El Sazon Cocina & Tragos — Restaurant in Minneapolis

We stopped here after plans for another nearby restaurant fell through. We lived just across the street, so were excited to try it out. After coming in and politely asking about a table, our group (4 adults and baby/toddler) was met with exasperation. We were told, "We're kind of a reservation business." They ended up having a 4 top open, but it was reserved for later - they said we could sit there if we thought we could be out in (an hour). Yes... That should be fine. It was a head scratcher. Then, knowing we had littles, and having been a server myself, I said, let's just order everything up front to get stuff moving and we'll keep it simple. A side of rice/beans/queso app for the little and 2 tacos for me and 2 tacos for my husband. Our friends ordered 2 entrees. Most of the food came out after about 20 minutes - not bad at all for a Sat - but then, my tacos didn't show up. I asked the server after 5 minutes about my food and was told she had forgotten that part of the order. Totally understandable. But then, nearly a half hour later and I still didn't have the tacos. I just ate the chips and cheese and politely asked the bus person if they could confirm if the tacos were still coming. They said they'd find my server and checked, confirming they were still on their way out. No one ever asked if the food was good or if anyone needed anything else. Finally, our group was done, kids packed up and THEN the tacos came out as we were getting the bill. No offer to comp anything, but I did ask and they modified the check. Re. the food, I'm glad to see they have some great reviews because there were some good parts to the meal. In general, I would note that some of the dishes were lacking in the basics. The rice was very dry, queso came with mushrooms on top, which I usually love, but it was just not a flavor that made sense when you're looking for queso. It had nearly no distinguishable flavor, even while having churrizo throughout. Just very lightly salty; no heat whatsoever. I think the oaxaca was too mild to add anything. Texture was good would have been better with more salsa mexicana or cojita. Chips were very greasy and needed finishing with salt. Our friend's drink - chapulin colorado (passion fruit/roasted pineapple/chamoy/agave) - tased like a regular margarita, which was still good, but I think illustrated the experience with the foods (we had); too general of flavor. All so even that nothing stood out. You can tell by the menu that they really are aiming for an elevated experience based on the flavor profiles, so I'm hoping we get to try it again soon with better luck. The shrimp tacos that finally came home with us "to-go" were lovely. Perfectly fried and with a nicely seasoned batter, crisp cabbage and nice sauces (chipotle and tamarind), warm corn tortillas. The sauces were great overall. Beans were very nice and reminded me of Brazil. Some of the decor was really confusing and does not feel elevated (the plastic umbrellas and the farmhouse style signs and vase silhouette pictures). Would love to see this become a long term fixture in the hood, so I hope it continues to develop and find...

The horchata is not what you would expect It’s kind of bitter and bland(may taste different with once they get liquor license). Service was okay but server seemed over tasked and she maybe new to serving. Too many people coming to me to ask if I needed anything so it seems uncoordinated which may disturb your meal. Should have a floor manager to pay attention to customers with social questions and keeping water full. Also, waitress needs to have a tablet or ticket. She kept having to come back to tables because she was trying to remember what the order was. The ceviche and Asada Taco were excellent and the Carnitas Taco is like any other carnitas I have at most Mexican places. The Chicken Burrito has good but not moist. They use white chicken breast which is hard to get that extra fat for moisture. The atmosphere is kind on confusing the front hostess area seems out of place and really low and they should give more tasks to the hostess so she isn’t standing around awkwardly. The tables are kind of odd, you have linen napkins but on top of non-linen tables which gives confusion of being a Chipotle or higher end restaurant. The flooring tile would have been nicer with hardwood and the community Table is too high and seems odd. The table layouts are weird should steer away from 2 people tables for 4+ people go with longer table. The neighborhood is highly family oriented for a 5 mile radius so bigger tables in the center and 2 seaters on the edges or front seems more logical. The community table is too high and maybe an awkward experience sitting high stools. Should work on table and lighting for more intimacy. Overall, the food is great and things may change since they...

MY GOOOOD! THIS PLACE IS SUCH A GEM!!!!!

I went for dinner yesterday with my partner, and besides the fact that we ate SUCH DELICIOUS meals, we also had a great time with the environment at this spot. We were once before for brunch and my God it just keeps getting better and better.

To the owners: as a Latino I appreciate how you have elevated our cuisine, and genuinly admire the incredible work you are doing through all the passion and dedication that you transmit to every dish, drink, and attention.

I am a big foodie, and can't recommend this palce enough. On top, what a nice gesture from the chef to try and deliver personally the main dish if he has the chance to do so (although tbh, I saw him doing it multiple times... the energy and dedication is unique on this team)

Keep rocking and killing it! As long as we are in the Twin Cities, we will keep coming back to this place over and over again!

Also... hats off to the mixologist. This is prob. ONE OF THE FEW PLACES in the twin cities were I think it is REALLY worth doing cocktails (sorry Spoon and Stable, you are SOOO OVERRATED compared to the bar here... so truly creative and tasty). I only do the comparison as magazines often regard S&S as the best cocktail bar in town... but whoever does the rankings YOU GOTTA HAVE THIS PLACE ON UNDISPUTED NO.1!

What we tried: -Tuetano as an app (taste and presentation woaaah) -NY Steak (So creative to put it on something like a big oval shaped sope... hats off!) -Drinks: Chapulin Colorado and Hibiscus Mezcalita (BOTH FIRE) -Churros: Cherry on top for an...