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Local picks

Salsa lunch spots in Saint Paul

Made for those who refuse to settle for a midday meal that lacks a serious kick of heat and spice.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tromperia El zac image 1
Tromperia El zac image 2
Tromperia El zac image 3
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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.

Food arrives hot and fast, even on busy Saturdays. Options like wet burritos with steak and quesabirrias make lunch satisfying and quick.

Four fresh salsas arrive at the table, each with distinct flavors. Guacamole and green salsa stand out for their delicious taste and quality ingredients.

People are saying

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

"The al pastor here is juicy, well-marinated, and authentically spit-roasted."

"The lunch food here is amazing."

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.

02
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.

Quick service with a smile makes lunch efficient and pleasant. Fresh food options like nachos fit well for a work lunch or a late meal.

Salsas here stand out with unique flavors and a fantastic salsa verde that even feels drinkable. The squeeze bottles add a nostalgic touch, and the salsas enhance every taco and burrito bite.

People are saying

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

"I thought the breakfast burritos were the best I ever had."

"The food at this Lunch Spot was 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.

03
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.

Barria tacos and enmolada serve as filling lunch options. Portions often leave leftovers for next day. Frequent visits show it works well for weekday lunches.

Salsas come in red and green varieties, each with a unique flavor. Both are spicy, offering a noticeable kick compared to milder versions elsewhere.

People are saying

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

"The salsa verde here is so satisfying with my veggie burrito."

"The birria tacos at this lunch spot are tender, juicy, and flavorful."

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.

04
EL CHARRITO TAQUERรA image 1

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.

A salsa bar offers six different salsas ranging from mild to hot with flavorful heat. The slightly orange Chile de Arbol salsa and the green avocado salsa stand out for their taste and kick.

People are saying

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

"I thought the tacos here were the best I had anywhere."

"This Lunch Spot's rice and beans are delicious."

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.

05
Taco'n Madre Taqueria Y Cevicheria image 1

Small dining room with a cute outdoor patio creates a casual, authentic vibe. Karaoke and DJ music bring lively energy but can get loud, affecting conversation. Known for outstanding tacos and birria, it feels like a hidden gem with a fun, informal atmosphere.

Lunch offers a soul-healing experience with dishes that stand out. The space suits group lunches well, making it a solid spot for shared meals.

Salsas here stand out for their excellent main salsa and great house salsas. The avocado salsa adds a nice creamy touch to the mix.

People are saying

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

"The salsas here are delicious and great."

"The birria tacos here are to die for."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every weekend with a two-drink minimum.

2

Taco specials are available every Monday.

3

Street parking is easy to find near the restaurant.

06
Cancun Mexican Grill & Cantina image 1

Cantina style space with two seating areas creates a less crowded feel. Atmosphere ranges from relaxed to lively with loud music and multiple TVs showing sports. Drinks stand out, especially margaritas served with fruit popsicles, adding a unique twist to the bar experience.

Lunch offers inexpensive deals with a nice variety on the menu. Burritos come out hot and well-seasoned with a good portion size.

Complimentary chips come with homemade salsa that has a good pepper heat. The chips arrive warm and plentiful, making the salsa a tasty starter.

People are saying

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

"The margaritas here are great, served with a fruit popsicle on top."

"The quesa-birria tacos at this Lunch Spot were really good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers free chips and half-price appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Taco Tuesday special features three tacos for $9.99.

3

Karaoke night starts at 10pm on Thursdays with a two-drink minimum.

07
Carnitas don Tacho image 1

Small, authentic Mexican eatery with best carnitas in Minnesota and perfect salsas. Atmosphere is busy and crowded on weekends, reflecting strong local demand. Offers affordable prices and a clean, humble setting that feels true to Mexican street food.

Lunch draws a crowded crowd here, with the place often packed. Limited burger availability shows some items sell out quickly even when tables are free.

Two salsas come with the tacos: a fiery red and a mild green. Both bring the right amount of heat and flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was the best ever."

"I thought the carnitas here were the best in Minnesota."

"The torta at this Lunch Spot is delicious with perfect pork, tripe, and skin."

Good to know

1

Prices are affordable, with six tacos costing about $20 without drinks.

2

Expect longer wait times during dinner hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant often runs out of burgers during lunch, so arrive early.

08
La Cucaracha Mexican Restaurante image 1

Mexican restaurant with a laid back atmosphere and a warm family feel that transports guests to Mexico. A quaint bar offers a top notch margarita experience with fresh lime and a good tequila selection. The environment feels welcoming and comfy, making it a neighborhood jewel.

The lunch buffet offers phenomenal food at a well-priced rate. It runs on weekdays and weekends, providing a wonderful variety to enjoy.

Chips come out crispy and perfect. Red salsa hits with a strong, flavorful kick that scores high every time.

People are saying

"The owner Eddie made me feel like family."

"I thought the salsa and chips were the best I ever had."

"Eddie, the owner, made our Lunch Spot feel so welcome."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Taco Tuesday features $1 tacos all day long.

3

A lunch buffet starts in September, available on weekends.

09
Habanero Tacos Grill & Bar image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, clean space with an industrial feel and spacious layout including booths, high tops, and a long bar. Atmosphere feels authentic and neighborhood-oriented, with many regulars and a casual pace. Multiple TVs show sports, creating a lively backdrop during busy times.

Large bar offers a casual spot for lunch and happy hour. Lunch visits happen on weekends, welcoming groups like families.

House-made salsas stand out with bold flavors like the Habanero pineapple salsa that tastes addictive. Salsas complement dishes like barbacoa and chicken enchiladas with salsa verde well.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The house-made salsas were awesome and addictive."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious, especially the Al Pastor tacos."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Friday and Saturday starting at 9pm.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

3

Expect a $5 cover charge for karaoke nights.

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Saint Paul, Minnesota

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