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Guide to Minnesota

Authentic tamale spots

The search for tamales made with traditional methods ends here.

Based on 788 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Cielito Lindo Southdale image 1
Cielito Lindo Southdale image 2
Cielito Lindo Southdale image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant inside a mall food court offers festive decor and comfortable seating with both indoor and outdoor options. Casual upbeat music creates a chill atmosphere with great vibes. The place attracts those seeking authentic Mexican cuisine in a suburban setting.

Tamales have a mild spice that adds flavor without overwhelming heat. Options include shredded chicken and pork tamales that bring a familiar, home-style taste.

Tacos here deliver authentic Mexican flavors with real, traditional ingredients. The food stays true to classic recipes, offering a genuine taste in a suburban setting.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was authentic and really good."

"I found the tacos here to be authentic and very tasty."

"I found the food to be really good and authentic."

Good to know

1

Cielito Lindo Southdale is located inside the Southdale Center mall food court.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of Mexican dishes including nacho bowls, burritos, and tacos.

3

Prices for tacos are reasonable, making it an affordable dining option.

02
Hermanos Locos Tacos 2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant inside a gas station with takeout and outdoor seating offers authentic tacos praised for flavor and variety. Atmosphere is simple with few tables and minimal ambience. Known for reasonably priced dishes that attract taco lovers despite unconventional setting.

Chicken and chorizo tamales stand out with excellent flavor. Orders often include an extra tamale, showing generosity. The tamales are the kind of food that keeps you craving more.

Food delivers authentic Mexican flavors that are flavorful and hearty. Preparation comes from an authentic Mexican, with some dishes leaning toward the spicy side.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the burritos, is huge and tastes great."

"I was blown away by how good the food was at this gas station."

"I found the food here to be authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Hermanos Locos Tacos 2 is located inside a gas station.

2

The restaurant is primarily takeout with limited outdoor seating.

3

Expect your orders to be ready in under 15 minutes.

03
EL Tacazo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with intimate atmosphere and cute decor offers authentic family-run vibes. The place feels low key and chill, serving affordable portions with standout dishes like quesabirrias and barbacoa tacos.

Tamales come moist and flavorful with a variety of fillings. The rajas and cheese tamale stands out as a favorite, and they hold up well for gatherings.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with dishes that taste genuine and well-prepared. Chips and salsa served while waiting stand out as unique and traditional.

People are saying

"I love the $1.50 tacos for Taco Tuesday."

"I found the food here to be delicious and authentic."

"These tamales are moist and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Tacos are priced at $1.49 each on Taco Tuesday.

2

Taco Tuesday features $1.50 tacos, making it a popular event.

3

A 3.95% card fee applies to all transactions.

04
Pancho's Taqueria and Mexican Cafe image 1

Small and inviting space offers a cozy, authentic atmosphere with Hispanic cultural decor. The environment stays quiet and social, allowing easy conversation. Outdoor seating adds a pleasant option for dining.

Tamales come home-made and authentic, with a tender texture and generous stuffing. Options include pollo verde, birria, and veggie varieties, often ready for quick pickup by the door.

Mexican cuisine here is authentic and homemade with strong, flavorful tastes. The food reflects traditional recipes that remind of the Texas border region.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Mexican food here."

"You've got to try the fresh, homemade tortillas here."

"These tamales are so soft, moist, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is served from 8 to 11 in the morning on weekdays.

2

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during weekend brunch hours.

3

The restaurant accepts credit cards, but cash is preferred for smaller orders.

05
Casa Deli Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant set in a historic train station offers an intimate, colorful space with a cozy patio and norteñas music playing. Atmosphere feels peaceful and homey, enhanced by a fireplace and music videos on TVs. Families frequent the spot, supported by a kid-friendly menu and high chairs.

Soft masa and flavorful filling define the tamales here, closely resembling those from Mexico. The tamale platter and tamales verdes stand out for their authentic taste and quality.

Fresh ingredients deliver authentic Mexican flavor straight from Morelos. The menu includes birria tacos, tortas, and other dishes made to order, creating a very authentic atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and everyone loved it."

"The food here is authentic and amazing."

"The tamales here are amazing, with soft masa and flavorful filling."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

Tacos are priced at $7 each, which is higher than the $4.50 listed online.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options beyond just meatless dishes.

06
Tromperia El zac image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and comfortable booths creates a welcoming, relaxed vibe. Interior features historic pictures and clean, attractive decor. Upbeat music adds energy while guests enjoy authentic al pastor tacos and flavorful margaritas.

Tamales come moist and flavorful with a fluffy, fresh texture and good filling. Both chicken tamales and others hold up well alongside other dishes.

Tacos al pastor stand out for their authentic flavor and freshness. The menu delivers fresh, tasty Mexican food that stays true to traditional recipes.

People are saying

"I found the birria tacos here to be amazing."

"I found the al pastor to be authentic and juicy with a little char."

"The tamales here are moist and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accepts cash only for tips; no card payments for tips.

2

Parking can be challenging due to ongoing construction in the area.

3

The establishment maintains a clean environment with an open kitchen.

07
Lulu's Salsas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright space with ample seating and a warm, friendly vibe hosts a mix of casual diners enjoying authentic Mexican street tacos and flavorful burritos. Soccer games play softly over the radio, adding to the small town family atmosphere. The setting feels clean but still developing its personality.

Tamales come with great flavor and satisfy college students well. They pair nicely with chips and horchata for a solid meal.

Tacos and the tingo chicken burrito stand out with Mexican rice, pico de Gallo, and guacamole. The food delivers a consistently authentic Mexican flavor.

People are saying

"I loved the flavorful al pastor and steak tacos."

"I found the Mexican food here to be truly authentic and delicious."

"I got tamales and chips, and they were great."

Good to know

1

Lulu's Salsas operates on counter service; order and receive an order number.

2

Parking is available in the lot for customers.

3

They offer breakfast all day, providing a variety of options.

08
La Michoacana PW Halal Mexican Restaurant image 1

Colorful walls and fun decor create a lively, Instagram-worthy atmosphere with loud music that fills the space. Bright lights and unique South-of-the-border style give the place a cheerful, vibrant vibe. Families and groups gather here, drawn by the Halal Mexican menu and homemade ice cream bars.

Very moist tamales stand out here, especially the pork carnitas variety. They taste authentic and pair well with other dishes like pozole and birria tacos.

Fresh ingredients create authentic Mexican flavors in dishes like pork carnitas, pozole, and birria tacos. Handmade ice cream and authentic Mexican popsicles add to the genuine experience.

People are saying

"I ate the best tacos in my life here."

"You have to try their fantastic, house-made ice cream with real fruit."

"These tamales are so moist and fantastic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of halal Mexican dishes.

2

Parking is available, but the restaurant has limited visibility from the street.

3

They serve both savory dishes and a wide range of desserts, including popsicles.

09
Taqueria Los Compadres image 1

Hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with patio seating and a recently expanded space. Atmosphere feels comfortable and friendly, with a vibe that draws a steady lunch crowd. Known for authentic tacos and homemade salsas, it offers a casual, family-friendly setting.

Pork tamales stand out with their authentic flavor and rich taste. They deliver a delicious experience that feels genuine.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with dishes like tamales that stand out. The atmosphere feels family friendly and the service is consistently fast.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and very fresh."

"I found the food to be authentic and delicious."

"I loved the authentic pork tamales."

Good to know

1

Tuesday features a taco special that attracts many visitors.

2

Expect to pay around $35 for four tacos and a burrito.

3

The restaurant charges for all toppings, even if only cheese is requested.

10
ALLTACO TAQUERIA image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with drive-thru and spacious seating offers a casual, pleasant atmosphere with cute decor. Food is known for authentic tacos and freshly made orders, attracting those craving flavorful birria and chorizo tacos. Pricing is higher than similar spots, reflecting the quality of meats used.

Tamales stand out with their outstanding flavor and solid quality. They pair well with other dishes like alambre and al pastor burritos.

Tacos come with authentic style and fresh ingredients. Mexican food serves up fast, affordable, and genuine flavors throughout the menu.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, fresh, and delicious."

"I ate the best authentic tacos I have ever consumed."

"I thought the tamales were so good."

Good to know

1

The taqueria has a drive-through and a spacious free parking lot.

2

Every order is made fresh upon ordering.

3

Expect to pay around $4 per taco.

11
Sabores De Mexico image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant inside a market offers authentic Mexican street tacos with freshly baked desserts and a small salsa bar by the pickup window. Atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming, with a cozy eating area at the back of the store. Counter service requires customers to bus their own dishes.

Offers ready-to-eat tamales alongside tortillas, rice, and beans. Tamales have a delicious flavor and satisfying texture.

Authentic Mexican ingredients create flavors that reflect love and tradition. The kitchen serves a variety of authentic Mexican street tacos and dishes, offering a genuine Mexican experience.

People are saying

"I found the food here surprisingly fresh and delicious."

"The authentic tacos here are loaded with meat and fantastic flavors."

"I loved the tamales; they were delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is often full during happy hour, so arrive early.

2

The market offers a wide variety of fresh produce and deli items.

3

Expect fair prices on groceries and prepared foods.

12
La Paz Supermercado image 1

Supermarket combines Latin American products with a comfy, clean environment. Food offerings include authentic Honduran street food like pupusas and fried chicken with plantains, known for excellent flavor and quality.

Chicken tamales feature tasty, flavorful meat and differ from traditional Mexican styles. They pair well with tacos for a varied meal.

Fried chicken with plantains captures the essence of Honduran street food. The dishes serve up authentic flavors true to the cuisine.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and made fresh."

"I enjoyed the tasty chicken tamales."

"The lengua here is so tender, it's truly authentic."

Good to know

1

The store offers a variety of Latin American products.

2

The place is known for its cleanliness.

3

Expect a range of prices for different food items.

13
Panadería y Cafeteria El Quetzal image 1

Modern setup combines with a tiny bakery filled with authentic Guatemalan foods and great music. Atmosphere feels fun and lively, with massive portions and a variety of Central American dishes. Self-service style and unique condiments like chilero add to the distinct experience.

Big tamales stand out with pork filling and a delicious taste. Chicken chomin and steak quesadilla also appear alongside tamales on the menu.

Tiny bakery packed with authentic Guatemalan and Latin American foods. Offers authentic South Central and South American dishes with noticeable wait times for preparation.

People are saying

"I found the bread here to be really tasty."

"I loved the authentic Latin American food here."

"I found the tamales big and delicious."

Good to know

1

You must serve yourself; no food is brought to your table.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of dishes from different Central American countries.

3

Chilero is a unique condiment not commonly found in Minnesota.

14
Panaderia La Espiga image 1

Bakery offers authentic Mexican sweet bread and a wide variety of traditional pastries and cakes. Atmosphere reflects a family-owned business with affordable prices and a small mercado featuring Latino staples. Tamales appear on weekends, adding to the selection of fresh, flavorful baked goods.

Tamales come only on weekends, mainly Saturday and Sunday. The salsa verde chicken tamales stand out as a good choice. You can also order them ahead if you miss the weekend.

Mexican sweet bread and treats here show authentic flavors and traditional recipes. The foods offer a genuine taste of Mexican baking and cuisine.

People are saying

"I found the bread here to be so fresh and delicious."

"You can get tamales on the weekends."

"I found the Mexican treats here to be authentic and amazing."

Good to know

1

Tamales are available on Saturday and Sunday.

2

The bakery offers a variety of traditional Mexican baked goods.

3

You can order tamales for the next weekend if you miss them.

15
EL CHARRITO TAQUERÍA image 1
Taco restaurant

Small taco restaurant offers authentic Mexican food with a friendly atmosphere and good music. An open salsa bar with six salsas ranging from mild to hot stands out. The space feels cozy, suitable for casual dining with friends or a romantic booth.

Huge portions stand out with the tamales here. The chicken tamales offer a rich flavor and a generous size.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with fresh ingredients and street taco style. Prices stay reasonable in a small neighborhood setting.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was authentic and delicious."

"I found the food to be authentic and very tasty."

"You should come hungry; these tamales have huge portions."

Good to know

1

Weekday specials are available from Monday to Thursday.

2

Reservations are required two days in advance for large orders.

3

The restaurant has a small parking lot available.

16
Supermercado y Panaderia LomaBonita image 1

Labyrinthine layout with multiple rooms creates a compact, authentic atmosphere. Fresh bakery, fun deli, and tiny salsa bar add lively touches. Offers a wide variety of Latin American groceries and products at low prices.

Chicken tamales stand out with their spicy and flavorful taste. Freshly made tamales, including Oaxaqueños, come hot and ready, offering a delicious option alongside other fresh Mexican dishes.

Fresh and authentic Mexican products fill the shelves, including a large selection of both fresh and frozen foods. The prepared dishes at the counter and the tasty salsa stand out for their genuine flavors.

People are saying

"I found the authentic Mexican food selection here to be huge and fresh."

"I found the Mexican food here to be fresh and authentic."

"These tamales are spicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The panaderia offers a wide variety of fresh baked goods all day.

2

Supermercado y Panaderia LomaBonita has a full ice cream shop called La Michoacana.

3

Expect a crowded store with only 1-2 registers open during peak hours.

17
Homi Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, casual Mexican restaurant with an intimate, cozy atmosphere and a calm, welcoming vibe. Regulars come for authentic Mexican food and best birria tacos, enjoying freshly cooked dishes in a modest setting. The space feels like a family-owned spot with few tables seating small groups.

Chicken tamales stand out for their large size and rich flavor. Pork tamales and traditional tacos with beef tongue also pair well, making the tamales a solid choice alongside dishes like mole and enchiladas.

Bold flavors define the authentic tacos and handmade dishes here. Fresh ingredients create genuine Mexican food with a uniquely amazing taste.

People are saying

"These birria tacos are the best Mexican food I've ever had."

"I found the authentic Mexican food here to be amazing."

"I thought their chicken tamales were fantastic and huge."

Good to know

1

The Sunday Brunch is available from 10 AM to 3 PM for $19.

2

On Sundays, the owners offer a Mexican Buffet from 10 AM to 3 PM.

3

Expect limited parking behind the building, which is very small.

18
LomaBonita Market image 1
Grocery store

Massive space combines bakery, tortillería, and self-serve salsa bar with a large seating area. Atmosphere feels like community hub where diverse people gather without formal lines. Offers authentic Mexican food and products with affordable prices and a wide selection.

Tamales wrapped in banana leaves stand out for their rich flavor and tender texture. The chicken tamales are full of flavor and melt in your mouth, while the Oaxaqueño style tamales offer a distinct, tasty experience.

Offers a very authentic Latino Mexican grocery experience with genuine products. Feels like a true Mexican supermarket with traditional items.

People are saying

"The deli has a huge variety of fresh hot food options."

"These tamales oaxaqueños are amazing and full of flavor."

"It's an authentic Mexican grocery with hard-to-find items."

Good to know

1

LomaBonita Market has a large fresh meat counter with every cut available.

2

The deli offers a wide variety of food made to order with ample seating.

3

The bakery section features a great selection of treats.

19
Alborada Market image 1
Mexican grocery store

Mexican grocery store offers authentic products and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like stepping into Mexico. Small but clean space includes a restaurant and deli with affordable tacos and tamales. Services like Moneygram and ample parking add convenience.

Tamales come huge and delicious with great flavor and quality. They are affordable and often draw attention for their size and taste.

Tacos stand out with authentic Mexican flavors and great taste. The market offers authentic food and cultural products that reflect genuine Mexican cuisine.

People are saying

"These tamales are huge, delicious, and affordable."

"I found the tacos to be authentic and delicious."

"I found the authentic tacos here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost only two dollars each, making them an affordable option.

2

Free tamales are offered during special events like Dia de La Virgen.

3

The market has a hot bar with ready-to-go meals available.

20
Maya Cuisine - Minneapolis image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and a quirky setup featuring separate areas for drinks and food. Atmosphere stays quiet and calm with plenty of seating and a full bar serving notable margaritas. Open salsa bar and self-service options add to the casual, inviting vibe.

Succulent and authentic, the tamales stand out with their amazing flavor and perfect texture. They come with beans and rice, making a satisfying meal under $20 including a beer.

Authentic Mexican food shines with well seasoned tamales and tacos. The menu includes cecina and elote, offering a true taste of Mexico.

People are saying

"The Sunday brunch buffet had an amazing variety of food."

"The Mexican Food buffet had an incredible variety and great value."

"These tamales are moist, flavorful, and have a nice kick of spice."

Good to know

1

The Sunday brunch buffet runs from 10 AM to 3 PM with a variety of options.

2

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos every Tuesday.

3

Friday nights offer a special seafood chowder that is popular among diners.

21
Bodega 42 Fresh Market image 1
Mexican grocery store

Small space with high ceilings and bright, clean layout creates an inviting atmosphere. Fresh tortilla making and a phenomenal bakery add unique touches. Deli and restaurant areas offer authentic Mexican food with a lively, colorful vibe.

Fresh tamales come in pork and jalapeño/cheese varieties and are made on site. They pair with warm tortillas and are served alongside grilled chicken, queso, salsas, rice, and beans.

Fresh, authentic Mexican food fills the market with vibrant smells and sounds. A wide selection of genuine groceries complements the lively atmosphere and music.

People are saying

"I found the bakery items, especially the tres leches cake, to be amazing."

"I loved the authentic Mexican food and fresh ingredients here."

"I thought the tamales were delicious."

Good to know

1

Bodega 42 Fresh Market offers a wide selection of unique Mexican food items.

2

Expect to find fresh produce and delicious bakery goods at Bodega 42 Fresh Market.

3

Prices at Bodega 42 Fresh Market are generally lower than other grocery stores.

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