taco tour minneapolis

StarTribune

Lake street taco tour in minneapolis aims to highlight the area's culinary riches.

The landscape of Lake Street looks a little different today than it did in 2014, when the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) first held its popular Taco Tour.

Back then, the event drew more than a thousand people eager to sample Lake Street's culinary wealth, including sizzling carnitas, zesty chorizo and juicy al pastor. The goal was to make this an annual event, but economic challenges put the festivities on hold long before civil unrest changed the neighborhood.

Now the tour returns on Sept. 24 with more tacos, more fun and an opportunity for the city to reacquaint itself with one of Minneapolis' most famous thoroughfares.

"There are traditions that are clear for everyone," said Henry Jiménez, executive director and president of the LEDC. "Everyone has their own family traditions. We think of the Taco Tour as part of our tradition."

It's also an opportunity for the group, which started in 1999 as a way to help Latino entrepreneurs, to highlight Lake Street and support its small, BIPOC-owned businesses.

"East Lake Street is a magnet for anybody who loves food," Jiménez said. "If you love Lake Street, you love food."

The first Taco Tour was an effort to promote many of the area's Latin-owned restaurants, and 10 restaurants participated. Some hired entertainers, while shuttles drove hungry attendees from spot to spot. Luchadores roamed the street, pausing to pose for photos. The LEDC deemed the event a success, with restaurants and diners enthusiastically relaying positive experiences and a new or renewed love of Lake Street.

It seemed like an auspicious beginning for a perennial celebration of this taco hub, but after a few years the annual event was put on indefinite hold. Then history arrived on their doorsteps. The pandemic closed businesses. George Floyd was murdered and people marched. The unrest that followed was broadcast internationally, and E. Lake Street's reputation became more sinister than its current reality, where on any given day there are families waiting to hop on the Route 21 bus, workers taking a midday break outside a food truck, cars bumping to music and passersby pausing to take in colorful murals.

Businesses eventually took down the plywood protecting their windows, pandemic restrictions were eased and most restaurants resurfaced. Old favorites like Manny's Tortas returned with renewed vigor. New restaurants like El Guanaco, a Salvadoran pupuseria, opened on the street.

This year's Taco Tour will feature more than two dozen restaurants and taco trucks along a milelong stretch of Lake Street. The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with food available for purchase at participating restaurants. Expect a family-friendly day: In addition to perhaps sharing some birria from Las Cuatro Milpas with the kids, there will be music and activities like bounce houses, face painting and a taco eating contest, all at the U.S. Bank parking lot (919 E. Lake St.).

"The taco tour is a way to show what your commitment to your community," said Jiménez. "If we don't support these businesses we can't support and continue these traditions."

East Lake Street Taco Tour

When: Sept. 24, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Lake Street between Clinton and 19th avenues.

Cost: Free to participate, plus the cost of food at the restaurants

Getting there: Organizers suggest biking or taking mass transit. Metro Transit is offering free hop-on/hop-off rides on the Route 21 bus that traverses Lake Street.

More info: ledcmn.org

Joy Summers is a St. Paul-based food reporter who has been covering Twin Cities restaurants since 2010. She joined the Star Tribune in 2021. 

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The Lake Street Taco Tour returns

Meat and onions sizzle on the grill at El Poblanito on East Lake Street in Minneapolis. One of the women working in the kitchen uses a spatula to flip the meat and separate the onion. The other woman makes a red salsa. The aroma is rich and intense as it hits the senses. There’s no need to taste it to know it’s hot.

Earlier this summer, El Poblanito celebrated 23 years in business. Co-owner Cesar Morales said the past two years haven’t been easy for the business founded by his father. 

And there was a time after the unrest following the police murder of George Floyd, they seriously considered moving from Lake Street. Morales said he understands that people want to feel safe and secure.

“But the thing is, if we leave we’re going to abandon Lake Street. And all that hard work we put into this street is going to go out the window. So we were like, ‘We’re going to tough it out. We’re going to stay.’ This is our history. They’re not going to kick us out,” Morales said.

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El Poblanito, like other businesses, also saw sales go down because of the pandemic. And it was vandalized during the riots that followed the Floyd murder.

But the day following the riots and vandalism, Morales said something incredible happened.

“The next day, we saw the whole community come together, people that we haven’t seen in a long time, came over to help us out,” he said.

El Poblanito not only stayed, but on Saturday, Sept. 24, it will be part of the self-guided Taco Tour along East Lake Street between Clinton Avenue and 19th Avenue, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Taco Tour returns after a five year hiatus, said Henry Jimenez, executive director of the Latino Economic Development Center — which sponsors the event.

The event is a way to give back and help the many Latino businesses along Lake Street, Jimenez said.

“We know that these very same entrepreneurs are the reason why Lake Street has been revitalized in the last 20 to 30 years. And the last two and a half years have been difficult for everybody,” Jimenez said.

He said now is the time for everyone to come and support these businesses.

“Lake Street is an important economic corridor, not just for Minneapolis, but really for the entire state and the region,” Jimenez said.

Taking part in the Taco Tour is simple. Head to Lake Street and look for the big pink signs that say “Arriba Los Tacos.” 

This indicates that a restaurant is participating. Some may have Taco Tour specials or people can just order from the menu.

But Jimenez said don’t let a lack of a sign stop you from exploring the other businesses.

“Don't be afraid to go into another restaurant as well. We want to encourage people to come get a taco, but you might want to get some dessert next door. You might want to get your nails done while you're here. There's so much on Lake Street. I always tell people once you come to Lake Street you get everything you ever would want,” he said.

On Saturday, people will be able to buy a sampling of tacos — and other foods — from several restaurants. Although it’s a self-guided event, Jimenez encourages people to register at ledcmn.org so the organization can plan for the event, and make sure they have enough resources available.

In addition to the food, there will be several activities for the entire family. Jimenez said there may even be a taco eating contest.

During the Taco Tour, Morales said people who stop in his restaurant will have a choice of tacos with three different types of meat, in addition to other items from the menu.

But with so many tacos to choose from, what makes a taco from El Poblanito stand out? It’s the tortilla, Morales said.

“We make our own tortillas here. We cook and grind our own corn — we don’t bring them frozen from other places. We also make tacos a mano which is masa from the same corn that we cook. And so that’s what makes our tacos a little bit special apart from our special seasoning that we add to our meats,” Morales said.

Vicki Adame covers Minnesota’s Latino communities for MPR News via  Report for America , a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues and communities.

Home » Hit the Road » Tales From the Road » Taste Authentic Mexican Eats at the Lake Street Taco Tour

TASTE AUTHENTIC MEXICAN EATS AT THE LAKE STREET TACO TOUR

Sample tacos and other traditional fare from 10 Mexican eateries in Minneapolis on August 6

Photo by  grinchh/Fotolia

By Claire Noack

Whoever says you can’t find global cuisine in the Twin Cities needs to take a stroll down our Latino food district in South Minneapolis . Lined with local taquerias, Lake Street is home to some of the best Mexican food in the Midwest.

In celebration of our Latino community and everyone’s love of tacos, the fourth annual  Taco Tour on Lake Street returns Aug. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Starting at the Minneapolis K-Mart on West Lake Street, walk, bike or ride in the Taco Tour shuttle between 10 participating Mexican eateries. Stuff yourself silly with authentic cuisine from sopes and burritos to handmade chips and, of course, tacos.

Bigger (and more filling) than ever, the Taco Tour will include an additional restaurant this year, along with live music, art, dance performances and more. With more than 3,500 visitors last year, lines are to be expected, but feasting on the diverse flavors from savory to spicy at each taco shop makes the wait worth it every time.

Support the  Latino Economic Development Center  by officially registering online for the Taco Tour with a $2 fee and voluntary donation. With your ticket purchase, visitors are treated with a few free taco coupons to redeem at any of the 10 restaurants. You can also look forward to picking up free Jarritos and samples along the tour. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to soak up the last weeks of summer while filling your belly with authentic eats from local Twin Cities businesses.

Participating Restaurants

• El Chinelo Supermercado
• El Nuevo Rodeo
• La Loma Tamales
• La Mexicana Supermercado
• Las Mojarras Restaurant
• Salsa a la Salsa
• Sonora Grill
• Taqueria La Hacienda
• Taqueria Los Ocampo

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Lake Street Taco Tour

Sep 24, 2022 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Taqueria Los Ocampo 801 E. Lake St. , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55407

August 9, 2022

The Lake Street Taco Tour is a day full of nonstop flavor and fun with the tacos from Lake Street's finest taquerias, cafes, and restaurants.

Celebrate Lake Street's return and support Latinx- and immigrant-owned small businesses while getting your smack on. 

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Taco Tour returns to Lake Street

A celebration of Latino culture is coming to Lake Street this weekend. The Taco Tour is back in Minneapolis Saturday October 21st from 11am - 4pm. The event features more than 20 Latino-owned businesses. It takes place along Lake Street between 3rd Street and 20th Street.

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Taco Tour returns to Lake Street in Minneapolis

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Taco Tour serves up authentic fare

One street. Two-and-a-half thousand attendees. Too many tacos. As if.

On Sunday, nine local Latino restaurants participated in the third annual Taco Tour on Lake Street; Harriet Brewing hosted an after party for those not completely stuffed after the day’s events.

Originally conceived through a grant from the City of Minneapolis Great Streets neighborhood business program, the event — coordinated by the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) — receives less city funding each year due to its growing popularity and self-sustainability.

Alberto Monseratte is the Co-Founder CEO of NewPublica, a local public relations and strategic communications firm that assists with event promotions. Last year more than 2,500 people attended the tour, a record broken at this year’s event.

“People kept showing up on bikes,” Monseratte said. “We know that tacos are very popular in Minnesota, and we’re hoping to match that interest with the genuine tacos that have been here for a long time.”

Throughout the tour, participants familiarized themselves with the traditional fare. Although employees moved fast, the line for Taco Taxi was consistent. With five options in front of me I asked for a recommendation; in no time at all I was grasping a steaming taco de cabeza. I took a bite, enamored by the spices and flavors. Those around me nodded in approval; they knew the taco’s magic, especially to someone raised on southern Minnesota public-school soft shells.

Restaurants each donate about 300 free tacos to the tour. This year, there were “only” about 3,000 free tacos available. A number of “one free taco” cards are handed out to registered participants; each person gets to try offerings from a few different restaurants.

“People usually leave pretty full,” Monseratte said.

Karl Dischinger, a first-time tour participant, was the quintessential  taco devotee.

With one stop left on the tour, Dischinger was “nine or 10” tacos in. (I, for one, only made it to three.) His favorite was the tender tongue taco from La Mexicana Supermercado.

“Usually I just drive down the street, so it’s great to be on ground level. You discover things you’d never see otherwise,” Dischinger said.

At the event’s registration area — the Lake Street K-Mart parking lot — parents pushed strollers, and friends chatted excitedly as they waited for the next shuttle. The Hub  set up shop with free bike check-ups. Tinder matches found each other among the crowd — for foodies, it was a perfect first date.

It wasn’t all tacos, though. Many restaurants provided other tasty treats. At La Mexicana Supermercado, 218 tres leches samples were gobbled up by 1:30 p.m. A little sample of tepache wasn’t enough for many participants at A La Salsa, who decided to order full glasses after downing their free samples.

With potato-filled taquito samples going fast, Oscar Reyes, owner of Las Mojarras Restaurant, decided to whip up some tacos of his own in front of attendees. As third-year participants, his daughters Viviana and Vanessa kept excellent watch over the taquito line they had contributed to; Viviana made the green salsa, and Vanessa made mango.

Taking a much-deserved break, Viviana took a big bite of a taquito.

“Is it good?” someone asked. Her grin was the best — and purest — advertising ploy. The patron smiled back and ordered another.

Soon, the Jarritos Luchador ran into the restaurant for a photo with the family.

“You need to work out,” Reyes said, squeezing one of the Luchador’s arms before getting back to work. Jarritos provided major funding for the event, handing out their beloved sodas for free at every tour stop.

Valentina Hidalgo-Mendoza, an intern at LEDC this summer, said this year’s tour was her first, though she has been to many of the restaurants before.

“What I’m really happy about is that all different kinds of people are here,” Hidalgo-Mendoza said. “Food brings everyone together, and it’s opening doors to this side of  Minneapolis.”

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Where to Eat Tacos in Minneapolis and St. Paul Right Now

Tender lengua, smoky chicken tinga, and crispy tacos dorados

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The Twin Cities’ taco scene is more dynamic today than ever. From long-established spots like El Burrito Mercado and Las Cuatros Milpas to pop-up and takeout transformations like Yeah Yeah Tacos and Oro by Nixta, Minneapolis and St. Paul have no shortage of stellar options. Stop by one of the essential taco spots on this list to get your fill of tangy al pastor, carne asada, or carnitas — or try something unique, like charred cauliflower or grilled cactus. Here’s a slice of the Cities’ excellent taco scene, mapped geographically as always.

The Ponce family’s La Tapatia, first founded as a food truck, is now Roseville’s go-to taco restaurant. This menu highlights the cuisine of Guadalajara, the capital city of Jalisco — taco options range from savory lengua to tangy chicken tinga, served street-style, Cali-style, or Tejano-style (with cotija, crema, and pico de gallo).

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Taqueria Los Paisanos

Located in east St. Paul, Taqueria Los Paisanos serves stellar tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas from its bright orange-and-yellow East 7th Street storefront. Stop in for birria, chorizo tacos, or al pastor tacos, or for savory consomé con carne.

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Where to Get Takeout Tacos in the Twin Cities

El Burrito Mercado

El Burrito Mercado  sits in a sun-drenched spot on Cesar Chavez Street in St. Paul. Since owners Tomas and Maria Silva opened in 1979, the restaurant and market, now run by daughters Milissa Silva-Diaz and Suzanne Silva, and granddaughter Analita, has become a pillar of Mexican cuisine in the Cities. Come for happy hour on Tuesday and get $2 tacos or breakfast tacos, stuffed with eggs and chorizo.

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Adrian Ramirez’s West Saint Paul institution Taco Libre has been serving both classic street tacos and vegetarian options on Robert Street since 2015 (it has expanded since then, but this is the original spot). Try the mushroom tacos, served with queso fresco, or the picadillo (ground beef with potato) — though Taco Libre’s most famous dish is the machete, an 18-inch taco stuffed with meat and oozy cheese.

Where to Find Birria and Quesabirria Tacos Around the Twin Cities

El Sazon Tacos & More

El Sazon serves some of the Cities’ finest tacos from inside an Eagan gas station . Don’t miss the pork belly chicharrón taco, tender and fatty and crowned with purple cabbage, queso fresco, and salsa ranchera, all over a fresh smear of guacamole. Owners Karen and chef Cristian De Leon’s newest restaurant, El Sazon Cocina & Tragos , offers equally stellar tacos in south Minneapolis.

If you order one thing at Pajarito, make it the alambre tacos, which come two per order. Beef and bacon bits are heaped over a sheet of crispy cheese, then topped with bright salsa verde. Save room for mezcal butterscotch bread pudding.

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El Taco Riendo

A neighborhood favorite on Central Avenue in Northeast, Miguel Gomez’s El Taco Riendo rose from the ashes after a fire almost burned it down in 2020. The savory chicharron tacos are a great bet — though it’s hard to beat the restaurant’s tangy, smoky, radish-topped tinga de pollo tacos, best paired with an ice-cold horchata.

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Oro by Nixta Tortilleria

Chefs Gustavo and Kate Romero’s restaurant  preserves and celebrates  heirloom corn varieties, have suffered in recent decades due to hybridization and industrial tortilla production. These heirloom blue, pink, and yellow corn tortillas are loaded with roasted cauliflower in peanut mole; lengua with chile de arbol; and, seasonally, soft shell crab with squid ink tempura kimchi. Save room for a sweet tamal de pina at the end of the meal.

Yeah Yeah Taco

During the pandemic, the owners of Zetta’s, a flatbread sandwich restaurant, opened Yeah Yeah Tacos as a pop-up, and eventually fully devoted themselves to taco slinging. Yeah Yeah’s menu is simple, but quality. Try the pork shoulder, tossed in a shagbark bacon glaze, or the veggie, a mix of elote, sweet potato, and radish.

Where to Eat on Minneapolis’s Eat Street Corridor

Valerie's Taqueria Inc

Valerie’s Taqueria, a cozy spot just south of Eat Street, is a neighborhood favorite for fresh sopes, tamales, and, of course, tacos. The Aguirre family serves their tacos — from lengua to carnitas to milanesa — street-style or norteno. Try the cecina: thin-sliced, salt-cured skirt steak that’s lightly grilled. Save room for churros and ice cream.

Pineda Tacos Plus

One of the finest of Lake Street’s taco spots, Luis Reyes Rojas’ Pineda Tacos is a great spot for hard-shell tacos, if that’s your jam — otherwise, try the bistec a la Mexicana served acorazado-style with jalapenos and onions.

The Best Tacos Del Sol

Swing through Lake Street’s Mercado Central for tacos at Tacos Del Sol, where owner Emilio Escobar dishes up juicy, tender al pastor tacos — or go for the tripa, best paired with horchata or an ice-cold bottle of Jarritos.

Taqueria y birrieria las cuatro milpas

Regarded as the first restaurant to bring birria tacos to Minneapolis and St. Paul, Las Cuatro Milpas is a mainstay of East Lake Street’s food corridor. Chef and owner Hector Hernandez, originally of Mexico’s Zacatecas state, serves cups of hot lamb, beef, and goat birria stew — the birria and quesabirra tacos are a must, and the pizzabirria, loaded with generous amounts of cheese, is worth trying.

Taqueria Las Cañadas

Tucked inside Winner Gas Station on Cedar Avenue, Taqueria Las Cañadas serves a full menu of tacos, tortas, and more. Pair carne asada tacos with a bowl of birria — owner Juan Tirado buys the whole goat and butchers it himself.

Tacos El Kevin

Saturnina Valdez and Estevan Olivares’ Tacos El Kevin has been recognized by critics and customers alike as one of the best taco spots in Minneapolis, Try a plate of the carne asada, served with whole grilled green onions, and pair it with an elote and sliced mango.

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Lito's burritos.

Lito’s might be best-known for its namesake burritos , but Miguel Hernandez also dishes up killer breakfast tacos — think 12-hour smoked brisket with a fried egg and chile de arbol, or quesabirria tacos oozing cheese. Keep an eye on Instagram for specials.

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Andale Taqueria

Andale Taqueria made  an appearance  on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2020, when Guy Fieri featured chefs and owners Fernando Mellado-Barboza and Jorge Rangel Castro’s al pastor tacos, their marinade made with dense blocks of achiote paste, guajillo peppers, cumin, and orange juice. The carne asada tacos are another favorite.

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Taco Tour on Lake Street 2024

Mark Your Calendars for

Saturday, september 14 2024.

LEDC is bringing Taco Tour to Lake Street again in 2024!

Featuring Latino-owned businesses on Lake Street in South Minneapolis, LEDC’s 2024 Taco Tour on Lake Street is set to celebrate one of Minnesota’s treasured and thriving multicultural communities, enriched with Latino food and culture.

11 AM to 4 PM

Lake street between clinton ave & 19th ave s.

• Add Taco Tour event to your Calendar

Event FREE to attend Support local taquerias On a self-guided tour Enjoy Cultural events Family friendly activities

¡Arriba Los Tacos!

Questions interested in sponsoring next event.

Contact Caitlin Skinner ,  Director of Advancement.

• 612-724-5332
• [email protected]

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Please visit the rest of our website for more information about our services, projects, accomplishments, and how you can join LEDC.

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