Carne Asada Burritos (Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington: taxi, live, restaurants)

[IloveOC]

Hi - I am wondering if anyone can recommend a good Mexican restaurant in the area that has authenic Carne Asada Burritos?

I grew up in Southern California and while reading the San Diego forum, someone had asked for a recipe. I had never heard of them so did a little research. If anyone has had any locally, could you let me know where? I would love to try them.

Thanks.

[Explorer John]

I'm not positive that both of these sell carne asada burritos, but El Burrito Mercado and Boca Chica have authentic food. Both are on St. Paul's West Side on Cesar Chavez St. Pretty sure you can check both menus online.

[Cruz Azul Guy]

There are two places where you are going to find fairly authentic Mexican cuisine:

St. Paul's West Side - Generally speaking Cesar Chavez St. Check out Boca Chica, El Burrito Mercado, Mi Tierra, El Almanecer.

Midtown Minneapolis - E. Lake St. Check out Taqueria La Hacienda, Mercado Central, La Poblanita, Taqueria Los Ocampo, Las Mojarras, Las Tapatias. If you're into a Cantina type of environment you may want to check out La Que Buena.

Now, back to your question. First off, burritos are more tex-mex than authentic Mexican, although I guess you can get them in the northern parts. Where I lived in Mexico (Morelos, near Mexico City) burritos don't exist. Secondly, carne asada literally translates to grilled meat, which is very vague. I couldn't pinpoint exactly what kind of meat you're talking about, so I'm just going to recommend the best burrito joint in town - Piñeda Tacos. There are two of them on E. Lake St in Minneapolis, one just on the east side of 35W and another one next to the Subway in the retail wedge on the north side of Lake and just west of Hiawatha Ave. I've seen another place on Robert St. called Piñeda but I'm not 100% sure it's the same place. Anyways, picture a Chipotle with real Mexican ingredients and beverages. I don't know what they have for carne asada but they have pastor, carnitas, barbacoa, tinga, etc. It's probably you're best bet.

EDIT: I decided to do a google search "carne asada minneapolis" and found that there is apparently a restaurant called "Carne Asada" on or near the Lake/Chicago intersection. I don't remember ever seeing this, can anybody confirm this place exists? If it does, you should go there.

[DaPerpKazoo]

Originally Posted by Slig

Midtown Minneapolis - Mercado Central

Gotta' vouch for that place being the most authentic mexican food I've ever had in my entire life. Love it.

[Cruz Azul Guy]

Agreed, Mercado Central is awesome. In one central location you will find:
-panadería
-pozoleria
-fresh tamales
-fresh liquados
-dulceria with all the popular Mexican candy
-carniceria, nothing better than fresh Mexican style meats

On the west section of the market there are about 6 different restaurants with a central area with tables an chairs, kind of a mall style. We often go there on Saturday or Sunday afternoons for Pozole.

[IloveOC]

Thanks guys - I am going to check all the suggestions out and try a few. The people in San Diego said that the Carne Asada is a marrinated flater cut of meat. It is grilled and sliced rather thin and put on a tortilla. Most out there agree that they like theirs with a little guac. I think I would prefer sliced avacodo's - I don't like to ruin the flavor by adding things and smashing them up.

I want to find out more about the Mercado Central and go there too,

Thanks again.

[DaPerpKazoo]

It's on 28th & Nicollet.

[Cruz Azul Guy]

Mercado Central is on Bloomington Ave and E Lake St. I'm not sure what you're referring to on 28th and Nicollet. Off the top of my head there are a couple Asian places, namely Quangs. There is a Mexican bar/restaurant on 24th and Nicollet called Pancho Villa's but I question the authenticity there. It's a better place to go to down Mexican beer and listen to karaoke of Vicente Fernandez and Joan Sebastian songs.

[DaPerpKazoo]

Well, seeing as Mercado Central clearly means "Central Market", it wouldn't be too ridiculous for there to be multiple Mexican joints that go by that name.

Regardless, there is a Mexican supermarket on 28th & Nicollet (on the Northwest corner) called Mercado Central, it shares its space with Marissa's Bakery, a Mexican bakery. And that's what I was referring to when I said Mercado Central is the most authentic Mexican I've ever had.

[Cruz Azul Guy]

No, trust me. If you ask 100 Mexicans in Minneapolis where Mercado Central is all 100 of them will point you to the Mercado Central on Bloomington and Lake. The only Mexican restaurant I can find on 28th and Nicollet is a restaurant called "El Mariachi" which has the same address as Marissa's bakery (2750 Nicollet Ave). I ate at a restaurant there back in 2006 and it was comparable to Taco Taxi, aka subpar at best, I believe there were tacos, tortas and alambres on the menu. It may or may not have been the same joint you're referring to.