Address: | 4000 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55406, USA |
Phone: | +1 612-722-6888 |
Rating: | 4.3 |
Working: | 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM Closed |
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Tandy MacIntosh
That people think this is good Latin American food is depressing. That they think it is reasonably priced is astonishing. That they could recommend it with a straight face is a testament to ignorance. The food at Norteno is devoid of flavor; theyve boiled it out and seasoned it with a sprinkling of cilantro. The tortillas are clearly frozen and everything is overloaded in tomatoes and lettuce. None of the meats are spiced. The food is the epitome of fake Mexican for MInnesotans. Prices are outlandish, particularly considering the use of clearly defrosted tortillas and vegetables. If they are fresh then they are serving terrible, terrible quality vegetables and have no idea how to make tortillas. A first small basket of tortilla chips--not themselves that bad, to be fair--are free, but subsequent baskets are $3 each. Entrees run from $9 to $13. Absolutely outlandish. The service is adequate; on a down night we were asked our orders about fifteen minutes after sitting. I am amazed that this restaurant has positive reviews. Its worth noting, everyone there was white. If you want good Latin American food, La Hacienda is on Lake and 1st and more than worth the drive. The food there is incredible; savory, spiced meats paired with fresh vegetables and perfect tortillas. Flautas are great. Prices are $4-$9. And the clientele are whom youd expect to find at the best Latin American place in the cities, namely, Latinos and in-the-know Gringos. What would it take for me to go back to Norteno? I can envision a scenario, say, if I were driving down Lake and my car had some profound mechanical failure, causing me to suddenly veer off the road and crash through the wall of Norteno. If this happened, I suppose it would be technically impossible for me to exit the car without entering Norteno, so I guess I would have returned. Id leave quickly though, and try to get to La Hacienda so I could at least enjoy a last free mans meal while waiting for the police. If you care about prices or quality of food, avoid Norteno.
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A Private User
I have been going to El Norteño practically from the time they opened. Going to El Norteño has always been a gratifying experience, the food is great! My favorite dishes are Enchiladas Suizas with Spinach, Chile Relleno and the vegetarian bean soup. I also love their Quesadillas. I am a vegetarian and they have always had plenty of options for me. It is an informal place, but very friendly and Estela has always put a lot of her heart in the dishes she makes. Cleme and Rufina serve the tables and also cook some of the dishes. Going to El Norteño is a treat!
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J Mck
From kc and we own bbq but now i think we own mexican as well. Terrible. What is a wine margarita, weird. Cold chips, no white dip, and they looked stright out the bag, salsa was bland, terrible service, lady was nice just not attentive. My kids dislike more than i so i know im holding back. Find new joint, no atmosphere at all, food tasted like our chips did is what my kids said.. crazy. And for the guy that said no one went to mexico, cmon man. All i have to say.
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Bryan Ganz
Cold chips, bottled salsa (if home made the worst home made salsa ever!), no Latino customers should have told me to "walk", but I ordered chicken fajitas with off the shelf Luke-warm flour tortillas. Ran out of water with 1/4 of my food gone--no service until the bill was due. The food was overpriced for the quantity and quality/taste. Please avoid this restaurant--owners seemed nice and waitress had an "authentic" Mexican accent, otherwise NOT authentic in any way.
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Mike Fry
Love this place, especially in the spring, summer and fall when you can sit on the patio. You will not get a better meal anywhere for the price. And, frankly, you can spend a lot more for food no where near as good as is served here. The inside of the restaurant is kind of funky. But, the patio is wonderful, the staff is friendly and efficient. Most importantly: the food is home cooked to order and SPECTACULAR.
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scott leach
Anyone who eats here and doesn’t think that this is Authentic Mexican....Has NEVER BEEN TO MEXICO!!!!! I have eaten here for years!!! Time and time again...ABSOLUTELY PERFECT EVERY TIME!!! If i closed my eyes while eating i could easily imagine sitting in Mexico city eating Temales!!!! All the nay Sayers Ive seen on here are just Ignorant and Probably think Taco Johns is Mexican!!!!!!!
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A Private User
just my view but this place is GREAT!! the owners and staff are very friendly. i am a lover of mexican and believe this is the best place i have gotten food. i have heard a little pricey, but i can never finish a meal so i dont think 1 1/2 meals for the price is very worth it. and wine margaritas wow, so good. please try this restaurant i believer you will love it too. lorrie
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desmond flaherty
I went here one afternoon, because I had been looking for a good Mexican Restaurant in Minneapolis/Saint Paul, but so far had no luck finding one that "me da las nalgas," as my spanish teacher would say, but this is authentic and simple Mexican food at its best with great service to go with it. I waited 10 minutes after ordering to receive my meal
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Gwendolyn Beck
To start off, the tacos are huge here. Ordered 4 tacos, 2 DE Sada and 2 al pastor. Al pastor was the best. Assad tasted a little too bland. Lines are huge so expect to wait. Reasonably priced for what you get. Would definitely be back. Friends got burritos and they looked killer.
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Tall Saint
Honest, authentic Mexican fare. This cute little place, with a beautiful patio, is run by three sisters from Northern Mexico. They do the all of the cooking and serving, and the dining experience is delightful. Some of the best Tomatillo Salsa Verde in the Twin Cities.
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Karen Johnson Elshazly
I do not understand the negative reviews on this delightful restaurant - I find the quality to be excellent and I love the patio and garden - a true urban getaway. And the sisters are delightful. I am going to recommend to all of my Mexican food loving friends.
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Michelle Smith
We absolutely LOVE this place. We go at least once a week. The sisters do a great job of serving up fantastic food from their region of Chihuahua, Mexico and we love chatting with them every time we go. The flan is AMAZING! The salsa is good enough to drink! :)
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D Savino
We love the food and the 3 sisters who own the restaurant. Sometimes the service little slower than usual; we cut em some slack knowing 2 sisters wait the tables while the 3rd sister is the chef. The patio is authentic Mexico- just beautiful. Give them a try!
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Jane Graves
Decent service and good location could not overcome substandard food. The free chips were cold and not salty enough and the salsa provided was bland. The meal was also not served hot and was bland and a bit greasy. Ive had much better food elsewhere.
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A Private User
I love these three sisters and the warm, friendly, non-fussy atmosphere they have created. Not to mention the cuisine autentico from their home region in Mexico. Generous proportions, too. And I have never taste better flan anywhere.
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Carlos Tesitor
Great northern Mexican food. Well priced, served with a smile and home cooked portions. The two negative comments must have been made by people that think Taco Bell is real Mexican food. This is the real deal!
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A Private User
Wondering if the few poor reviews were made by people who had some personal thing against the place? Great food. Reasonable prices, nice, quaint atmosphere... a great place for a little Mexican food.