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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Minnesota

Date spots with carnitas

Made for those who want to bond over a shared plate of savory, slow-roasted pork.

Based on 788 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
TequilaTown Authentic Mexican Cuisine image 1
TequilaTown Authentic Mexican Cuisine image 2
TequilaTown Authentic Mexican Cuisine image 3
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Interior design features detailed Mexican decor with bright, cheerful branding and a family-friendly atmosphere. Music stays at a moderate volume, creating a laid-back, friendly vibe during lunch and a cozy cantina feel for dates. Seating is ample, and the environment balances cleanliness with a high-end look at reasonable prices.

Carnitas stand out as superb and delicious with a rich flavor that makes them a highlight. They pair well with other tacos like pastor and lengua, creating an excellent street taco experience.

Cantina ambiance creates a relaxed vibe that suits a first date well. The menu includes chipotle enchiladas and offers a consistent experience that encourages repeat visits.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"The food here is so flavorful, you'll want to order it again."

"I thought the carnitas were delicious and superb."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers excellent deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

Prices are very reasonable for the quality and portion sizes.

3

They offer many vegetarian items, which is unusual for similar restaurants.

02
BODEGA TACO BAR #3 image 1

Cozy taco restaurant with modern decor and unique hanging chairs creates a homey atmosphere filled with great music. The space feels chill and cute, attracting a lively crowd especially during busy lunch hours. Seating is limited but comfortable, with a mix of bar stools and soft chairs.

Tacos feature carnitas with a perfect lean and fatty mix. Street tacos deliver super tasty carnitas with solid flavor balance.

Offers a wonderful date spot vibe suitable for morning, evening, or night. The food impresses, especially for those who appreciate Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here are the best I've had anywhere."

"The birria ramen and tacos here are amazing for Date Spots."

"The carnitas tacos are super tasty and have a perfect ratio of lean and fatty cuts."

Good to know

1

Bodega Taco Bar only accepts takeout orders through their website or by phone.

2

The restaurant is extremely busy during lunch hours.

3

Finding a parking spot can be difficult; consider using a ramp.

03
Lito’s Burritos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open space with beautiful mural, lots of plants, and pretty tile creates a cozy yet lively atmosphere. The vibe stays chill and friendly, welcoming both solo diners and groups without crowding. Lines move quickly despite a packed house, reflecting steady energy and community presence.

Braised in lard, the carnitas come authentic and juicy. Burritos fold perfectly without unnecessary rice, focusing on rich flavor and simple ingredients.

Couples often share Birria burritos or carne asada burritos here. The spot draws those who enjoy casual, flavorful meals together.

People are saying

"I thought this burrito and horchata cold brew combo was the best."

"I found the burritos here to be absolutely fantastic."

"I believed Lito's Carnitas stood head and shoulders above others."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20-minute wait in line during peak hours.

2

They offer a BOGO free burrito coupon for first-time visitors.

3

A horchata beverage purchase supports local mutual aid efforts.

04
El Compa Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers a clean, simple interior with a warm, friendly atmosphere and constant reggaeton music playing. Seating is limited to a few tables, creating an intimate, hole-in-the-wall vibe. The environment feels inviting but can be slightly warm inside.

Carnitas come juicy and well-seasoned, often featured in overstuffed street tacos alongside chicken and carne asada. They pair well with barbacoa and birria, both noted for their rich flavors.

Dinner offers large burritos and quesabirria tacos that work well for sharing. The Compo Nachos come in a portion sized for two, making it easy to split dishes.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here are so flavorful and packed with meat."

"The carnitas here are so juicy and flavorful."

"You have to try the quesabirria tacos with the dipping broth."

Good to know

1

They also do breakfast on the weekends.

2

They do not serve alcohol.

3

They charge an additional 3% fee if you use a credit card.

05
El Itacate Mexican Food LLC image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, casual Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and a visible kitchen creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Music plays softly, adding to the lively yet comfortable vibe. The space feels clean and well maintained, attracting a steady flow of diners.

Carnitas show up in tacos, gorditas, burritos, and chimichangas with rich flavor and fresh ingredients. Dishes like the Burrito Zuizo and taco combos highlight the bold, savory taste of the carnitas.

Freshness stands out with fresh foods that impress. Dishes like enchiladas and gorditas offer solid options for a date meal.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is authentic, fresh, and full of flavor."

"The food here is amazing, perfect for date spots."

"The carnitas tacos here are so good and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features $2 tacos, making it an affordable dining option.

2

Enchiladas are $3 off on Wednesdays, offering another great deal.

3

Burrito Mondays and Nacho Thursdays provide additional weekly specials.

06
Fat Nat's Eggs NEW HOPE image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Old-fashioned diner with a small town vibe and retro decor creates a happily chaotic atmosphere. Tables sit close together in a spacious open floor filled with diverse groups, making it lively and noisy. Friendly energy blends with nostalgic charm, focusing on hearty breakfast fare.

Carnitas come with green sauce or avocado verde and have a rich, greasy texture. They appear in dishes like huevos rancheros and omelettes, often paired with extra salsa for added flavor.

Fruit fritter french toast stands out with its delicious flavor. The "Mom's" dish pairs eggs, cheese, English muffins, and American fried potatoes for a satisfying meal.

People are saying

"I had a great breakfast; the food was super good."

"The fritter French toast here is the best I've ever had."

"I found the carnitas amazing but very greasy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 1 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Expect large portions that are reasonably priced.

3

Be prepared to wait during busy hours, especially after their expansion.

07
Cielito Lindo Southdale image 1
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.

Street tacos feature tender carnitas with a rich flavor. Carnitas also come as a platter option paired with other dishes like chicken tamale.

Tacos offer varied flavors and come out very tasty. Chiles rellenos serve without rice and beans, sticking to traditional Mexican style.

People are saying

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

"I loved the authentic, flavorful tacos here."

"The carnitas tacos here are delicious."

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.

08
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.

Quesabirrias with steak and carnitas stand out with rich flavors. Both the carnitas and barbacoa nachos offer a tasty experience.

Alambre dishes stand out with strong approval from picky eaters. Burritos and tortas also get positive mentions, making food choices easy for couples.

People are saying

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

"I was instantly surprised by how awesome the carnitas tasted."

"The food here is so good, my partner postponed their diet."

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.

09
Sonora Mexican kitchen and bar image 1

Large industrial space with open kitchen and modern decor creates a bright, authentic vibe. Patio offers a dog-friendly outdoor seating area with a great atmosphere. Loud music and echo in the dining room make conversation challenging.

Meaty carnitas offer a deep flavor that pairs well with refried beans. The pork carnitas shine in the Sonora bowl and tacos, making them a solid choice alongside other taco options.

Authentic burritos stand out here, with flavors more genuine than those found in Oregon. The pincho with beef and chicken offers a tasty, satisfying option for sharing.

People are saying

"The brisket burrito and chicken nachos were amazing Mexican food."

"The Mexican food here is surprisingly delicious, especially the burritos."

"The carnitas were meaty, flavorful, and filling."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 pm on weekdays with $6 margaritas and half off appetizers.

2

Taco Tuesday offers all tacos for $3, featuring savory meats.

3

Reservations are recommended to avoid a wait during peak hours.

10
El Super Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space fills with loud Mexican music and smells of fresh tortillas and meats. Calm atmosphere suits those who enjoy authentic Mexican flavors with a self-service salsa bar offering spicy options. Crowd appreciates handmade corn tortillas and street tacos considered among the best locally.

Carnitas have great flavor and stand out among other meats. The carnitas platter comes with rice and beans, and the carnitas street tacos pair well with fresh lime juice.

Tacos stand out with deep-fried corn shells that are crispy outside and chewy inside. Options include Quesabirria, birria, and American tacos with corn tortillas and street corn, plus tortas with tinga.

People are saying

"The quesabirrias here are a total hit, served with consommé."

"I loved the carnitas platter with rice and beans."

"The quesabirria tacos here are huge and loaded with meat."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer tacos at just $2 each, making it a great deal.

2

Burrito bowls are available for $7.99 on Wednesdays.

3

Expect a language barrier as the cashier may only speak Spanish.

11
Que Taco Fridley image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic atmosphere with upbeat music and a clean, spacious layout. A standout feature is the impressive salsa bar with a variety of salsas and pickled veggies. The place draws people seeking affordable, genuine Mexican flavors and generous portions.

Pork carnitas come moist and tender with crispy edges. The carnitas tacos stand out as perfectly cooked and highly praised.

Chicken tacos and taquitoes offer flavorful options for couples. The spot suits an afternoon with friends, family, or a girlfriend, making it a casual choice for a date.

People are saying

"The pastor and carnitas tacos here are fantastic."

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"The carnitas were moist, tender, and had crispy edges."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer special deals on tacos throughout the day.

2

Expect a 30-45 minute wait during peak hours for food.

3

Portion sizes are generous, providing good value for the price.

12
El Norte Mexican Bar & Grill image 1

Cozy Mexican restaurant with loud music and tight seating creates a lively, bustling atmosphere. Interior feels new and clean with well-decorated spaces that evoke a familiar, authentic vibe. Energy is high, making conversation challenging but enhancing a spirited dining experience.

Fresh ingredients shine in the carnitas burrito and tacos. The carnitas torte stands out with its fantastic flavor and the lunch special offers a solid option for takeout.

Plates come with generous portions like huge chicken burritos and flavorful enchiladas. Options include street tacos and other Mexican dishes that suit casual date meals.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and delicious."

"The food here is great, especially the steak street tacos."

"The carnitas burrito tasted great and was fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a large menu with diverse options for everyone.

2

Chips and salsa are included with the lunch special.

3

Expect high prices for the portion sizes offered.

13
BODEGA TACO BAR image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with bar-style seating and outdoor options creates an intimate setting. Vibrant atmosphere features fun Mexican music and a warm, authentic vibe. Designed mainly for takeout, it draws people seeking top-rated tacos in a lively, cozy environment.

Street tacos feature carnitas alongside asada and chicken, with the carnitas standing out for their flavor. The carnitas burrito offers a rich, satisfying taste that complements the tacos well.

Shrimp tacos stand out as a favorite dish. The spot offers a perfect atmosphere for date night with great options like quesadillas and drinks. It suits both lunch and dinner outings.

People are saying

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

"The tacos here are amazing and flavorful."

"I had the best carnitas burrito I have had in a really long time."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on Cinco de Mayo.

2

The online ordering system does not allow for customization of orders.

3

Prices are on the higher side for Mexican food in the area.

14
Brito’s Burrito image 1

Bright, clean space with minimal decoration creates a quiet, somewhat echoing atmosphere. Friendly staff serve freshly made tortillas and affordable, well-filled burritos with unique add-ons like mangoes. Small groups favor take-out due to limited dining space and quick service.

Carnitas stand out with incredible flavor and appear in various dishes like breakfast burritos and tacos. They often receive higher praise compared to other meats like al pastor.

Two burritos and chips and queso make for a casual shared meal. The carnitas stand out more than the al pastor, and the burritos come in a huge size.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and really fresh."

"I found the carnitas to be incredible."

"The food here is amazing and so fresh."

Good to know

1

The breakfast burrito costs around $9 without queso.

2

Queso and guacamole are extra charges.

3

There are no fountain drinks, so no refills are available.

15
Hope Breakfast Bar - Minneapolis North Loop image 1

Open kitchen and coffee bar create a modern, cozy atmosphere with charming decor and warm lighting. Seating is close but not cramped, with window spots offering a nice view. The space fills quickly, making it lively and sometimes loud during busy times.

Breakfast dishes with carnitas offer a crunchy texture and flavorful taste. Adding carnitas to the Sunrise Chili Crunch Bowl boosts protein but comes in an extremely small portion.

Breakfast options include a delicious breakfast sandwich and a deviled egg sandwich. Drinks feature a smooth, dark cold brew that pairs well with the food.

People are saying

"The brunch options are creative and delicious, especially the pork belly taco."

"The carnitas in the Sunrise Chili Crunch Bowl were phenomenal."

"The chili crunch bowl is a memorable Date Spot."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must due to the place being very busy.

2

Expect to wait a long time during peak hours.

3

There was free valet parking in the building for patrons.

16
Red Luna Seasons image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a cozy vintage interior and outdoor terrace featuring historic local photos. Atmosphere feels warm and fun, blending casual and nostalgic vibes. Offers authentic Mexican dishes alongside a variety of margaritas, creating a lively yet comfortable dining experience.

Carnitas often come out dry and hard with little flavor. Some dishes like the burger include a good amount of cheese, but meat portions can be sparse in items like the chimichanga.

Giant-sized dishes like the chicken chimichanga with beans and traditional gravy sauce stand out. The Queso Birria Tacos get strong positive reactions, making it a solid spot for a date night.

People are saying

"The food here is wonderful and incredibly flavorful."

"You have to try the Queso Birria Tacos; they're a total wow."

"I picked the dry and hard carnitas out of the burrito."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers 2 tacos for $3.75 with various meat options.

2

Happy hour features BOG1/2Off Margaritas.

3

Different food deals are available every day from Monday to Saturday.

17
Los Cactus image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, clean space with colorful cactus decorations and white marble accents creates a fresh, inviting vibe. Loud music and a help-yourself salsa bar add energy and choice to the experience. Drive-through service and comfortable seating support a quick, casual meal with freshly made Mexican dishes.

Carnitas come with flavorful seasoning and stay moist across dishes like bowls, enchiladas with Verde sauce, and quesadillas. Toppings such as sautéed cactus add unique texture and taste.

Quesabirria and burritos stand out as solid meal choices for a date. Sweet treats like churros and drinks such as horchata and Jarritos add a nice touch to the experience.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"The food here is delicious and super fresh for a date spot."

"The carnitas here are so flavorful and moist."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is served daily starting at 8am.

2

The drive-thru is available for quick service.

3

Prices are generally lower than most fast food options.

18
Palmar Mexican Restaurant & Seafood image 1

Small dining room with dive bar aesthetics and loud Latin music creates a casual, family-friendly vibe. The space feels cozy but cramped, with minimal decor and TVs on the walls. The atmosphere is unpretentious and lively, especially in the evening.

Tender texture stands out in the carnitas, making it enjoyable. Some servings show signs of being day old, which affects edibility.

Few Latin American restaurants nearby make it a solid choice for a date night. The seafood options and enchiladas verdes stand out, though the sauce on the enchiladas could be more generous.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is authentic and incredibly delicious."

"I found the carnitas to be tender and flavorful."

"The food here is delicious, especially the pulpo en brasas."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer good deals from 11am to 2pm.

2

Karaoke happens on Friday and Saturday nights until 2am.

3

Lunch specials are available from 11am to 2pm.

19
Hope Breakfast Bar - Edina image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Open layout packed with tables creates a loud, energetic atmosphere that fills the space. Bright natural light complements fun decor and a huge coffee bar area. Sharing table with hopes and prayers adds a unique, communal touch.

Adding carnitas to the chili crunch bowl boosts its flavor. The carnitas bowl stands out as a solid choice.

Couples sit at the bar when the entryway is full and enjoy delicious breakfast with entrees topped by pickled veggies. The spot works for pairs and small families.

People are saying

"I found the breakfast here to be simply amazing."

"The food here is very good for date spots."

"Adding carnitas to the chili crunch bowl made it taste even better."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

Expect a one-hour time limit on tables during busy hours.

3

Parking is generally easy to find near the restaurant.

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