We Ranked 13 Of Minnesota’s Most Popular Mexican Restaurants And These Were The Standouts
A great Mexican restaurant can ruin every mediocre taco that comes after it. One bite of smoky meat, warm tortillas, sharp salsa, or a chile sauce with real depth is enough to reset the standard.
Minnesota has restaurants doing exactly that, and the strongest ones make it very easy to plan an entire meal around just one dish.
This list moves through busy taquerias, family-run dining rooms, polished kitchens, and neighborhood favorites where people keep returning for the same plates. Minnesota brings a surprising amount of range to the table, with birria, pozole, tacos, enchiladas, grilled meats, fresh salsas, and regional specialties all competing for attention.
The ranking starts with solid choices and builds toward the restaurants that left the biggest impression. By the end, the difference between good and unforgettable gets much easier to taste.
1. Oasis Del Norte
Great tacos can start with a food truck and end with a real dining room. Oasis Del Norte began on wheels and now has a permanent home.
The address is 2401 W Superior St in Duluth, Minnesota. That puts it right in the neighborhood scene of the northern city.
The room feels cozy, warm, and lively. Pleasing decor gives it a welcoming look that suits a relaxed meal.
Birria Tacos are the headliner here. They are tender, well spiced, and made for dunking.
Nachos arrive loaded with fresh toppings and plenty of cheese. The Taco Americana and the Carne Asada Taco Plate bring heartier flavors.
Curious eaters can try the Beef Tongue. It offers a bold twist for anyone who likes a little adventure.
Other favorites include Elote, Queso Birria Tacos, Chicharon Tacos, and Pozole. Mexican chicken and savory carnitas round out the choices.
Save space for Tres Leches cake. It is a soft, sweet finish that makes the trip north feel even better.
2. Los Dos Primos Mexican Restaurant
Cheese dip is a fine way to start any friendship. Los Dos Primos Mexican Restaurant in Mankato makes a creamy version that sets the tone.
You can find it at 2041 Blazing Star Dr. It sits near Hoffman Rd and Prairie Winds Dr.
The menu leans toward hearty classics. Portions are made for people who plan to share, or plan a nap.
The Wet Burrito is a big favorite. It is filled with grilled steak, Mexican rice, and refried beans.
Cheese dip and a dollop of sour cream cover the top. It is comfort food in its most generous form.
Tacos de Birria use corn tortillas, broth, mozzarella, and flavorful meat. They are a highlight for fans of rich, savory bites.
Fajita El Sultan brings chicken, steak, shrimp, and chorizo together. Grilled onions and mozzarella finish the plate.
Nachos El Loco is a grand platter. It piles on rib eye steak, shrimp, chicken, beans, lettuce, guacamole, and sour cream.
The restaurant is only a few minutes from the state’s Department of Transportation. That makes it easy to find.
3. Don Chon Mexican Grill
Dunking a taco in broth is a small joy. Don Chon Mexican Grill makes that joy easy with its Birria Taco Combo.
The grill sits at 2956 W Division St in St. Cloud, Minnesota. It proudly serves the greater area around the city.
The combo brings four birria tacos with onions, cilantro, and cheese. A side of savory barbacoa broth comes along for dipping.
Street Tacos, Enchiladas, and Chimichangas are popular too. The Barbacoa Quesadilla and Burrito are hearty options.
The Torta Cubana is a bold sandwich. It stacks breaded chicken, ham, hot dogs, and guacamole.
The Taco Salad arrives in a flour crunchy shell. Inside are Mexican rice, beans, meat, and fresh toppings.
Other dishes include Alambre, Macheton, Nachos Locos, and the Chipotle Grill Burrito. Breakfast fans can look for Huevos Ahogados.
Those are three eggs cooked in a choice of salsa. It is a lively way to start the day.
4. El Charrito Taquería
A great salsa bar can make a meal feel like an adventure. El Charrito Taquería has one, and it is a crowd pleaser.
Find it at 168 Cesar Chavez St in St. Paul. The lively street is home to other Mexican businesses, including El Burrito Mercado.
The surroundings are clean, and the service is professional. Friendly, attentive staff keep each visit running smoothly.
Beef Tongue Tacos are a signature dish. Classic Asada Tacos are just as loved.
The Torta de Asada, Esquites, and Chilaquiles also earn plenty of attention. The menu covers tacos, burritos, and fried favorites.
Steak Ranchero, Fajitas, and Chiles Rellenos give diners more to explore. Each one fits a different mood.
On weekends, Pozole joins the lineup. It is a comforting stew of hominy and pork.
Carne En Su Jugo is also available. This Jalisco-style beef soup is warm, savory, and satisfying.
5. Tavial Grill
Mango salsa on a fish taco is a sunny idea. Tavial Grill in St. Paul serves it with style.
The address is 1199 7th St W. Nearby neighbors include Roots Salads and The Produce Exchange.
The menu is full of variety. It makes room for light, fresh plates and hearty ones.
Grilled Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa are a refreshing pick. The Chicken Fajita Bowl is flavorful and a bit lighter.
Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas make a bright, zesty starter. Vegetarian Enchiladas with Mole Verde are a tasty specialty.
Steak Tacos keep things traditional. The Cheek Meat Burrito is a hearty alternative.
Asada Nacho Fries give a classic snack a fun twist. Chilaquiles with Steak and Alambre add even more choices.
There is something here for nearly every appetite. Bring friends and sample widely.
6. Maya Cuisine
Two dining moods under one roof is a clever trick. Maya Cuisine in Minneapolis pulls it off nicely.
It sits at 1840 Central Ave NE. That puts it in the vibrant Northeast part of the city.
Orders begin cafeteria style. A courtyard-inspired dining area then offers a relaxed setting.
A more formal section has full table service. A toppings buffet lets diners customize their meals.
Hand-made tamales, salsas, and house meats are specialties. Elotes, roasted corn on the cob, are a popular snack.
Caldo de Camarón is a comforting shrimp soup. Weekend Pozole is a white hominy soup.
Tacos Maya come on corn tortillas with toppings from the salsa bar. Mixiotes de Res features slow roasted marinated beef.
Cochinita Pibil offers slow roasted shredded pork. Quesabirria and Lengua Tacos add even more flavor.
7. Eddie’s Rey De La Birria
Birria pizza sounds like a dare. Eddie’s Rey de la Birria turns it into a menu item.
The restaurant is at 1201 Broadway Ave S Ste 80 in Rochester, Minnesota. It sits within the Crossroads Shopping Center, in the former home of Prescott’s.
The mood is vibrant and cheerful. Friendly, attentive service keeps things moving.
Birria is the star here. It appears in tacos, quesabirria, ramen, and yes, pizza.
Birria Nachos and the Birria California Burrito are popular too. The Tripa Street Tacos get high praise for careful preparation.
The kitchen blends traditional dishes with modern twists. That mix keeps the menu lively.
Fans of rich, slow-cooked flavors will feel right at home. Curious eaters will enjoy the creative spins.
It is a fun place to bring a group. Everyone can pick a different birria adventure.
8. Tres Pozoles Mexican Grill
A restaurant named after a soup must take that soup seriously. Tres Pozoles Mexican Grill does exactly that.
It is at 83 10th Ave S in Waite Park. The spot is a short drive from St. Cloud.
Pozole is a rich hominy soup and the namesake specialty. Pozole Verde uses green vegetables.
Pozole Rojo uses red peppers for color and taste, and it is not spicy. Both come with chicken or pork.
Barbacoa de Pollo offers traditional chicken barbacoa. Birria En Caldo is a red broth filled with shredded beef.
Tacos Dorados bring crunchy taquitos with shredded chicken. Street Mexican Tacos come in Asada, Barbacoa de Pollo, Barbacoa de Res, and Al Pastor.
The Birria Tacos Combo has shredded beef with melted cheese. A side of consomé is ready for dipping.
Costillas de Puerco are pork short ribs in a mild tomato sauce. Warm hospitality ties it all together.
9. Ollin Cocina
Octopus tacos are not a typical Tuesday order. Ollin Cocina & Tequila makes them a delicious reason to try something new.
It is at 2723 Commerce Dr NW in Rochester. The spot is near Costco and once housed Carbone’s Pizzeria.
The large space feels contemporary and inviting. Booths and communal tables give guests plenty of seating choices.
The setting is modern, comfortable, and a little sophisticated. House-made salsas are fresh and full of flavor.
Ten street taco options keep the menu exciting. The al pastor taco may even include a slice of pineapple.
Octopus tacos come with cabbage, charred pineapple, and baja sauce. Ribeye tacos arrive with queso costra, avocado, and chimichurri.
Lamb shanks also appear on the menu. Slow-cooked meats and fresh produce are the focus.
The goal is bold, comforting, nostalgic taste. It delivers with plenty of personality.
10. Andale Taquería
Some street food earns a following one taco at a time. Andale Taquería has built one around Tacos Al Pastor.
It is at 7700 Nicollet Ave in Richfield. That is the busy corner of 77th and Nicollet.
The mood is lively and casual. It suits a quick bite or a long lunch.
Tacos Al Pastor use marinated pork and pineapple. Cecina Alambres combine thinly sliced seasoned beef with peppers, onions, bacon, and ham.
Al Pastor Tortas are savory Mexican sandwiches. Carne Asada Tacos and Carnitas Tacos are also popular.
The Suizo Burrito is deep-fried and topped with melted cheese. Fajitas come with chicken, shrimp, beef, veggies, or a combo.
Mexican Street Corn is a great side. It is grilled and coated in creamy sauce, cotija cheese, and chili powder.
Tortas and Alambres fill out a wide menu. There is a pick for every craving.
11. Arizona Taco Co.
Fresh tortillas and a loaded burrito can win over a crowd quickly. Arizona Taco Co. has both.
The restaurant is at 9428 36th Ave N in New Hope. It serves the local community with homemade tacos.
Fresh preparation and quality ingredients are the priority. Fillings include Carne Asada, Grilled Chicken, and Slow Roasted Shredded Beef.
Dunked Tacos are a standout. They feature slow roasted beef birria with a flavorful dipping sauce.
The Big AZ Burrito is a substantial meal. It packs in multiple meats, rice, beans, cheese, and red and green sauces.
Carne Asada Fries layer marinated steak, cheese, and pico over crispy fries. Elote is offered seasonally.
Ramen Birria and Quesa Birria add creative flair. Mexican pizzas come in Carne Asada and Al Pastor styles.
Fried Tacos and Papa Tacos offer more choices. The menu keeps things playful.
12. El Burrito Mercado
Part market, part restaurant, all energy. El Burrito Mercado is a full destination in St. Paul.
It sits at 175 Cesar Chavez St. The street is known for Mexican businesses and a festive feel.
Meals can start with Quesadilla de Masa or a Quesadilla Platter. The Guisado Platter and Taco Platter are comforting classics.
Fiesta Nachos and the daily Enchiladas del Dia are popular picks. Mar y Tierra pairs ribeye steak, shrimp, cactus, and onion.
Grilled choices include Carne Asada Platter and Pollo Asado. Fajitas come with shrimp or as a combo.
Fried favorites include the Taco Salad Bowl, Chimichanga, Flautas, and Tacos Dorados. Quesabirria Tacos come with consomé.
Tacos de Alambre mix steak, chicken, carnitas, ham, chorizo, onions, peppers, and cheese. Birria Chilaquiles and Mole con Pollo are distinctive plates.
Masa specialties include Gorditas, Sopes, and Huaraches. Burrito platters offer generous portions.
13. Oro By Nixta
Corn is the hero of the whole menu. Oro by Nixta is a full-service masa kitchen in Minneapolis.
It is at 1222 NE 2nd St in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District. Other local businesses add to the lively feel.
The ambiance is warm and romantic. Art from various artists reflects a love of Mexican traditions.
The menu changes often, with a focus on technique and seasonality. Masa shows up in tortillas, tamales, and composed dishes.
The restaurant is recognized for some of the country’s most complex heirloom corn tortillas. Birria Tacos are rich, slow-cooked, and deeply flavorful.
Heirloom Tomato Salad and Pollo con Mole are also recommended. Pescado Tacos, Barbacoa, Caldo Tlalpeno, and Tlayuda appear too.
Tamales and Tamal de Conejo are on offer. Quesadillas, chilaquiles, empanadas, and tlacoyos widen the choices.
Tres Leches and Lemon Tart end the meal sweetly. It is a thoughtful finale.