El Norteño Authentic Mexican — Restaurant in Minneapolis

That people think this is good Latin American food is depressing. That they think it is reasonably priced is astonishing. That they could recommend it with a straight face is a testament to ignorance.

The food at Norteno is devoid of flavor; they've boiled it out and seasoned it with a sprinkling of cilantro. The tortillas are clearly frozen and everything is overloaded in tomatoes and lettuce. None of the meats are spiced. The food is the epitome of fake Mexican for MInnesotans.

Prices are outlandish, particularly considering the use of clearly defrosted tortillas and vegetables. If they are fresh then they are serving terrible, terrible quality vegetables and have no idea how to make tortillas. A first small basket of tortilla chips--not themselves that bad, to be fair--are free, but subsequent baskets are $3 each. Entrees run from $9 to $13. Absolutely outlandish.

The service is adequate; on a down night we were asked our orders about fifteen minutes after sitting.

I am amazed that this restaurant has positive reviews. It's worth noting, everyone there was white. If you want good Latin American food, La Hacienda is on Lake and 1st and more than worth the drive. The food there is incredible; savory, spiced meats paired with fresh vegetables and perfect tortillas. Flautas are great. Prices are $4-$9. And the clientele are whom you'd expect to find at the best Latin American place in the cities, namely, Latinos and in-the-know Gringos.

What would it take for me to go back to Norteno? I can envision a scenario, say, if I were driving down Lake and my car had some profound mechanical failure, causing me to suddenly veer off the road and crash through the wall of Norteno. If this happened, I suppose it would be technically impossible for me to exit the car without entering Norteno, so I guess I would have returned. I'd leave quickly though, and try to get to La Hacienda so I could at least enjoy a last free man's meal while waiting for the police.

If you care about prices or quality of food,...

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...

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...