La Pena Authentic Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Saint Paul

I’m currently sitting in this establishment, and I would definitely feel remiss if I didn’t rave about this place. I mentioned I’d be sitting here for a while to study, then my server answered by moving a booth to ensure I have an outlet to charge my laptop while I’m here. The food? Wonderful. Service? Beyond. Atmosphere? Even though it’s my first time here, it feels so nostalgic. Just ask the newlywed couple who stopped in to take photos at a specific booth, the spot of their first date. I’ve never felt so welcome in a place I’ve never visited before. So glad that I came in, and I will...

I've eaten at probably 200 different Mexican restaurants and taco trucks and this is hands down the worst one I've ever tried. Tamales? Disgusting. A simple carne asada taco? Disgusting. Want some beans and rice? Ugh, how do you make that taste so bad? The "salsa" taste is basically catsup.

Chips and Jarritos were OK though. Looked at me like I was from another planet when I asked for horchatta.

*Edit The tamale was so bad I almost gagged. If you live in St Paul and are only familiar with that as a tamale,...

Dine in or carry out Authentic Mexican food. They serve fresh homemade tamales, tortas, chimichangas, enchiladas and the list goes on. They also have excellent tasting Pazole and Menudo which I prefer over many other restaurants, and their game day party boxes on the weekend are a ton of great food at a...