If you've got Mexican fare on the brain, you're in luck: we've found the freshest Minneapolis eateries to quell your cravings. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in the mood for Mexican food.
Colita
5400 Penn Ave. South, Armatage
Colita is a New Mexican restaurant, offering barbecue and modern cuisine. According to its website, the eatery "integrates the incredibly diverse flavors of Mexico with barbecue and smoking techniques from all over the world," with a focus on food from the Oaxaca region.
Look for cold options like tuna tartare and chicken liver; warm options such as baked oysters and fried green tomatoes; and smoked meats like pork chops and lamb barbacoa. Take a look at the full menu here.
Colita is off to a strong start with a current Yelp rating of five stars out of 12 reviews.
Yelper Jenn O., who reviewed it on Oct. 21, wrote, "Husband snagged us a reservation and I couldn't be more impressed. Loved everything, every detail and every bite of food."
Colita is open from 5–10 p.m. on Monday–Thursday and Sunday and 5–11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
El Burrito
4820 Chicago Ave., Field
El Burrito is a bar and restaurant offering brunch, lunch, dinner and late-night fare. Start off with nachos, an empanada or some jalapeño poppers. Then dive into entree options like shrimp tacos, a quesadilla or a burrito. Check out the full menu here.
With a three-star rating out of 26 reviews on Yelp, El Burrito Minneapolis is still finding its way, but it's early days.
Yelper Michael E. wrote, "Ate here and sat outside, which seemed a bit unexpected to the waitstaff. After we sat down, all of the tables began to fill up. The margaritas were fantastic. The chips and guac were also very good and quite unique. Had a couple of entrees which were both very good."
Brad D. added, "Food is fantastic and the margaritas are delightful. Let's not mention how friendly and welcoming the staff is. Come check this place out."
El Burrito Minneapolis is open from 4–11 p.m. on Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.–midnight on Thursday-Saturday, and 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Sunday.
El Jefe
5309 Lyndale Ave. South, South Minneapolis
El Jefe is a new Mexican restaurant that also caters and has a food truck. At the brick-and-mortar spot, expect brunch, lunch and dinner menus with options such as Cajun pulled chicken soup, tuna ceviche, street tacos and large plates like chicken mole enchiladas. A number of libations are also on offer. Here's the restaurant menu.
The food truck sports a smaller menu with choices like beef barbacoa tacos, shrimp cocktails, burrito bowls and beef or chicken nachos. Here's the food truck menu.
El Jefe's current rating of four stars out of 35 reviews on Yelp indicates the newcomer has been a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
Yelper Ec H. wrote, "We stopped by El Jefe on a whim after leaving the State Fair without tacos ... we decided to satisfy our taco craving here. Wow, were we glad we did."
And Nathan S. noted, "Absolutely loved the lunch I just had here. The ceviche was so good! I had no idea I could get food like this in Minnesota. The veggie tacos were awesome as were the fish tacos. I can't wait to go back."
El Jefe is open from 3–9 p.m. on Monday, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
