El Portal — Restaurant in Melrose

My co-workers and I stumbled upon El Portal by mere chance on our way home to the Twin Cities from Moorhead. Having to cater to my needs as a vegetarian, we discussed various foods that I like to eat and certainly Mexican, Thai and Indian came up, but we had few hopes of finding most of these things on I94. We turned into Melrose in hopes of discovering a Subway. Instead we saw the El Portal sign and got excited at the prospect of Mexican food, beside the fact that the outside is pretty low key.

Inside however had lovely decorations, smelled fantastic and was full of life. The owner was very gracious and catered to our ridiculous requests (long story). I was happy to see that there was a vegetarian section, and I ordered the sopes, an offering not found at a typical midwestern mexican restaurant. The owner informed me that they also had a special (lentil) soup suitable for vegetarians. Awesome! The masa bread was fantastic. My boss took advantage of the all you can eat taco bar they offer on Thursday nights and raved about the seasoned pork. My other co-worker ordered the steak fajitas and stated they were the best he's ever had.

Anyway, very happy to have found this little gem of a restaurant, and I know where to stop on my next...

I usually don't review restaurants. Mostly because of inconsistencies in food quality and service. El Portal is amazing. It's run by a wonderful, thoughtful family/staff. Meals start with a cup of hot soup. The complimentary tortilla chips and salsa keep coming, drinks are also quickly topped off. The food, Yum! Their food does not leave one wanting for flavor. It's authentic! Every bean is washed, soaked then cooked to perfection. The carne asada is reminiscent of my own Latina grandmother's recipe. They have no need to add large amounts of cheese or a poorly made cheese sauce to mask small portions or as a last ditch attempt to add flavor. I've never had a meal I didn't enjoy. I've also tasted all my husband's dishes (he helps himself to my choice(s) as well, I resist the temptation to stab his hand with my fork) and not once have I been disappointed. We drive over 31 miles each way for this hidden gem. I'm 100% okay with the trip because it always results in a fun time, good service, great food. Do yourself a favor, even if it's a bit of a detour, try El Portal! You will not be...

Got off the road to stay in Melrose. Walked over to the restaurant. We were advised of the special but not given the prices. I had the special which was insanely high at just under $18. My wife had a chimmy. We had 3 drinks total and shared a desert. We got hit with a $58 bill. Never have spent that price for Mexican for judt the 2 of us.

Food was good. Chips and Salsa came in stiraphom dish and cup...which we were charged for.

Waiter had blood running down his left forearm that he did not clean up.

Massively disappointed in the money we spent. We go to many Mexican restaurants and this was by far our most expensive and found unprofessional as well...