Latino culture in Mpls (Minneapolis, St. Paul: home, restaurants, price)

[VinceraVivere]

Hey all,

I'm pretty new to the area - I'm here for the summer, just moved in from VA. I spent the past 4 months studying in central america and have really come to miss the whole hispanic culture - I need some Spanish back in my life! I was wondering if you all could direct me to some areas in town where there are restaurants and especially dance clubs that cater to Latinos (salsa music, etc) where I'm likely to be the only white face. I've spent a few lunch hours in the mercado central on Lake st and Bloomington, which I've come to like - I'm not much for the global market, as it caters more to upperclass white people and is fairly overpriced. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Sarah

[northstar22]

The "West Side" of St. Paul - which is actually the south side of the city - is heavily Hispanic. Midtown Mpls also has a lot of Hispanics.

[MN55]

^Yea, the section of St Paul south of the river (known as the West Side), atleast to my knowledge, is the largest area of Hispanic culture in the Twin Cities. Their large Cinco de Mayo parade and festival just finished, but that is always a source of good food. Check the area out.

But yea, MSP seems to be one of the least Hispanic influenced major cities in the country along with Boston, Portland, and Seattle.

[ColdRedRain]

Minneapolis doesn't really have a sizable Hispanic population compared to Saint Paul. Try going east of the river instead.

[Cruz Azul Guy]

The Westside of St. Paul is home to the older Hispanic population. The more recent Hispanic immigrants seem to be gathering more heavily in South Minneapolis, Richfield, and East Bloomington. There also seems to be a growing population and increasingly more Latino businesses in Northeast Minneapolis. I bet when the new census comes out there will be as many Latinos in Minneapolis as there are in St. Paul, if not more.

For Latin dancing, the places you'll want to check out are Conga Latin Bistro, Loring Pasta Bar (both in Dinkytown), First Avenue on Thursday nights and Jun Bo in Richfield. The largest Latino nightclub and concert hall in the Twin Cities is Nuevo Rodeo off of E Lake St in Longfellow. Just as a warning, you'd be sticking out like a sore thumb if you don't show up there decked out in Mexican Norteño attire. There are several shops along East Lake St where you can get outfitted for a night out there.

[VinceraVivere]

Thanks for all the replies so far - I just went to the Loring pasta bar this weekend and had a good time, though it was ridiculously crowded - are all the nightclubs like that? And do you have any shops in particular you'd recommend for clothes shopping? Pretty much all I have in my closet as of now are riding jeans and plaid shirts.....typical country girl

[Cruz Azul Guy]

Originally Posted by VinceraVivere

Thanks for all the replies so far - I just went to the Loring pasta bar this weekend and had a good time, though it was ridiculously crowded - are all the nightclubs like that? And do you have any shops in particular you'd recommend for clothes shopping? Pretty much all I have in my closet as of now are riding jeans and plaid shirts.....typical country girl

Wow, yeah, we had the same experience the last time we went to Loring. Regardless of the style or price range for clothes shopping you should find everything you need in the Mall of America.

[golfgal]

Jeans are pretty much the wardrobe norm around here too. Most people don't go too far overboard with clothes here.

[Ben Around]

Originally Posted by flyingwriter

The "West Side" of St. Paul - which is actually the south side of the city - is heavily Hispanic. Midtown Mpls also has a lot of Hispanics.

True, but it is on the West Side of the river. Took me years to figure that one out! Always seemed to me that Highland, Mac-Grove, Merriam Pk. and St Anthony should be called the "west side".

One of St Paul's quirks, I guess.