Craving Mexican food? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable Mexican restaurants around St. Paul, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to satisfy your cravings.
1. Tavial Grill
Topping the list is Tavial Grill. Located at 1199 W. Seventh St., the casual, counter-service eatery is the highest rated low-priced Mexican restaurant in St. Paul, boasting 4.5 stars out of 186 reviews on Yelp. Established in 2014 by Victor Alquicira, it's a true family-owned and operated business, with several family members staffing the restaurant, per its website.
Notable menu options include chilaquiles with steak; tacos with beef tongue, roasted pork or fish; and choriqueso, which is made with Mexican sausage, onions and melted cheese and served with corn tortillas. Check out the full menu here.
2. Mañana Restaurant
Next up is Mañana Restaurant, situated at 798 Seventh St. East in Dayton's Bluff. With 4.5 stars out of 107 reviews on Yelp, the Latin American and Mexican spot has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for an inexpensive option.
Extensive menu options include tacos, chicken tamales, beef pies, chicken stew, fried chicken served with rice and beans, stuffed peppers, tripe soup, shrimp cocktails and shredded pork with queso.
Yelper Bob S. wrote, "Great Salvadorian and Mexican spot in St. Paul. We order a variety of stuff from pupusas to tacos and all of it was delicious. If this spot was closer to my house I would be in serious trouble."
3. El Burrito Mercado
West Side's El Burrito Mercado, located at 175 Cesar Chavez St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the budget-friendly bar and Mexican spot four stars out of 199 reviews. Established in 1979 by Tomas and Maria Silva, the restaurant moved into its current 13,000-square-foot building in 1995.
Awarded the 2017 SBA Minnesota Minority-Owned Business of the Year, this spot is also a grocery store, deli, bakery and catering spot. Look for restaurant menu options such as the nacho burrito with beef, beans, sour cream and guacamole; the huarache platter; and menudo on weekends.
4. Homi Mexican
Open since 2009, Homi Mexican is another cheap go-to, with four stars out of 144 Yelp reviews. Head over to 864 University Ave. West to see for yourself. The name "Homi" comes from combining the first two letters of the owners' names, Hortencia and Miguel, according to the business' website.
Notable menu options include chiles rellenos, which are stuffed jalapeños with chicken and cheese; beef fajitas with peppers and onions; as well as breaded steak Mexican sandwiches. Enchiladas, tacos, burritos and gorditas also line the menu.
