03/31/08

Disappointment numero uno...

by tasmanian

We were looking to give some out of towners a treat at an authentic Mexican Restaurant. But...

1) We made reservations, but they weren't honored. Apparently the person answering the phone doesn't know what's going on.

2) We were told we could eat at the cafe part of the market, but NOT told that we couldn't order beer or wine there, until it was too late.

3) The food was cold.

4) When one of our guests asked for guacamole she was told there wasn't any (what!!!? at a Mexican restaurant?) When a man in our party asked, they managed to find some.

We were sorely disappointed in this restaurant.

• Pros: Interesting place

06/24/07

Speak Spanish and get preferential treatment..

by diner651

I used to enjoy this place, but lately the staff have been shorting the portions on "Gringo" guests. Seeing the exact same thing being served to the person in front of me, but with larger portions, just because this person is Latino. I speak Spanish and the things the cooks and servers tell each other (in front of the customer no less!) about the person ordering is shocking! Rude and obnoxious behavior.

I only went back to this joint on the insistance of those in my eating party that absolutely wanted to see for themselves what I was talking about. After seeing (and hearing) for themselves, they decided to tell their friends to stay away from it also.

On a good day you will get a barely interested server who will drop your plate on the table and walk away from you as you ask for a drink. It's amazing to see the attitude change 180 degrees when you ask for something in Spanish. I also asked to speak to the manager in Spanish and the waitress became almost a human being again. She asked if we needed anything and asked how the food was. She filled out water glasses and stood near by in case we needed anything. Basically the things a server is supposed to do. The manager wasn't on duty, but you could see that the server was worried that I was going to complain to her boss about the things she had said about us and both the cook and the server were strangely quiet the rest of the meal. No more joking and laughing.

Avoid this place. At least until they work on the customer service and inappropriate behavior.

05/20/07

Amazing authentic Mexican food

by vinofile

Amazing authentic Mexican food.

This place is great there is a market, deli, fast food, as well as sit down full menu service. My daughter and I sat down at El Cafe. Our server quickly brought us chips and a salsa verde. It was hot just like I like it. The guacamole was fresh and wonderful. I had the tamale plater and it was great. The best I have had since living in AZ. It was so good after we were finished I went to the deli and purchased 6 tamales and a container of pico de gillo, as well as the salsa verde. The service was fast and friendly. We will definitely be back an bringing friends.

• Pros: Parking in the rear, Service, value, ambience
• Cons: you may not want to leave

08/21/06

Truly Mexican!

by mexican71

I've lived here all my life, this is it! Even with all the new business opening in TwinCities, they've remained authentic. Great food, we eat here all the time, (they seem to have very loyal clientele) We bring them new customers all the time, it's a great place, the people, the ambience, the decor, the smells, the music, I love coming here!

08/21/06

TRULY AUTHENTIC

by diaz3421

I love this place! It's great to know there are still business' that conserve authentic! Great that it's family owned, delicious food (my family comes 3-4times week!)great decor, music, smells, feels real!

• Pros: AMBIENCE, FAMILY, LIVELY
• Cons: PRODUCE

A hopping market serving heavenly authentic Mexican food with roots.

by Contributor

In Short
The hub of the Hispanic-Latino community in St. Paul, this is a full-service grocery store, bakery, gift shop and cafeteria, all in one very busy space. Huge, colorful pinatas twirl over the heads of West Side neighbors seated at small window-side tables, watching the view of bustling Concord Street. Most options are served with refried beans and well-spiced rice; all dishes are made to order and can include mild or hot shredded beef or chicken.

Editorial Review by Citysearch Editors

by Contributor

Landmark Latin American market and restaurant offers traditional fare, ingredients, atmosphere. Bakery, deli, produce, household items. Catering, daily lunch specials.