El Norteño Authentic Mexican

I had the chicken chimichanga and my partner had the shrimp tacos. He tried some of my rice & beans and immediately orders his own side! When we first got there, we were bummed out about no chips and queso… but everything following that seriously makes it worth it, forget the queso! The salsa was amazing as well. The service was awesome, I read somewhere that this place is owned by 3 sisters and you can absolutely tell they own the place. Not only can you tell they are happy to be there, but they really enjoy the restaurant. You’ll see them back there cooking your food before they bring it to you. And there is one ingredient in their food you will never taste at El Rancho Grande or any big name Mexican restaurant… LOVE!! We ate all our food and were definitely full, but it didn’t leave us feeling all gross and lethargic like you do after eating the greasy food at other restaurants. Come show this family owned business some love, you won’t regret it

The patio is GORGEOUS!! Especially if you're a plant/flower enthusiast! The food was very good and authentic. The ambiance was perfect! It felt like I was in Mexico!

I don’t see anything Norteño but the name on the menu.

I am happy to have found El Norteño right in my neighborhood!
We were seated right away next to an amazing plant collection that blocked out the traffic of Lake St from the window. The service was so friendly and the food was delicious! I ordered a horchata, which wound up being unlike any I've had before. It's made to order with cows milk (not rice) and blended up to be a fluffy, creamy, cinnamon delight. It was like joy is a glass! I am sensitive to both cows milk and sugar, thankfully my symptoms were low and it was DEFINITELY worth it.
Plenty of gluten free options for my dinner! My spouse ordered the enchiladas (which were also GF with corn tortillas) and I ordered the carnitas plate. Both of us gobbled our meals down with hardly any discussion, just nods and delicious 'mmmm's. It was the perfect portions to leave us feeling full, but not uncomfortable.
My only note would be that it was not clear that we needed to go to the register to pay. The register is out of sight both when entering and from the tables, so we sat at our table for quite a while wondering when our check would come. We didn't mind at all and would have asked if we were in a hurry.
Will definitely be eating here again, and often! I'm definitely looking forward to experiencing the patio when it warms up.

Unfortunately some of the worst food I’ve ever had eating out. Definitely not ok Mexican food! The servers seem like sisters who run the place and cook and were nice so I feel bad, but the food was genuinely not seasoned, cold, and tasted old. I’m bummed but I will absolutely never be going back here. Any other Mexican place on lake is better.

Very, very calm, and peaceful setting!

Horchata is amazing, staff is delightful, and even better the food is also great and affordable

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Homemade Horchata, Nõteno Burrito

Super fast service. Food was solid. Restaurant was a little too quiet.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

A Mexican restaurant on Lake Street should be a slam dunk. This is an absolute brick.
The margarita is not a margarita for beginners it tastes like watered down Boone’s Farm @ $8.
The food was awful if not tasteless.
One server, one cook. The best thing on the menu is the Coke.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Tortilla Chip, Tamales, Guacamole for the Table

We have been coming here for decades! The sweetest family owns and runs this place. Authentic Mexican food and one of the prettiest patios in the Twin Cities. Great for a leisurely dinner outdoors!

Vegetarian options: Cheese or spinach enchiladas!

Kid-friendliness: Kids menu, high chairs and changing station.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Guacamole for the Table

Great food on a green filled patio that makes it seem secluded in the heart of Minneapolis. It seemed like a mom and pop type place with personal service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

What a lovely oasis - sit on the patio if you can - cozy, full of plants, twinkle lights and murals. The two sisters who served us made us feel so welcomed and were attentive but not TOO attentive. There were several vegan options and you must get the guacamole!! No fresh jalapeños but there were serranos: be brave! Very cold Pacifico beers with lime hit the spot. We will definitely come here again!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tortilla Chip, Chips and Salsa Guacamole, Guacamole for the Table

I eat there a lot, both with friends & alone. The sisters that own it treat me like family. Always so friendly and welcoming. If they aren't super busy they will sit & visit with me since we have several people in common. Love this place & I'm not reYa fan of Mexican food as a rule

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This a wonderful place with amazing food and peopleThe patio is beautiful in warm months

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The staff was incredibly friendly and the burrito was wonderful.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Nõteno Burrito