El Sazon is amazing and a gem in the community. This is everything you want in a small business in your local community, a feeling like you're going over a relatives home. Exceptional, personal service, passionate cooking, warm and inviting atmosphere. The owners Chef Cristian and wife Karen are absolutely amazing and the sweetest. I'd been previously for various events, but this was the first trip just for a casual pop in and dinner. Went for nachos as a table, I snagged a birria burrito bowl, and we had a churro cheesecake for dessert. Chefs, absolute, kiss. You can taste the passion. There's a lot in the back for parking, and pricing is more than fair if not, a killer value in my opinion. Definitely check them out! read more

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The milanesa was tasty. Food is great. It's a shame no beer. The personnel was friendly read more

I'm not exaggerating when I say the shrimp burrito at El Sazón might have altered the course of my life. I've eaten a lot of burritos around Minneapolis, St. Paul, Eagan--you name it--but nothing has ever come close to this masterpiece. The only hiccup was the ordering process. They really want you to order through a QR code, which threw me off for a second. It's not the most intuitive setup, and I definitely had a "wait... am I doing this right?" moment. But once the order was in, everything turned around fast. The service was smooth, friendly, and the food came out quicker than I expected. And that shrimp burrito? Unreal. The tortilla was warm and perfectly toasted, the sauce had that rich, savory kick that makes you pause mid‑bite, and the shrimp... there were so many I genuinely lost count. No filler, no fluff--just pure shrimp glory from start to finish. If you're anywhere near Minneapolis and even remotely into shrimp, get yourself to El Sazón. That burrito deserves its own fan club. read more

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The once vibrant restaurant has now become a sad shell of itself. However the food has remained the same. You now order from a kiosk or QR code. It was sad to see my guest and I being 1 of 2 tables at 6:30pm. I feel like the churros we ordered may have been a double order cause there was a lot. read more

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Came here tonight for restaurant week after making a last-minute reservation for 5 PM. This was my first time coming to this restaurant, but I had heard so many great things, I just had to try it when I found out they were doing MN RW! My partner got the queso (he said it was the best queso he's ever had, which says a lot, he really likes the stuff!). I had the guacamole which was fresh and tasted like they used high quality ingredients. I was getting full just off of the appetizer round but next we both had the Birria ramen (10000/10 recommend) this was the best Birria ramen I've had hands down, ever! So flavorful, the consommé tasted just like you would expect but throw in the ramen noodles and other ingredients, perfection! We then finished the dessert round with churros that came with Dulce de leche sauce and a Mexican hot chocolate. We both left soooo full, so satisfied, and truly thinking we found our next favorite Mexican restaurant. They even told us about this Thursday date night deal where you get one app, two entrees, and a dessert for $70. RW here was $40 per person and so so worth it. I will definitely be back to El Sazon! read more

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The service here was excellent we were warmly greeted upon arrival and quickly seated. We ordered chips and bunch of salsa to try while deciding on our entrees. Awesome chips and all the salsas were phenomenal. I ordered the short rib burrito for my entree and my wife ordered the camarones. Let me tell you when I say our meals were generous portions I mean it. We ate maybe half of our meals and took the rest home for lunch the next day. A lot of times a large meal like the burrito is more filling than tasty, but it is not the case here. On a sad note they are halting service so if you want a delicious meal scoot over here soon! read more

I really enjoyed my meal here! We started with the chips and salsas, i really enjoyed trying all of the different kinds. We also got the ceviche which was perfect for summer and delicious. My boyfriend ordered their short rib burrito and wow it is huge! You definitely get your moneys worth, it also was one of the best burritos we've ever had. I got the pork shank and it was amazing! The service was very friendly. I would definitely return. read more

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Everything!!!! The owners, the ambiance, the FOOD!!! I had the enchiladas with 3 of them with chicken, covered in a Suiza sauce. Also on the plate were their delicious beans and rice. When I took that first bite, I was completely amazed!!! I hadn't really had good Mexican food until I ate this!! For $17, I got 3 meals out of it! We also had the chips with amazing salsas and that was delicious too!! My husband got the Short Rib Birria and that was just also really delicious!! We had a great conversation with one of the owners, Zoilo Ruacho, and he was so gracious and such a wonderful person! I have found my new favorite restaurant!!! I recommend El Sazon to everyone! read more

El Sazon Cocina & Tragos - This is the Short Rib Birria...correct me if I'm wrong. - Tacos Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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A little overpriced, better than decent ambiance. Food was good, nothing spectacular. Love the presentation. Service was standard and accommodating. Would recommend read more

El Sazon Cocina & Tragos - A lovely looking quesiidilla, or however you spell it - Tacos Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

This restaurant was recommended from a coworker and definitely didn't disappoint. I made a reservation for my birthday dinner. We waited maybe 5 minutes for a table. Once we were seated the staff was friendly and helpful. They have a very interesting menu and everything looked good. We started with the elote and chips and salsa. Both were really good and the server added an extra elote so we could each have one. All of the margaritas were really good. I got the enchiladas suizas and holy buckets I think they are the best enchiladas I have ever had. Everyone else at the table loved their food as well. It is a smaller restaurant but sure cute. We are lucky to have a hidden gem like this in south Minneapolis. I will definitely be back! read more

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My son loved his chicken quesadilla! He got his dinner before the rest of us as we ordered from different food vendors at Eat Street Plaza. Service was good and the eatery area was busy yet clean. Enjoyed the setting. read more

El Sazon Cocina & Tragos - Chicken Quesadilla - Tacos Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Strong recommend. Food is excellent. Prices moderate. This is one of the businesses that is being challenged with some staff concerned about ICE grabbing them for no good reason. They need/deserve support. read more

Had Lunch for Cinco De Mayo here and the food was the highlight of the day. Cool vibe with the decor, and was waited on by an energetic staff including Chef Christian himself. I had the Carnitas Burrito and my buddy had the Birria Tacos. Fresh Ingredients, max flavor without all the sodium (I can't eat Chipotle because how much sodium they use) and you can tell they have a passion for the food and quite the following, with their rapid growth of locations. Washed the delicious meal down with a Mexican Coke (real cane sugar) and Jarritos. Eat Street Crossing location has inside and patio seating. Highly recommend the Salsa Verde with the chips. Best I've had. Hope you find this Helpful (click the button) and follow me for more reviews. read more

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Fun night at El Sazon for their Chino Latino Valentine's weekend pop-up! Brought back a lot of memories from chino Latinos innovative and creative dishes and presentation. It was my first time visiting their location in mpls. Loved the casual unpretentious but bustling vibes. Started with the pork belly Bao buns and then tried the lobster friend rice and Cuban pork. I wasn't expecting a full on lobster tail and to go container of delicious fried rice, it was quite the show stopper! Those that ordered the birria also were in for a visual treat. Drinks were also innovative. I had an n/a chapulincito with a full on paleta popsicle to enjoy as it slowly melted. What a creative way to ice a drink! The smoked poctli with mezcal was also a visual showcase with a festive smoker. I hope they keep bringing this one back! read more

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Went for 5 de Mayo, good thing we got there early...best shrimp tacos! But they weren't serving alcohol so had to go elsewhere after for thst;) read more

The menu is packed with creative dishes, each one delivering bold, well-balanced flavors that keep you coming back for more.The Birria Ramen is a must-try-deep, rich broth with tender birria, perfectly cooked noodles, and just the right amount of spice. It's comfort food at its finest. The Birria Dumplings are another standout, crispy on the outside with that same flavorful, slow-cooked meat inside. If you're in the mood for something bright and refreshing, the Passion Fruit Ceviche is a perfect choice, offering a citrusy, tangy contrast to the heartier dishes. For mains, the Churrasco is cooked to perfection, juicy and packed with smoky, charred goodness. The Pollo Cordon Bleu puts a Latin spin on the classic, and the Chicken Lollipops bring a crispy, flavorful punch that's hard to resist.And don't even think about skipping dessert the Cafe Tres Leches is next-level. It's rich, moist, and has the perfect coffee kick to balance the sweetness. The Margaritas are just as impressive, perfectly crafted to complement the bold flavors of the menu. On top of that, the service is friendly and attentive, making the whole experience even better. If you're looking for a spot that delivers amazing food, creative drinks, and a warm, inviting Ambiance. This was one of my favorite restaurant week spot read more

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El Sazon was impressive again during February's Restaurant Week! For those that don't know, Restaurant Week happens a few times a year where restaurants around the Twin Cities offer 2 to 3 courses meals at an affordable price. At El Sazon, I enjoyed an appetizer of their shrimp ceviche, a main dish birria ramen, and ended with the churros, all for $35! My only complaint was the giant bone in the birria ramen was awkward to eat around, and it didn't offer much marrow so there wasn't much reason to include it. All 3 courses were beautifully plated and delicious (so delicious that I forgot to take pictures). I would recommend the birria ramen for any new-comer to the restaurant, followed by the churros for dessert (it came with a lovely cup of spiced hot chocolate). The service was great and efficient despite the Restaurant Week crowd. read more

Reviewing their 2024 Summer Restaurant Week offerings. Our first time here as well. It was. Tuesday around 7pm and the place was buzzing with music and lively conversations, good first impressions. While a tight dining space, there were at least decent numbers of tables for the crowd. Pleasantly surprised with how delicious the foods were. The menu was varied enough to please us picky eaters. Tried the queso chips, tuna tostados, pistachio salmon, flank steak, tres leche, and panna cotta. All were good except the tres leche, dry and rough to the palate. read more

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Excellent food and cocktails I love the enchiladas with Verde sauce along with the queso dip and I add chorizo. read more

El Sazon Cocina & Tragos - Burrito was excellent. 9 - Tacos Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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A buddy and I were out for a new restaurant Saturday and he felt like tacos. SOLD! Parking stinks, but we found a spot and we got a table in the smallish establishment. I ordered an asada and a birria tacos from our nice server. Good dude. I also ordered a draft Surly Furious. One of the best beers ever. Minneapolis has quietly become a serious craft beer town. The tacos came out pretty quick and they were super flavorful and the shells were perfect. I had the hotter salsa, while my friend had the green one. He said it was good, but the spicy salsa was really good! Just enough heat! I really liked this place, pretty reasonable price and a fun area of town. Give it a shot. read more

El Sazon Cocina & Tragos - Birria and asada tacos. Delish! Surly Furious beer - Tacos Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Cannot recommend El Sazon enough! We had the most wonderful evening. Friendly, welcoming, fantastic staff, cozy neighborhood vibe and absolutely delicious food. Highly recommend the quesabirria ramen and chicken tostadas. The fresh homemade churros were a fun treat to cap it all off. Can't wait to go back and have told all our friends and family to go as well. read more

El Sazon Cocina & Tragos - Tacos Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Hands down, some of the best tacos I've ever had. I ordered the skirt steak tacos and they were unreal, perfectly cooked, packed with flavor, and balanced in a way that makes you slow down just to appreciate each bite. What really stands out is how fresh everything tastes. You leave satisfied, not weighed down, which says a lot. And whatever you do, don't skip the chips and salsa. The salsa macha alone is worth the visit, bold, rich, and addictive in the best way. read more

First time here since they've change restaurant name but not sure if it's the same owner. Came here for brunch on Saturday. They have a pretty good selection for brunch menu. My husband and I shared the eggs Benedict, shrimp cerviche, and poached pears. The potatoes that came with the eggs Benedict was amazing with crispiness on the outside and soft on the inside. Service was nice and prompt. The summer hibiscus drink was refreshing. Overall, the ambiance was intimate with a small dining area. Price is appropriate for the portions. The shrimp cerviche had a nice tart with savory flavor. The chips that came with the ceviche didn't pair well. I would have liked the regular tortilla chips to go with the ceviche. It was tasty by itself. read more

We are so lucky to have Chef Cristian's expertise here in the Twin Cities! He is the chef behind El Sazon, the hidden gem in the BP in Eagan. Now, they've opened their own second location - with elevated cuisine - in South Minneapolis. And what a treat it is! Unlike their gas station takeout-focused first location, this is a sit down experience with an elevated menu and table service. Karen, the co-owner and Chef's wife, greets all folks at the door and manages the service side of things. Ambiance was buzzing with excitement and happy, chatting guests. Their menu has some similarities to their original location, with an emphasis on birria. They offer tacos, apps to share, and other higher-end mains. When we visited they didn't have their liquor license yet, so we opted for some mocktails and really enjoyed both the horchata and the warm one. We got the queso and were pleasantly surprised by the variety of mix-ins added to it - that elevated it! Their chips and salsas are delicious. We ordered the pork main dish, and were shocked by the stunning presentation. The pork was tender, fall off the bone. But the quesabirria was the star of the show! Stunning presentation with the meat still on the bone, three tortillas with cheese, salsa, salt and lime on the side, and consomme served in a mini ramekin - all presented on a long wooden board. It's a stunner! The price is quite a bit steeper than ordering quesabirria to go at their other location, but you pay for the presentation and elevated additions. Wishing Chef Cristian, Karen and their family all the success with this new venture - thank you for being a treasured Twin Cities icon! read more

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Ramen, tacos, chips and Salsa. They all tasted fresh and well prepared. Churros were a great desert. See pictures attached. Even during peek hours when the place was busy, we still didn't have to wait for service. The drink options were impressive. I ordered the cocoa. It hit the spot. read more

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We went to try out this restaurant during restaurant week. It's was delicious! Small yet cute restaurant, they have a parking lot but we ended up parking on the street. The server also told us they offered a different menu for restaurant week beside the current offer. We were given 3 different options to choose from. I went with the restaurant week and my friend went with their 3 course meal of choice. Some of the items available were on both menus. I would definitely have to come back to try the other items they have on their menu. read more

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The quesadillas are next level! Thank you for an amazing meal. Such a blessing to be able to walk to the restaurant. We are very happy you're in the neighborhood. read more

Amazing food! The Cafe de Ola is a must and reminds me so much of Mexico. I've been back several times now. They never disappoint. read more

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Everything we tried was delicious! Super cute place, quick service, some off street parking but plenty of street parking too. We'll definitely be back! read more

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First, if you are lucky enough to sit at the small bar when the Bar Director Zoilo is working, do it! He is the best! He will guide you through his creative list of cocktails and you won't be disappointed. I enjoyed the mocha margarita and my husband enjoyed both the hibiscus margarita and the smokey Chapulin Colorado (complete with a popsicle in the drink!). They also have a great mocktail menu. Then there is the food! The latin-fusion menu has something for everyone and is designed to delight! We started with the queso and chips--not your average quest! It has a bit of chorizo to give it a slight kick, and wild mushroom give it a new flavor that will bring me back! We also had the grilled corn (Elote). It is three small corn on the cob on a stick, loaded with flavor. We opted for the shrimp and chicken tacos (one of each). When I saw the steak burrito at the table behind us, I knew what I was trying next time, but it is gigantic so definitely a share. The tacos were filling and delicious, but all of the entire items we saw looked large enough to share or give you that extra meal at home! Staff was fantastic, food was amazing, and we can't wait until our next visit! read more

Great place to stop with the kiddos Kids Food - Quesada is standard with a wonderful guac, and my son loved the hamburger! Adult: Camaron - nice flavor but it was over fried Chicken Al Pastor - awesome!! Elote - Wonderful! read more

I passed by this place many times and always wondered what the food was like. I recently saw a review that stood out and I had to give it a try! The restaurant is located in south Minneapolis, with a small parking lot and also plenty of street parking along the back and sides of It is a smaller restaurant, so be sure to come early or book your reservation in advance! It is a cute restaurant with a small bar located in the back. The server was very knowledgeable about the menu. I ordered a spicy margarita with chamoy on the rim, it was fantastic! (Im a hard one to please when it comes to drinks, this place did not disappoint!!) We then ordered pollo al pastor tacos & carne asada tacos. We also ordered the avocado salsa with chips & a side of elote. The chips and salsa stood out as they have multiple to choose from. It was an amazing start! The tacos were good, no complaints. The elote, though, was incredible! A must try. Thanks to this team of awesome people who made our experience here a great one! We will be back soon read more

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I have yet to make it to the gas station where El Sazon got started, but I am digging everything they are doing at their new(ish) digs in South Minneapolis. I am a sucker for anything birria related, and both the birria ramen and tacos here are worth the trip. Both are available during lunch and dinner, though both become much more opulent in the evening hours. Bone marrow is added to the ramen (it always comes with two birria taquitos) and the birria tacos become a DIY platter served alongside a beef short rib. Their chilaquiles are also some of the better ones I've had in town. Portion sizes are very generous. They make some good cocktails and also have a small list of beer and THC drinks available. The space isn't that big, but it's comfortable and service has always been friendly. El Sazon has worked it's way in to the regular rotation quickly. read more

Too gussied up for this curmudgeon My son and I got together for lunch (open for Lunch only on Fridays) and each had our Mexican grocery/deli favorite - the Torta. Now Torta's are traditionally (or often) made with all sorts of weird stuff. Hot dog, boiled ham, fried pork cutlet, jalapenos, avocado (ok, some not so weird stuff also) Not al El Sazon. This is actual chef made Mexican. Toasted roll (good, but what?) homemade pickled jalapenos (ok, not that uncommon, but certainly not taco truck stuff). Single, well made meat (not a crazed mishmash including various processed meats) Real Horchata (not powdered mix). A bartender who makes real drinks. I mean, for those of us raised on food carts and back store taquerias drinking mexican coke or Tecate, it is a little disconcerting. Very nice inside, with cloth napkins and well set tables, with good, knowledgeable staff. It's very good. But I kind of like Formica tables and mystery meat tortas. All though their Horchata is to die for. read more

Went for lunch with a friend and WOW WOW WOW! I think I've found one of my new favorite spots. I appreciated that they had their own parking lot, otherwise there is free street parking. We started with the ceviche (mind blowing delicious) and the chips with salsa. EVERYTHING WAS GREAT! The ceviche was fresh, light, and full of flavor. The salsas brought a good amount of heat, but weren't overwhelming. Now onto the tacos. OH MY GOODNESS! Everything from the tortillas to the marinated meat to the thinly sliced onions. The food is fantastic! We ended with the bread pudding and it was on the lighter side of sweet, which I prefer. The space is super cute and cozy, if you are planning to go for dinner I would make reservations as they get busy. Our service was excellent. Attentive, polite, friendly. This is in my rotation. Very delicious experience! read more

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The Lyndale location is the full service version of the gas station kitchen favorite. The menu features Mexican fare with a twist, like the birria ramen con taquitos. On a Saturday night, the place was full and lively but not too loud, even by the kitchen. Queso was good too! read more

El Sazon Cocina & Tragos - Tacos Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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To start, I was a bit worried about the parking situation but it wasn't too hard, however it is only street parking as the lot only has about two spaces. The patio seating was lovely, and we were seated and tended to consistently. As it is restaurant week we did choose to go with that menu and ended up trying almost everything as we all ordered different items. We started with the Chapulín Colorado, which was a bit strong but the paleta really helped! These were brought out quickly as well as the appetizers. The guacamole had a strong taste of pineapple which we loved, and the queso was good, however it was cold. Our third appetizer was the pinchos chicken, however it was cold as well even thought we dug in as soon as we got it. For our entrees, we had the birria ramen and the skirt steak. Although both were delicious, they were also cold. It was a nice day out and it wasn't windy, so I'm not sure why the food was cold starting with the first few bites. The entrees were definitely our favorite, especially the birria ramen, however they definitely would've been better if it were warmer as broth usually is. We ended with all three dessert options, and I have to say the Panna Cotta and the churros were my favorite! The churros came with a side of cajeta and hot chocolate, and the Panna Cotta was super creamy with the perfect balance of sweetness. read more

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Suffered some very bad food poisoning after going to this place. Not surprised. It was filthy.

Love the food here , great chef . Although I went in with my wife last weekend and sat at the bar our service was terrible , our bartender was drunk and wouldn't stop talking. As we continued our dinner he kept taking shots . At one point he came out with a white powder under his nose .Love the food!. Terrible service ! read more

Great restaurant to try for Restaurant Week! We went in expecting to order 2, 3-course meals and added a third to try their monthly special featuring recipes from the bartender's mother. Overall -- the meats are delicious, fall-off-the-bone and cooked well! The fried dishes were also perfectly cooked and seasoned (birria and cheese taquitos, chicken). The sauces are impeccable and really enhance all of the dishes they came with! One note about seasoning -- the night we went, the Chileajo (see photo) was very salty. When eaten with the rice, beans, and/or the tortilla was okay. Eaten by itself, it was very salty. The desserts are also notable -- churros are delicious and came with caramel and hot chocolate. The capirotada (see photo) was really new and interesting for me! It was sweet, creamy, crunchy all at the same time! Flavors of banana, pecans, coconut, and a little like peanuts. I would order this again! It was like a next-level bread pudding! read more

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