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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Minneapolis

Unique Mexican food

Made for those who seek out Mexican cuisine that deviates from the standard menu and offers something distinct.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated May 2026
01
Hippo Pockets image 1
Hippo Pockets image 2
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Restaurant

Small indoor space offers a cozy, retro vibe with pop art decor and contactless ordering kiosks. Atmosphere feels fun and nostalgic, filled with music and colorful lights. Outdoor seating expands options in a friendly, lively setting.

Birria stands out with its huge portions and comes with an exceptional consomme. The Original and Korean BBQ dishes also offer filling and flavorful options.

Ambiance stands out as unique and memorable with a casual vibe. Food and service also contribute to the impressive uniqueness.

People are saying

"The atmosphere here is unique and friendly."

"The waffle fries are perfectly seasoned and crispy."

"The birria here is amazing and huge."

Good to know

1

Hippo Pockets is open until 12am, providing a late-night food option.

2

No cash is accepted; only credit cards and mobile payments are allowed.

3

Ordering is easy with kiosks inside and QR codes for phone orders.

02
Burritos El Patron image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant inside a supermarket offers a friendly atmosphere with a relaxing and chill vibe. The space fills with Mexican and Latin American customers, creating a neighborhood gem feel. Known for authentic tacos and burritos, it serves fresh food with a range of spiciness options.

Burritos stand out with bold flavors and consistent quality. The avocado salsa and steak tacos add great variety, while chilaquiles offer a tasty option beyond burritos.

Salsa stands out with its unique, spicy flavor. Food tastes like a home-cooked meal with lots of character. The spot itself has a very unique location.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has such friendly and accommodating service."

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"The food here has so much character, it's like a home-cooked meal."

Good to know

1

They have special discounts every weekday.

2

They offer different deals on various days of the week.

3

Portion sizes are quite large, with a 6 oz guacamole and chips costing $6.

03
PURALIMA Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with vibrant atmosphere featuring creative art and a flower bar. Music plays a key role, creating a lively and welcoming vibe. Fresh margaritas stand out as a popular highlight alongside flavorful dishes.

Burrito bowls feature flavorful chicken and fresh ingredients. Barbacoa offers tender, juicy meat with bold spice. Chips and guacamole stand out as excellent sides. Frozen prickly pear margaritas complement the meal well.

Menu features many unique options that stand out from typical offerings. Variety includes distinctive dishes not commonly found elsewhere.

People are saying

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

"The barbacoa here is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor."

"The menu here has so many unique options."

Good to know

1

Expect smaller protein portions compared to other restaurants.

2

Extra toppings incur additional charges after three.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

04
Mestiizo image 1

Small space with cool decor and close tables creates an intimate, upscale atmosphere. Lighting casts a mysterious red glow, making the vibe fun and vibrant yet cozy. Cocktails stand out with unique touches, complementing a menu blending Tex-Mex and Asian fusion flavors.

Birria egg rolls stand out as a popular starter, often ordered one per person. Shrimp tempura tacos and the barrio egg roll also get strong mentions, with the tacos being a favorite. The shishito elote, similar to esquites, is excellent but features minced shishitos that blend into the dish.

Flavors stand out with a unique blend drawing from different cultures. The menu offers fresh and unforgettable options.

People are saying

"The food here, especially the elote and carne asada, was amazing."

"You have to try the elote and carne asada for Mexican food."

"The flavors here are unique and unforgettable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy nights.

2

Bottles of wine are half off, making it a good deal.

3

The restaurant has gluten-free and celiac-safe options available.

05
Ideal Diner image 1

Classic diner setup with counter-only seating and an open kitchen creates an intimate, nostalgic atmosphere. The vibe is cozy and welcoming, with a fun, old-school feel and greasy spoon charm. Small space encourages casual conversation and watching food preparation adds to the experience.

Breakfast burritos come packed with lots of ingredients and have a delicious flavor. Service is fast and friendly.

A very unique dining experience awaits in this small diner with a classic, old school vibe. Pancakes stand out as large and delicious.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best diner food I'd ever had."

"The pancakes here are unique, large, and delicious."

"You have to try their breakfast burrito; it's packed with delicious ingredients."

Good to know

1

Expect a 45-minute wait on Sundays.

2

The diner has only 14 seats, so be prepared to wait.

3

There is no restroom available for customers.

06
La Doña Cervecería Brewery image 1

Open-air brewery with outdoor patio and small soccer field creates a lively, community-focused atmosphere. Live music and colorful murals add to the fun, energetic vibe. Crowd enjoys varied beers and notable tacos, making it a popular spot for casual gatherings.

Tacos stand out with amazing flavor and pair well with the delicious beers on tap. Nachos and mole beer add unique options to the Mexican food lineup.

Events here stand out with unique themes and a Mexican lager with Serrano peppers adds a distinct twist to the beer selection. The vibe stays chill and inviting, making it a fun spot to relax.

People are saying

"The beer here is great, especially the Mexican beer."

"The Mexican food here has an awesome vibe and open patio."

"They have unique beer varieties, like a Mexican lager with Serano peppers."

Good to know

1

Salsa dancing happens every Saturday night at the brewery.

2

Trivia night is hosted every Wednesday at 7pm with no entry fee.

3

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos and drinks.

07
Hot Plate image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Kitschy 70s decor fills the space with porcelain figurines, paint-by-number art, and Russ miniatures creating a warm, nostalgic vibe. The atmosphere feels cozy and quirky, reminiscent of a Midwest grandma's living room. Wide booths accommodate guests in a compact, lively setting.

Breakfast options feature burritos with chorizo or veggie fillings and a Chilaquiles Bowl with authentic Latin Mexico City flavor. Carnitas and the hot mess dish offer rich, satisfying tastes.

A unique atmosphere fills the space with paint by number pictures on the walls creating a quirky vibe. The menu blends classic dishes with adventurous, large, and tasty options.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and well prepared."

"You have to try their breakfast burrito; it's packed with excellent flavors."

"The atmosphere here is so unique, covered in quirky decor."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait if arriving after 9am on weekends.

2

Reservations are not accepted; arrive early to avoid long lines.

3

Breakfast dishes can be pricey, averaging around $25 per person.

08
Midtown Global Market image 1

Indoor market resembles a European market square with authentic design and vibrant colors. Atmosphere blends chill vibes with lively energy, often featuring live music and performances. Variety of world cuisine and shops create a diverse, village-like experience.

Tacos stand out with options like Manny's Tortas and fire tacos at Midtown Global Market. Tamales from Andy's garage also get attention, alongside free soup and three tacos offered sometimes.

Many unique shops offer jewelry, clothing, and food from around the world. The area features a wide range of distinctive products not found elsewhere.

People are saying

"This market has an amazing variety of delicious foods and ethnic shops."

"I loved the superb live music they had here."

"The Mexican food here is amazing; I loved the tacos."

Good to know

1

Expect a variety of cultural food options available at the market.

2

Parking may be limited, especially for non-city dwellers.

3

The market hosts frequent events, including music and food demos.

09
TAP IN Kitchen & Cocktails image 1

Interior showcases stunning decor with art and literature treasures that capture attention. Atmosphere blends cozy relaxation with an elevated vibe, enhanced by live DJ music. Craft cocktails stand out as gorgeous and flavorful highlights.

Chips with hand-made guacamole stand out, especially alongside mezcalitas. The elote appetizer and dishes like honey chicken and plantains add solid variety to the Mexican food offerings.

Cocktails stand out with unique flavors like the sesame drink and a Japanese whiskey mix. Mojitos and other drinks offer distinctive tastes worth trying again.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the loaded fries."

"The atmosphere and decor here are truly lovely."

"The drinks here are unique and flavorful, especially the sesame one."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends as the place fills up quickly.

2

Parking is limited; expect a small lot and street parking challenges.

3

Some menu items, like chicken and catfish, may run out during busy times.

10
Tender Lovin Chix image 1

Restaurant combines huge space with wall-to-wall TVs showing women's sports and football games. Bright, energetic atmosphere features a lively bar area and a killer DJ during events. Crowd enjoys Asian fusion fried chicken alongside a variety of cocktails in an inviting, upbeat setting.

Birria tacos stand out with rich flavor and a tasty dipping sauce on the side. They offer an authentic taste that many find satisfying.

Common comfort food gets a twist with creative and unique flavors. The breading on the chicken tenders stands out as very good and different from typical versions.

People are saying

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

"The chicken tenders have a unique, amazing crunch."

"The birria tacos here are the real deal, with great flavor and sauce."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great food and drink deals.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere during football games and other major events.

3

DJ nights add to the fun, especially on weekends.

11
Iconos Gastro Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Modern, chic interior features pop artwork, a neon sign, and a beautifully designed bar. Atmosphere pulses with loud Latin music from a DJ or live saxophone, creating a vibrant and fun vibe. Crowds gather for addictively delicious cocktails and social media-worthy decor.

Birria tacos and chimichangas stand out with rich flavors and satisfying portions. The queso fundido and churros served in a giant wooden cart add unique touches to the Mexican food offerings.

Cocktails feature unique ingredients and flavorful presentations. Water comes served in a tequila bottle, adding a distinct touch to the experience.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here are out of this world."

"The brunch food here is delicious and worth the wait."

"The cocktails here are unique, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6pm with $2 off taps and tacos.

2

The venue transforms into a Latin nightclub in the evening.

3

Drag brunch features over-the-top entertainment and a lively atmosphere.

12
C.R.E.A.M Cafe image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Bright orange accents and large windows create a unique design with plenty of natural light. The vibe is cozy and relaxed, suitable for working or casual dining, though music volume varies. Seating is comfortable and varied, with many tables offering outlets for convenience.

Breakfast burritos come made to order with a hefty size and great flavors, including a noticeable beef taste. They often include a side like potatoes and a salsa that adds a flavorful kick.

Food offers unique options like sweet potato chai and eggs on croissant with grape jelly. Coffee flights feature distinctive flavor profiles crafted with care, all set in a space with a bold orange design.

People are saying

"The coffee here is great, and the staff are super friendly."

"The breakfast burrito here is a must-try, it's fire."

"The coffee flavors here are unique and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a short wait time of about 3 to 5 minutes for orders.

2

Parking is available on the street, but it may not be free.

3

The cafe offers a full menu for breakfast, lunch, and ice cream.

13
noa Minneapolis image 1
New American restaurant

Modern space with spa-like ambiance and trendy decor featuring floral touches creates a calm yet upscale vibe. Bar area stands out with a frost rail keeping drinks cold and unique cocktail presentations. Crowd varies from business diners to casual groups, with a setting suited for both conversation and events.

Tacos here range from birria to shrimp and veggie options, with some dishes offering right amount of spice. The spot leans upscale, serving tacos alongside burgers and sides like Herb fries.

The NOA burger stands out with its unique flavor and the fries offer a distinct twist. Food here delivers a delicious and unique experience.

People are saying

"I found the burgers here to be delicious and juicy."

"The server made our Mexican food experience so enjoyable."

"The food here is delicious and unique."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 pm on weeknights with great food and drink deals.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for private events and busy times.

3

Paid street parking and parking garages are available nearby, but can be challenging.

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Minneapolis, Minnesota

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