Colita — Restaurant in Minneapolis

A Moonlit Night at Colita

I have a bit of history with Colita, and one memory still stands out vividly when I was at the bar. I remember watching the bartenders at work, shaking up drinks with such energy and style. It was one of those nights where you end up chatting with strangers and bartenders alike, and it all feels easy and connected. That moment really captured what I love about Colita — it’s not just the food, it’s the atmosphere.

Fast forward two years, and I finally made it back. The patio has expanded since then, and it feels like a completely new experience compared to their warm, well-lit dining room inside. On this particular October night, the air was mild, the moonlight soft, and for a moment, I felt like I was somewhere in Mexico — relaxed, lively, and full of flavor.

I started with a drink called the “Naked Dani.” It was a foamy, flavorful twist on a margarita, light but bold in taste. Though honestly, I couldn’t help thinking it should’ve been called “Naked Antonio” — it just sounds sexier and feels more in tune with Colita’s playful vibe.

For food, I went with the Octopus Al Pastor — smashed potatoes, smoked paprika, serrano, cilantro, and micro shiso. Octopus can sometimes be tough, but this one was tender and perfectly cooked. I did wish for a touch more seasoning, but the dish was still enjoyable and beautifully presented.

Then came the Chicken Liver Memelita with pickled pear, shiso, hibiscus, and preserved blackberries. I’ll admit — I’m very particular about pâté. I expected something rich and velvety, but this version was more like a mousse — airy, slightly sweet, and unexpected. It wasn’t bad, just not quite what I was anticipating.

I also ordered the Crispy Masa Chips with guacamole, hummus, peanuts, and guajillo salsa. To call them “chips” doesn’t quite do them justice — they were thick, crunchy, and full of texture. Delicious, though maybe a bit pricey for what you get.

Still, Colita never fails to deliver an experience. The space buzzes with energy, the food pushes creative boundaries, and the drinks always surprise you. It’s one of those places where you go not just to eat, but to feel something — a bit of adventure, a touch of nostalgia, and a reminder of how fun...

Wow! My husband (GF) and I love this place. Has been recommended by many friends and so glad we finally came. We arrived about 20 min before our reservation on a Saturday, it was packed! Plenty of street parking for free. We sat at the bar and got some drinks - me the Telenovela (amazing, I could have drank two. Definitely the mezcal smokey flavor I was hoping for). My husband got Naranjitas from the zero proof menu - amazing as well! Bartenders were awesome, equally attentive to us and knew who we were while waiting for our table to be ready. I also got the Naked Dani drink (salty foam, sweet drink with a mini duck!) and it was great! We started with the Aguachile (reco from bartenders) and both of us were salivating at how tasty. So fresh and a great starter. Also got the Smoked Caesar - liking the plate good. We are caesar snobs and this was at the top of the list. My husband ordered the Tempura Fried Shrimp Tacos (since he's GF and never gets tempura, he was super excited) and they were great - just enough of the shrimp flavor, sauce and cabbage - exactly what he was expecting. I got the pork chilorio tacos and they were so saucy, deep and yet balanced with the cucumber avo salsa. So yummy! Had to get the Elote as a side (again elote snobs) and my husband said he thinks that was the best thing he's ever eaten. We didnt take a picture of the churros - ate them too fast. Hubby loved them as well - so good with some ice cream on the side. I ordered an espresso martini with tequila (with salt on the edge) and it was perfect. Husband got a double espresso with lemon twist - he was pleased. Overall a great experience. Service stood out as a plus with our server being very attentive, on pace with us for service, cleaning up as we went. Loud, exciting environment. Probably difficult to be on a date and have a serious convo, more for fun and all about the food experience. About $200 for the two of us, with a little elote...

My recent visit to Colita in Minneapolis was nothing short of extraordinary, largely thanks to the impeccable service provided by Sydney Pansing. From the moment my party and I stepped through the door, Sydney's warm demeanor and attentiveness set the tone for what would be an unforgettable dining experience.

Colita's ambiance is inviting, with a contemporary yet cozy atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease. The menu, featuring modern Mexican cuisine with innovative twists, intrigued us, and Sydney was there every step of the way to guide us through the selections, offering insightful recommendations and answering all our questions with enthusiasm and expertise.

Throughout the evening, Sydney's attention to detail was truly remarkable. She ensured that our drinks were always topped up, our food arrived promptly, and each dish was presented beautifully. Her genuine passion for hospitality shone through in every interaction, making us feel valued and cared for as guests.

As for the food itself, it was exceptional. Every dish was a symphony of flavors, expertly crafted and beautifully plated. Highlights included the Tlayuda, with its perfectly crisp base and layers of savory toppings, and the Oaxacan Mole, a rich and complex masterpiece that left us craving more.

Sydney's professionalism and dedication to providing an exceptional dining experience were evident throughout our meal, and her personalized touch elevated our visit to Colita to something truly special. I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough, and Sydney Pansing's exceptional service only adds to its allure. If you find yourself in Minneapolis, do yourself a favor and pay a visit to Colita – and be sure to ask for Sydney!

Also, the bartender Zach Pham makes awesome custom drinks that taste like a pink lemonade gin with FLOWER PETALS! He also included super cool shaped ice cubes (spheres).

10/10 would recommend...