15 Family-Owned Mexican Restaurants In Minnesota That Locals Stick With Year After Year
Minnesota might be famous for hotdish and lutefisk, but some of the best Mexican food in America hides in plain sight throughout the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Family recipes passed down through generations create authentic flavors that keep customers coming back for decades.
From bustling Twin Cities neighborhoods to small rural towns, these Mexican restaurants have earned their place in local hearts through consistent quality and genuine hospitality.
1. El Burrito Mercado, St. Paul
Walking into El Burrito Mercado feels like stepping into Mexico itself. The Fernandez family opened this gem in 1979 on Cesar Chavez Street, combining a full grocery store with an authentic restaurant.
Fresh tortillas made daily fill the air with incredible aromas. The carnitas tacos practically melt in your mouth, while their homemade salsas pack just the right amount of heat.
Local families have been shopping and eating here for over four decades, making it a true neighborhood institution.
2. Boca Chica Restaurante, St. Paul
Bright murals and mariachi music welcome guests at this family treasure on Concord Street. The Herrera family has served traditional Mexican comfort food since 1964, making it one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in Minnesota.
Their chile rellenos are legendary among locals, featuring perfectly roasted poblanos stuffed with cheese. Weekend breakfast brings families together over huevos rancheros and strong coffee.
Three generations continue running this beloved spot with the same recipes grandmother brought from Jalisco.
3. Homi Mexican Restaurant, St. Paul
Tucked away on University Avenue, Homi surprises first-time visitors with its cozy atmosphere and incredible homestyle cooking. The Gonzalez family treats every customer like extended family, remembering orders and asking about kids.
Their pozole soup warms souls during harsh Minnesota winters, while summer brings requests for refreshing agua frescas. Hand-pressed tortillas accompany every meal, made fresh throughout the day.
Regular customers often joke that eating here feels like visiting their favorite aunt’s kitchen.
4. Andale Taqueria y Mercado, Richfield
This colorful taqueria brings authentic street food flavors to suburban Richfield. The Morales family immigrated from Michoacan and recreated their hometown favorites with ingredients sourced directly from Mexico.
Al pastor tacos feature perfectly seasoned pork cooked on a traditional trompo, while their horchata recipe remains a closely guarded family secret. The attached market sells hard-to-find Mexican ingredients.
Food trucks wish they could replicate the authentic street food experience found here every single day.
5. Taquerias La Hacienda, Minneapolis/Richfield/Burnsville
Multiple locations across the Twin Cities prove that authentic Mexican food travels well when family recipes stay consistent. The Rodriguez clan opened their first location in 1995 and slowly expanded while maintaining quality.
Each restaurant feels like the original, with the same hand-painted tiles and family photos decorating the walls. Their carne asada fries have become legendary among younger customers.
Brothers and cousins run different locations, but grandmother’s recipes unite all three kitchens under one delicious tradition.
6. Los Ocampo, Minneapolis & St. Paul
Two locations serve the same incredible Mexican comfort food that has satisfied families since 1982. The Ocampo family specializes in Guadalajaran cuisine, bringing authentic flavors from their hometown to Minnesota.
Their birria tacos became Instagram famous before social media existed, drawing lines of hungry customers every weekend. Handmade tamales sell out quickly during holidays.
I remember my first visit twenty years ago, and the same smiling faces still greet customers with genuine warmth today.
7. Dominguez Family Restaurant, Minneapolis
Hidden in a northeast Minneapolis neighborhood, this family restaurant serves some of the most authentic Mexican food in the state. The Dominguez family has operated here for over thirty years without changing their core recipes.
Mole poblano takes three days to prepare properly, using over twenty ingredients including chocolate and various chiles. Their weekend menudo brings homesick customers seeking comfort.
Reservations are not accepted because the family believes good food should be available to everyone who waits patiently.
8. Pedro’s Grill & Cantina, Cloquet
Small town Cloquet might seem like an unlikely place for outstanding Mexican food, but Pedro’s has proven location matters less than passion. The Sanchez family moved here in 1988 and created a local institution.
Loggers and locals alike crowd the small dining room for generous portions of enchiladas and perfectly seasoned fajitas. Their salsa bar features five different heat levels.
Friday night karaoke brings the whole community together, creating friendships that span generations and cultural backgrounds.
9. Bravo Burritos, St. Cloud
College students and families unite over massive burritos at this St. Cloud favorite. The Martinez family understands that hungry customers need generous portions alongside authentic flavors.
Their breakfast burritos fuel early morning classes, while late-night study sessions end with satisfying carnitas plates. Fresh guacamole gets made hourly throughout busy periods.
Local food challenges feature their enormous “El Bravo” burrito, though most customers happily share these monster creations with friends and roommates.
10. Acapulco Mexican Restaurant, Twin Cities suburbs
Suburban locations throughout the Twin Cities area serve consistent Mexican favorites that satisfy entire neighborhoods. The Ramirez family expansion strategy focuses on quality over quantity.
Each location maintains the same high standards for fresh ingredients and traditional preparation methods. Their combination platters offer great value for families dining together.
Soccer teams celebrate victories here, while birthday parties fill the spacious dining rooms with laughter and the sounds of celebration throughout weekends.
11. Los Arcos Kitchen & Cantina, Rochester
Medical professionals and locals have made Los Arcos their go-to spot for authentic Mexican cuisine since 1992. The Vargas family understands that busy healthcare workers need quick service without sacrificing quality.
Their lunch specials serve perfectly portioned meals that satisfy without overwhelming afternoon schedules. Evening dining becomes more relaxed, with full-sized margaritas and family-style appetizers.
Mayo Clinic visitors often discover this gem and return specifically for the food during future medical appointments.
12. El Norteño, Minneapolis
Northern Mexican cuisine takes center stage at this authentic restaurant where the Gutierrez family showcases regional specialties. Flour tortillas replace corn in many dishes, reflecting border state traditions.
Their machaca con huevos brings breakfast lovers back repeatedly, while carne seca represents traditional preservation methods. Weekend barbacoa requires advance ordering due to popularity.
My Mexican coworker insists this place reminds her most of home, particularly their perfectly seasoned beans and rice combinations.
13. Salsa a la Salsa, Minneapolis
Creative Mexican fusion meets traditional techniques at this innovative Minneapolis restaurant. The young Jimenez family brings modern twists to classic recipes while respecting cultural authenticity.
Their salsa flights allow customers to sample different regional styles and heat levels. Taco Tuesday features rotating specials that highlight seasonal ingredients and creative combinations.
Food bloggers frequently visit to document new menu items, but regular customers appreciate the consistent quality of traditional favorites.
14. El Tapatio, Willmar
Rural Willmar gained a culinary gem when the Flores family opened El Tapatio in 1996. Their commitment to authentic preparation methods has created devoted customers throughout western Minnesota.
Fresh seafood arrives weekly for their excellent fish tacos and shrimp dishes. Traditional Mexican breakfast draws early morning crowds seeking hearty meals before work.
Church groups regularly organize dinners here, while high school students consider El Tapatio the perfect spot for celebrating special occasions and achievements.
15. Zanz Mexican Restaurant, Mankato
College town energy meets authentic Mexican flavors at this Mankato institution. The Zuniga family has fed Minnesota State University students and local families since 1984.
Their study-friendly atmosphere includes free wifi and generous portion sizes that accommodate student budgets. Late-night hours serve hungry customers when other restaurants close.
Graduation celebrations fill the restaurant each spring, as families gather to honor achievements over plates of excellent Mexican comfort food and shared memories.