30 on a snowy Tuesday afternoon and the happy hour crowd was only just beginning to arrive. We were seated in the bar area although had we been given the option, I would have preferred any of the tables in the courtyard or formal dining room. Our server was nice and was great about letting us know that the Happy Hour specials included 2-for-1s on all their drinks. Food came really fast.
Overall Impression: Ol’ Mexico is one of the few restaurants I ate at while growing up and it was always considered my family’s “favorite” Mexican restaurant in the 80′s and 90′s. In the past decade I have come to eat better Mexican food at other restaurants, but I still love the charm and atmosphere of Ol’ Mexico in Roseville. The fruity margaritas are so good and the 2-for-1 happy hour drink specials are a pretty good deal.
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Cuisine: Mexican
Restaurant Features: Counter-Service, On-Site Parking (West St Paul location)
Locations: Minneapolis, Plymouth, West St Paul ( MN)
Addresses & Maps:
Minneapolis- 2150 E Lake St Minneapolis,
MN 55407 (612) 729-5320
Minneapolis- 311 E Lake St Minneapolis,
MN 55408 (612) 825-7466
Plymouth- 60 Nathan Ln N Plymouth,
MN 55441 (763) 545-1977
West St Paul- 1304 Robert Street So. West St Paul, MN 55118 (651) 455-6833
Hours: 7 days 10am-10pm
Atmosphere: The West St Paul location is located right on Robert Street and is very easy to spot from the road, with its unique slanted roof. The counter is just to the right of the main doors when you walk in, and there is a large menu board overhead. There are a bunch of booths set up around the space, with glass privacy separators around each. The bright stained-glass windows give the West St Paul location a somewhat festive-feel.
Menu: Mexican sandwiches include choice of Ham, Cheese, Breaded Steak, or any of the combination sandwiches including the Chilanga, Mexicana, Hawaiiana, Cubana and Three Meat. All come with your choice of fixings: mayonnaise, avocado, lettuce, tomato, onion, jalapeno, cream and beans.
All tacos, burritos, tortas, and chimichangas come with choice of meats: Chopped Steak, Barbacoa, Mexican-Style Steak, Steak with Onions, Lengua, Tripas, Chicken in Tomato Sauce, Chicken in Green Sauce with Potatoes, Chicken in Chipotle Sauce, Roasted Pork, Mexican Sausage in Chipotle Sauce, Pastor, and Spicy Pork.
Taco options include soft Corn or Flour Tortillas, Hard Shell, Tostada, Nachos and Quesadilla.
Burrito options include Bean/Rice/Cheese, Regular (one meat), Burrito Gordo (two meats and avocado), Veggy (cheese and avocado) and the Birrote (two tortillas, two meats). Any burrito can be made into a chimichanga, served enchilada-style.
Meat Plates come with rice and beans and include Meat Plate, Beef Fajita, Chicken Fajita. Alambre, Quesadilla (choice of meat), Carne Asada, Green Sauce Enchilada, Red Sauce Enchilada, Chimichanga, Stuffed Poblano Pepper, Garlic Shrimp, Devil’s Shrimp, Breaded Shrimp, Shrimp Fajitas, and Flautas (chicken or potato).
Price guide: Sandwiches $6-8 Tacos $2-5 Burritos $4-9 Meat Plates $9-10
What I ordered: I had previously tried a burrito at Pineda one other time and really enjoyed it. This time I wanted to try the burrito chimichanga-style. I ordered it with spicy pork, Mexican rice, pinto beans, cilantro, and hot salsa. The outside was slightly crisp and flaky from being fried, and topped with a light amount of enchilada sauce and melted Mexican cheese. Lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole were served on the side. I enjoyed the chimichanga quite a bit. Despite the fact that both the chimi and the burrito I had tried before were filled with nearly the same ingredients, it was a completely different experience to be able to add the cold condiments to the hot ingredients instead of having them all mixed in.
One of my companions ordered four tacos: one chicken in tomato sauce, one spicy pork, and two steak. Each taco was served on two white corn tortillas and topped with the customary cilantro and chopped onion, with wedges of lime on the side. They were all very good, especially the spicy pork. The chicken was tender white-meat marinated in a light tomato broth, mild but flavorful.
Another companion also ordered four tacos: two chicken and two spicy pork.
Service: Pineda has counter service that seems to go pretty fast, as they make the tacos and burritos directly as you order them. Free soda refills
Overall Impression: Pineda offers a wide range of delicious meats for tacos and burritos, with generous portions for the money. They have some of the best burritos I have had. The spicy pork is my favorite.
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Cuisine: Mexican
Restaurant Features: Counter-Service, On-Site Parking
Location: St Paul, MN (District del Sol)
Address: 407 South Wabasha Street St Paul, MN 55107 (651)222-8226
Hours: M-Th 10a-9p Fri 10a-9:30p Sat 11a-9:30p Sun 11a-8p
Links: Taco House Website Google Map
Atmosphere: Located just across the street from the original Boca Chica, the Taco House is a fast-food version of the bigger sit-down restaurant. The Taco House offers counter-service. In the front there are a limited number of booths, but there is also a larger dining area with additional booths in the back, accommodating a total of 75 people.
Menu: Appetizer/Side Orders at Boca Chica include Beans, Rice, Tamales, Sope, Guacamole, Chips, Chips & Cheese, Chips & Guacamole, Papitas and Fiesta Nachos.
Salads include Veggie Taco, Beef Taco, Chicken Taco, Chicken Fajita or Beef Fajita
Taco choices include Ground Beef, Shredded Chicken, Chicken Fajita or Bistek Fajita. Choose from soft or crispy corn tortilla or fried flour tortilla (ground beef only).
Tostadas include either bean or beef & bean.
Flautas come with two-to-an-order, either shredded chicken or barbacoa.
Enchiladas are sold individually and your choice of either ground beef or cheese.
Quesadillas offered at Taco House include Red Chile or Green Chile.
Burrito options include Bean, Beef & Cheese, Beef & Cheese, Bean & Cheese, Chicken Mole, Red Chile Pork, Taco Burrito, Veggie Taco Burrito, Egg & Chorizo, El Burro (chicken or steak), Papas Burrito (Beef or Bean), and Chicken Taco Burrito. Any burrito can be served enchilada-style for $1.50 additional.
There are several combination plates available that offer 1-2 entree items with beans or rice and drink.
For dessert there are Churros or Bunuelos.
Price guide: Tacos $1.19-3.50 Enchiladas/Flautas $2 Burritos $2-5 Combos $5-7.50
What I ordered: I started with a Ground Beef Fried Flour Taco. This was so good! The ground beef was seasoned and had a lot of flavor, not to mention there was quite a bit of it stuffed into the flaky, golden brown fried tortilla. The taco was topped with lettuce and plenty of cheddar cheese and I added the fresh homemade salsa. This was a big taco for $2 compared to many of the other taco places I have been to recently and much tastier.
I also ordered a Cheese Enchilada. The rolled tortilla had a nice amount of cheese inside and was topped with a generous helping of the enchilada sauce and more cheddar cheese. The enchilada sauce was slightly thick and cheesy, very mild but delicious. I found the extra sauce to be a great dip for chips!
We all ordered at least one of the Chicken Fried Flour Tacos, which a special that Taco House offers ONLY DURING THE MONTH OF MAY in honor of Cinco de Mayo. These tacos are wonderful, a real treat during the Month of May for only $2 each. The chicken is shredded and stewed in Mexican spices so it is very flavorful, unlike other plain, boring shredded chicken I have encountered at some other local Mexican places. These tacos are so good and so popular, it seems a shame that Taco House doesn’t offer them on the menu full-time.
My companion ordered the Bistek Taco with a side of rice. This taco was served on an authentic corn tortilla (although flour is also an option), with large slices of grilled steak and onions, topped with fresh guacamole, cilantro and Mexican crumbly cheese. Fabulous! In fact, this is my favorite taco in the Twin Cities (so far!) It is very filling and flavorful. The rice was also good.
Another companion ordered the Chicken Flautas, which are corn tortillas stuffed with shredded chicken and then are rolled and deep fried. The flautas were served on a bed of shredded lettuce and then topped with sour cream and Mexican crumbly cheese.
Service: We ordered at the counter and were given a order number. It took 5-10 minutes for our order to be ready.
Overall Impression: Excellent tacos and overall good Mexican food…. FAST!
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Cuisine: Authentic Mexican, Breakfast
Restaurant Features: On-Site Parking
Location: St Paul, MN (District del Sol)
Address: 194 Cesar Chavez St. St Paul, MN 55107 (651)291-0758
Hours: M-F 8am-10pm Sat-Sun 8am-11pm
Links: Google Map
Atmosphere:
El Amanecer is located right in the heart of St Paul’s District del
Sol, at the intersection of Cesar Chavez St and State St. The
restaurant is divided into two dining rooms, both with tables and
booths. The main dining room has beautiful, brightly colored murals
painted all over it’s walls. There is also a large, gorgeous handmade
Mexican Mosaic in the dining area when you first walk in.
Menu:
Breakfast items include Lomo de Res con Huevos, Cecina con Huevos,
Bistec de Puerco adobado con Huevos, Huevos con Carne de Puerco en
Salsa Verde or en Chile Guajillo, Huevos Rancheros, Huevos Divorciados,
Huevos a la Mexicana, Huevos con Jamon, Traditional Breakfast, Huevos
con Carne de Shebrada, Chilaquiles Verde or Rojo Bistec, Rancheros con
Cecina, Enchiladas Montadas. Omelettes include the Mexican, Carne
Asada, Ham & Cheese, Puerco & Queso Chihuahua. There are also
Pncakes, Pancakes with Fruit, Molletes al Gusto con Chorizo, Jamon or
Tocino.
Appetizers include Quesadilla de Queso, Quesadilla al
Gusto (shrimp, steak, chicken or ham), Nachos al Gusto, Guacamole, and
Fried Calamari.
Soups offered are Caldo de Res con Vegetale, Menudo.
Combination
platters at El Amanecer are all served with beans & rice and
include the Aztec Combo (taco, enchilada & tostada), Mexican Combo
(quesadilla, tamale & enchilada), St Paul Combo (taco &
enchilada), Enchilada Combo, Tamales Estilo Suizo, Enchiladas Rancheras
de Pollo or Res (chicken or shredded beef), Enchiladas al Gusto de
Queso, Res o Pollo.
Burrito, Taco and Torta Plates include
Burrito al Gusto (choice of meat in flour tortilla), Chimichanga al
Gusto, Torta al Gusto (sandwich with choice of meat and served with
fries), Platillo de Tacos al Gusto (can mix & match 3 tacos). All
plates except the Torta come with beans and rice.
Mexican Entrees
include Chiles Rellenos de Queso, Carne de Puerco en Chile Verde,
Bistec a la Mexicana (strips of beef simmered in tomatoes, onions,
jalapenos and ranchero sauce), Fajitas (steak, chicken, or shrimp),
Carne Asada, Lolo de Res a la Tampiquena, Milanesa de Res (breaded
steak with ranchero sauce), Cecina con Sopes, Arraxhera con Enchilada
Rojo de Queso.
Seafood Entrees include Coctel de Camaron, Seafood
Cocktail, Oysters on teh Shell, Shrimp Salad, Jumbo Breaded Shrimp,
Shrimp with Michoacana Sauce, Camarones a la Diabla (Spicy Shrimp), Red
Snapper in Diablo Sauce, and Tilapia in Diablo sauce.
El Amanecer has a variety of Bottled Softdrinks including Jarritos and Mexican Coke.
Price guide: Breakfast $6-8 Combo Plates $9 Entrees $9-13 Seafood $7-17
What I ordered:
I had the three-taco plate and I tried three different meat with the
tortillas prepared three different ways. Pictured here in the left is
the Res (shredded beef) on fried corn tortilla. This taco was packed
full of mildly flavored shredded beef. The meat wasn’t too exciting
but the shell was nice and crispy. Next taco was chicken
in a fried flour tortilla. It had a ton of tender, shredded white meat
chicken that was only lightly
seasoned. The tortilla was small and very thin and was not fried long
enough so it wasn’t very
crispy. The last taco was asada served on the traditional double corn
tortillas. The tiny bites of steak were very tasty and tender, my
favorite of the three meats I tried. The corn tortillas were pretty
good. I had the homemade salsa on all three tacos, which gave the
tacos a little bit more flavor with the tomato and cilantro in it, but
it was still only slightly spicier than most mild salsas.
I
think I enjoyed the beans and rice more than I did the tacos! The rice
was very flavorful, slightly dry but very soft. The refried beans were
also very good and had a nice consistency- not too thick, not too thin.
Service: Very nice and friendly, happy to make substitutions on the menu. My take-out order took about 10-15 minutes.
Overall Impression:
Glad I was finally able to try El Amanecer. The tacos were decent, but
I would like to explore more of the menu on my next visit. Wish they
had a bar with margaritas!
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Cuisine: Mexican
Location: St Paul, MN
Address: 538 Rice St. St Paul, MN 55103 (651) 291-0363
Hours: 11am
Links: Google Map
Atmosphere: El Bravo is located in St Paul on Rice St, less than a block from University Ave (and just a few blocks of the MN State Capitol Building). There are two dining areas, separated by the door/counter area when you first walk in. El Bravo has both tables and booths, but decor is very basic. Mexican artwork and blankets grace the walls in a few places, but overall not a very festive-feeling place.
Menu: Appetizers include Chips & Salsa, Nachos, Nachos Refritos, Nachos Bravos, Nachos Jalapenos, Bravo Quesadilla Tostada, Guacamole, Bean Dip and Quesadilla. Menudo also offered.
Tacos are served either crispy corn or fried flour with choice of Ground Beef or Chicken. Burritos have choice of Chicken or Beef and are smothered in enchilada sauce. Enchiladas include Beef, Chicken, Cheese, or Grandma-Style. Tostadas include Bean, Beef, Chicken, Bean & Beef. There are several different combos that include variations of Beef or Cheese Enchiladas, Tacos, Tostadas, Rice and Beans.
Dinner plates at El Bravo are Chile Verde (Pork in green chili), Chile Colorado (pork in red chili), Mexican Style Steak, Chile Relleno, and Chicken Mole.
There are also a few American items on the menu including Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Taco Burger, Grilled Cheese, Taco Salad and French Fries.
Price guide: Tacos 1/$2 or 3/$5-7 Enchiladas 1/$2.75 3/$6-7 Dinners $9-10
What I ordered: I had initially wanted to dine-in for my solo lunch, but changed my mind when I saw that they do not have free chips & salsa at El Bravo so I ordered my food to-go instead. I had one of the enchilada/taco combos, with one ground beef enchilada, one cheese enchilada, and a fried flour taco with ground beef. I thought I had read on the menu that all combos come with beans & rice, but mine did not have either so I am not sure if was my mistake or theirs. The fried flour taco was light and crispy and surprisingly full of ground beef which was only very lightly seasoned and didn't have much flavor. I used as ton of the red salsa they gave me but that wasn't very spicy either. The enchiladas were nicely sized and stuffed full of beef (in one) and cheese (in the other) and then smothered with enchilada sauce and melted cheese. The cheese El Bravo used was a mild white Mexican cheese and the enchilada sauce was also very mild and kind of boring. The ground beef in the other enchilada was the same boring beef I had in the taco. Tomato and lettuce were served on the side.
Service: My visit was during the lunch hour at the beginning of the week so it was somewhat busy but not crowded. I ordered at the counter and my food was ready in less than 10 minutes. The waitress wasn't overly friendly but made a few recommendations from the menu and allowed me to make a substitution with the enchiladas in my combo meal.
Overall Impression: Decent but boring Mexican food at reasonable prices. I found nothing exciting about this restaurant- plain and simple.
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