Gran Plaza Mexican Grill

Always Great Staff. Love The Environment. Musics Great. Fast Servers. Christmas Music is The Bestread more

Customer service is always awesome! Authentic food and the…read morebest Queso is the reason we come back! Consistency on food makes this place easily a five-star restaurant. Starting with drinks, they have all of the classics, Corona's ect. but for me it's all about the margs. I get a classic and add Paton tequila for a sharper/ more tequila taste. It's hard to go wrong with Cazadores or there rail ones too. Food! I'm a huge fan of the lunch menu. Perfect proportions for lunch with amazing prices. Dinner menu I love fajitas, combination chicken and steak. Awesome quality and plenty to take home. I also love enchiladas, chicken is awesome but beef is where it's at. Shredded beef is amazing and you will not regret your decision. I also like to pair queso with the meals. More cheese always makes it taste better. Overall. Great restaurant. We come down from the cities and this is a hidden gem in the south metro. Also a location in Northfield.

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First time here!

Taqueria Espartaco

4.2(5 reviews)

0.3 mi

We decided to visit this restaurant last week for the first time. Now we went back again. Both…read moremeals were wonderful. The menu seems sparse at first, but the choices of fillings expand it quite a bit. The pulled beef Quesabirria was fresh and hot off the grill. The accompanying beef soup, which they make themselves as well was fantastic. There is an article from the Faribault Daily News on the opening in Sept 2023: https://www.newsbreak.com/faribault-mn/3234262550790-100-authentic-mexican-restaurant-opens-in-downtown-faribault The second trip was pulled Fajitas, wonderful again. The corn and beens were hot and tasty. The seasoned rice was not clumpy or bland. The pulled beef was accompanied by just the right amount of melted cheese that itenhanced rather than overwhelmed the tortillas. The store seeting is basic, tables and chares. You can order and pay at the register and pick up your food at the counter if you can't wait for the wait staff to bring it to your table or have takeout. Photos are from article in link.

First time coming here and was disappointed. Not much flavor.. would have been better with more…read morecheese more cilantro and onion and more crispy.

Ramen birria

Pambazo

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Corn

Mi Lindo Michoacan

4.3(7 reviews)

1.8 mi

This was the first time I had been back since Covid. They no longer have the salsa bar, but…read moreeverything else was perfect. I had asada and pastor tacos. They were perfectly seasoned, the tortillas were grilled and came with just cilantro and onions on top. I asked for both red and green salsa. The red packed a wallop and the green was tart and fresh. And now they have a grocery store next door! I'll be back.

I recently made my first visit to this little place in the Faribo West Mall based on the…read morerecommendation of a friend. It's such an easy place to get to, just off an exit on I-35. The menu is small but they have all the items you come to expect in a Mexican place, but with possibly a greater variety of meat options. As others have said, it's a no frills place. It feels more like a cafeteria than a restaurant. The menu is posted on the wall by the counter. You order and pay up-front and go to your seats, where your food is delivered to you. No alcohol. No fountain pop. A few feet behind the counter is a cooler of bottled soft drinks. There appeared to be a number of fruit flavored drinks, but they were too far away for me to read. I did see Coke so I went with that. I ordered a burrito al pastor with beans and rice and my friend had a barbacoa quesadilla with the same sides. I can't really judge the taste of the beans and rice, as they were inside the burrito, but the flavor of the whole thing was delicious. If anything I wish there was a little more beans and a little less rice, but I scooped some out with my finger and all was good. The flavor of the marinated pork still came through really well. Not hot, but with a flavorful warmth. This was a nice fat burrito. My friend's rice and beans were served on the side as usual, and he said the barbacoa was fantastic. It was the thickest quesadilla I've ever seen. The prices were fine. The service was friendly and the food came quickly. There's not a lot happening at this mall, so parking should never be a problem. This is not a date night place, but if you're just looking for good flavors, this is worth checking out.

Eating area, the we had we great The salsa selection is great ! Wednesday is special for Tacos

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Burrito al pastor

Taqueria El Jefe

5.0(4 reviews)

0.2 mi

We almost walked out because all the seats appeared to be taken, but there are additional tables…read moreand counter space toward the back. I'm so glad that we stayed. We came on a cool Saturday evening, and their menudo and pozole hit the spot. The first bite of the pozole won me over. The pork was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the broth was subtly spicy. The menudo was also good, oilier and spicier. Next to the cash register was a self-serve salsa bar that lent a warm, hospitable vibe to the place. In addition to salsa, it had fresh lettuce, onions, cilantro, and cucumbers. A real plus for those of us who want vegetables! The soups, available only on weekends, come with crisp tostadas heaped with fresh lettuce, tomato, and cheese (cotija, I think). The tostadas were quite filling, and we ended up taking some of the soup home. The staff were friendly and helpful. El Jefe opens up into a commercial space including a bathroom shared by other businesses. The bathrooms were well marked and very clean. El Jefe had everything I wanted for a warm and healthy evening meal. I'll definitely be back.

I've enjoyed food at this location since its days as The Cheese Cave (see my very first yelp…read morereview.) Well, now it is occupied by El Jefe, which began as a food truck and upgrade to restaurant a few years back. Where The Cheese Cave offered contemporary pizza and grilled cheese recipes (ingredients sourced from the titular local Faribault Cheese Caves), El Jefe connects Faribault diners to the traditional cuisine of a Mexican taqueria!!! I have been here an upwards of 10 times over the past two years and always leave satisfied and smiling. Ambiance is very basic, but the food and staff make up for it. My recommendation: stick with the tacos (traditional, classic) or indulge in their fabulous cheese nachos (probably not authentic, but what a treat). Taco ordering walkthrough: 1. How many tacos (3 is filling for me but can eat much more...) 2. Choose meat. I recommend the Al Pastor. All are good though (tripitas is cow stomach lining, but it's good if you're ok with it). 3. They'll ask if you want toppings (raw onion, cilantro and fresh lime). Say "yes." 4. Don't forget to ask for a Jarritos or a Mexican Coke! (I may get sparkling water, which is healthy and refreshing...) 5. Select sauces (multiple). Less spicy to the left. The green salsa is very accessible - not too spicy, quite tangy. 6. Seat yourself Eating at El Jefe is to enjoy very warming, comforting food. And experimenting with different salsas will be enough to please any foodie. This is top two restaurants in Faribault for sure. Taco aficionados ... will probably be relieved to find a good taco fix in the area! But nothing next-level e.g: no regional specialties, not much beyond the standard beef-pork-chicken meats, not a lot of topping variety (no radishes, pineapple); I don't think the tortillas are made fresh (but they are warm and fragrant of course). These are all the sorts of things that might make a 9/10 taco joint a 10/10. El Jefe isn't best tacos of your life or anything, but they are great tacos and one of the best Faribault restaurants.

Sauce choices

Barbacoa, steak, and chicken tacos

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Restaurant facade

Restaurante El Colibrí

3.9(7 reviews)

0.0 mi

Oh my gosh! So so good! Feels like I'm at a beach town in Mexico. They do every culinary miracle…read morehere. Panadería, cafè. The tacos al pastor super good. Fresh frijoles. Service so friendly . Waitress speaks little English but we managed, with my terrible Spanish, to still get myself stuffed to the gills. Oh fer yum, Faribault. You're so lucky

They have tasty, authentic Mexican food. The only downsides are ambiance and selection. It's a…read morebasic, no frills setup with table service. They are often out of some menu items. If you are craving a specific thing, you'd best call ahead and make sure they have it that day! What they do have is good. Try to catch them on a weekend day when they have pozole! It's also a great opportunity to practice Spanish. Check them out!

Good selection of plates, and authentic tacos

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My daughter had a Mexican torta (sandwich ) it was delicious!!

La Flor De Mayo

5.0(2 reviews)

1.8 mi

The Faribo West Mall was like ghost town when we dropped in on a Thursday evening. Add to that this…read moreplace has a tacos-by-Walmart vibe and I almost turned around. Glad we didn't because the staff was friendly and everything we ate was DELICIOUS. Apparently they have $1.50 tacos on Wednesday - i think the savings covers my gas from the Twin Cities so I may be back next week :)

Hands down, some of the best tacos I've ever had--seriously! Every bite is packed with authentic…read moreflavor, perfectly seasoned meat, and fresh toppings. I can't get enough of them, which is why I keep going back and haven't even tried the rest of their menu yet! They offer burritos, chimichangas, enchiladas, nachos, tortas, and more, so I'm sure those are amazing too. I always order a side of rice, and it's just as delicious. The service here is always wonderful. Great taqueria atmosphere. If you're craving authentic Mexican food in Faribault, this spot is a must-try!

Chicken Quesadilla

Rice Bowl

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Chimichanga

Depot Bar and Grill

3.6(136 reviews)

0.2 mi

Good food , great service, outdoor dining that accommodates dogs on outside patio! I love the old…read moretrain depot ambiance.

Met a colleague here for lunch. It's a cute atmosphere with the train theme throughout the…read morerestaurant/bar. I ordered the beet salad it was pretty and delicious. The whole beets were something I usually don't see in a beet salad but it meant I got lots of beats. Dressing was served on the side and was a nice compliment. I also liked that I got a piece of bread with the salad. My friend got a blue cheese burger on which they serve the Faribault Caves blue cheese brand. Like the local ties. Service was good. Parking easy. Nice stop.

German beer cheese

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Redemption

3.5(87 reviews)

0.2 mi

This was our first time eating here and we have been missing out! Everything was so flavorful! The…read moreserver was extremely attentive the entire time. The decor is rustic, simple and not over done. My 11 year old son raved his entire meal about how good everything was and that his steak was cooked perfectly. If you haven't visited yet you are missing out!

We had an outstanding experience at Redemption on Saturday night. The food was above and beyond…read moreexceptional including price, serving size, quality, appearance, and taste. We had 8 people and the service was awesome! We will definitely be back the next time we are in town. We also got to taste test a new dessert, blueberry bread pudding that was phenomenal and it should be added to menu.

The new charging stations right next to the entrance!

Steak tips - appetizer

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Drinks

Taco John's

3.8(5 reviews)

1.1 mi

The food is typical taco John's it's a good fast food meal. My wife and I find the service at this…read morestore is always consistent and great. The kids that work the window and people taking your order are top notch the whole staff there should be proud of themselves. They're always a welcome change from the ordinary. Great job guys and gals

HUGE TACO JOHNS FAN…read more The remodel that was done on this place a few years ago was nicely done. It used to look kind of crappy from the outside and quite frankly on the inside as well. This has never stopped me from going in and getting some soft shell taco's though! With the remodel, it seems more welcoming and overall it seems like there are more people there when I visit nowadays. I keep it simple with a #3 Two soft shell tacos, small ole (with extra seasoning), and a small soda. Instead of putting the ole inside the taco shell (it gets soggy) I like to dip my taco in the hot sauce and then put an ole on top of each bite individually. This keeps each bite nice and crunchy! I wish these were in more locations around the metro area! I guess it's just a treat when I visit Faribault!

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Taco Bell

2.2(18 reviews)

1.1 mi

I waited in the drive thru line from 11:00p-11:35p just for all of us to be told they were closing…read moreearly. Not a great impression of this particularly location But perhaps you'll have better luck? A steak quesadilla with diablo sauce washed down with Baja blast sounds very good

8 out 10 times I go there I get hardly any Lettice and/or any cheese on my hard-shell tacos…read more Today No cheese on 4 tacos. and very little Lettice. I think I will have to drive to the Owatonna Taco Johns when I need a good hard shell Taco!! Also Taco Johns don't charge for tomato's!!

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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

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12 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Tim A.

25

33

37

3 years ago

Ive dined here before, and while the overall culinary experience was enjoyable, I couldn't help but feel that it fell slightly short of my expectations in terms of authenticity and spiciness. The establishment, with its charming ambiance and friendly staff, certainly has its merits, but let me delve into the details of my visit. Let's start with the food itself. I must admit that the flavors were quite good, showcasing the essence of Mexican cuisine. The dishes I tried were well-prepared, and the ingredients seemed fresh. From the savory tacos to the flavorful enchiladas, it was evident that the kitchen had skillfully crafted each plate. However, for someone who appreciates a bit of heat in Mexican food, I was left yearning for more spice. The dishes lacked the fiery kick that I typically associate with authentic Mexican cuisine, which was a bit disappointing. Another aspect worth mentioning is the ambiance of the restaurant. The decor and atmosphere were undeniably inviting, creating a warm and welcoming space. The staff members were friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, which enhanced the dining experience. While the food and atmosphere were commendable, it's important to address the authenticity factor. Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors and generous use of spices, particularly chili peppers. However, I felt that this particular establishment played it safe, toning down the spiciness to cater to a broader range of palates. While this approach might be appealing to some customers, it left me craving the true fiery essence of traditional Mexican dishes. Gran plaza offers a pleasant dining experience, with well-prepared and flavorful food. However, it fell short in terms of authenticity and spiciness. If you're seeking a milder, more accessible version of Mexican cuisine, this restaurant will likely satisfy your cravings. However, if you're a heat-seeking adventurer in search of authentic Mexican flavors that pack a punch, you might find yourself wanting more. read more

Zack S.

0

5

0

14 years ago

I have eaten at Gran Plaza with my family on several occasions and have never been let down. Food is amazing and portions are very generous. The place always appears clean and well kept. Staff seems friendly and the food comes out quickly. We look forward to eating at the Plaza again soon. read more

Dani S.

0

1

0

8 years ago

Stopped here because of Yelp. The food was amazing!! My husband and I shared the fajitas. He salsa was amazing. The guacamole was fresh and very good. It was very much worth the short drive off of the interstate!!!! Faribault is lucky to have this restaurant!!!! read more

Rachel F.

0

2

0

2 years ago

Always have wonderful and fresh food, it's one of my faves here in town. Their good service and excellent food is the highlight of the place. They also serve tasty margaritas. read more

Samantha W.

40

5

0

7 years ago

Always fresh and never disappointed with our meal... drinks can be a little weak... but over all we love it.

Review A.

1

0

2 years ago

Amazing food, excellent service, and beautifully crafted tacos! Highly recommend! Great Mexican restaurant read more

M. G.

0

1

0

8 years ago

Excellent food & great service! If you like great tasting authentic Mexican, you will love Gran Plaza.

Cole D.

0

4

0

3 years ago

Nothing needs to be said other than go to el tequila or el Molino. Grand plaza is good but not great.

Megan U.

0

3

0

1 year ago

Gran Plaza is our absolute favorite spot in Faribault and favorite Mexican joint in southern mn

Chris L.

0

2

0

2 years ago

Awesome food, fast service. Nice place to eat. They are very fast bringing food to table.

Jimmy L.

31

93

111

14 years ago

Good food and service. "Don't touch the plates HOT!"

Felix P.

0

1

0

7 years ago

No good service no straws included

Gran Plaza Mexican Grill - mexican - Updated September 2026

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Gran Plaza

4.6

(39 reviews)

Great food for Northfield! The molcajete is amazing and SPICY - not Midwest spicy but Mexican…read morespicy! Shrimp cocktail is fresh and enchiladas were great!

A warm and festive entrance will give you a great first impression and that good feeling continues…read morethroughout the entire meal. The entire staff are friendly and provide fast service. Complimentary chips and salsa are immediately brought to your table and then before you know it, your drink and dinner orders are taken in quick succession. The food is served on large warm plates and I have enjoyed the fajitas several times. The margaritas are very tasty and well prepared. I'm excited to return and try something new!

El Triunfo

4.2

(95 reviews)

Admire their consistency in work ethic. They're open all the time seven days a week with very…read morefriendly service. Miguel can be testy at times but I would be too if I had to work seven days a week. Their green hot sauce is to die for and is worth the $10-before two o' clock is best. Lots of competition now but will always be a loyal customer here because they're hard workers and always serving the community to get by.

Very delicious tacos and burritos. The go to Mexican restaurant in Northfield! Staff is friendly &…read morelots of items available that can't be found in grocery stores, i.e Mexican tortillas, cookies, & ice cream. Good area & very clean.

Taqueria El Jefe

5.0

(4 reviews)

We almost walked out because all the seats appeared to be taken, but there are additional tables…read moreand counter space toward the back. I'm so glad that we stayed. We came on a cool Saturday evening, and their menudo and pozole hit the spot. The first bite of the pozole won me over. The pork was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the broth was subtly spicy. The menudo was also good, oilier and spicier. Next to the cash register was a self-serve salsa bar that lent a warm, hospitable vibe to the place. In addition to salsa, it had fresh lettuce, onions, cilantro, and cucumbers. A real plus for those of us who want vegetables! The soups, available only on weekends, come with crisp tostadas heaped with fresh lettuce, tomato, and cheese (cotija, I think). The tostadas were quite filling, and we ended up taking some of the soup home. The staff were friendly and helpful. El Jefe opens up into a commercial space including a bathroom shared by other businesses. The bathrooms were well marked and very clean. El Jefe had everything I wanted for a warm and healthy evening meal. I'll definitely be back.

I've enjoyed food at this location since its days as The Cheese Cave (see my very first yelp…read morereview.) Well, now it is occupied by El Jefe, which began as a food truck and upgrade to restaurant a few years back. Where The Cheese Cave offered contemporary pizza and grilled cheese recipes (ingredients sourced from the titular local Faribault Cheese Caves), El Jefe connects Faribault diners to the traditional cuisine of a Mexican taqueria!!! I have been here an upwards of 10 times over the past two years and always leave satisfied and smiling. Ambiance is very basic, but the food and staff make up for it. My recommendation: stick with the tacos (traditional, classic) or indulge in their fabulous cheese nachos (probably not authentic, but what a treat). Taco ordering walkthrough: 1. How many tacos (3 is filling for me but can eat much more...) 2. Choose meat. I recommend the Al Pastor. All are good though (tripitas is cow stomach lining, but it's good if you're ok with it). 3. They'll ask if you want toppings (raw onion, cilantro and fresh lime). Say "yes." 4. Don't forget to ask for a Jarritos or a Mexican Coke! (I may get sparkling water, which is healthy and refreshing...) 5. Select sauces (multiple). Less spicy to the left. The green salsa is very accessible - not too spicy, quite tangy. 6. Seat yourself Eating at El Jefe is to enjoy very warming, comforting food. And experimenting with different salsas will be enough to please any foodie. This is top two restaurants in Faribault for sure. Taco aficionados ... will probably be relieved to find a good taco fix in the area! But nothing next-level e.g: no regional specialties, not much beyond the standard beef-pork-chicken meats, not a lot of topping variety (no radishes, pineapple); I don't think the tortillas are made fresh (but they are warm and fragrant of course). These are all the sorts of things that might make a 9/10 taco joint a 10/10. El Jefe isn't best tacos of your life or anything, but they are great tacos and one of the best Faribault restaurants.

Plaza Morena Campestre Grill

4.3

(19 reviews)

The food has always been delicious and plentiful. Their lunch buffet is also quite filling and…read moredecent as well. The family running the restaurant, terrific people.

This place is ok . Foods always fast . Service is always friendly and attentive . But the building…read moreis in need of repairs. Mainly leaking roofs . I've been here many times and the issues have yet to be resolved. As for as the food it's all depends on the order . I've had some better dishes as the fajitas are my favorite but the tamales and the enchiladas have been salty and kinda bland . The beans and rice are ok . The prices are average and the chips and salsa are fair . I'll always come back checking on a new dish a new favorite.

Mis Tres Flores

4.0

(15 reviews)

Mi Tres Flores is a great Mexican restaurant paired with a Mexican ice cream / paletas shop. The…read morerestaurant food is delicious and there are quite a few unique dishes in addition to the well-known staples. The service is quick and friendly. A great place for a couple or a family. The paletas (frozen fruit pops) are delicious and yet healthy. They also have elotes and a good selection of Mexican candy. Food and fun for the kids.

Great margaritas. Very nice staff…read more Pass on food. Taco salad was a mushy mess. Quesadillas were ok but nothing special Ice creams were good

Tacoasis

3.7

(24 reviews)

Having recently moved to Northfield from St. Paul, I am on a quest for good quality food that does…read morenot come from a huge restaurant chain. I was pleasantly surprised by Tacoasis. The place is tiny; don't expect to be eating inside because there is only a counter with no stools/chairs. There are tables with umbrellas outside. The prices are great though and the menu is pretty big. Hours are a plus as well; 11am to 10pm daily?! Nice. (In St Paul most decent places closed their doors at 9pm.) The best part is the kitchen is 100% visible while you're standing at the counter. You watch your food being made every step of the way and you can see how spotless everything is. As far as the food goes....I'm a fan of the soft tacos and the tators, but was not impressed with the rice (it was a little gummy and the seasoning was...strange.) This is on my list of favorite lunch spots for sure. I'll be returning to continue to explore the menu soon!

Been living in Northfield now for a couple years... always driven by... never actually stopped…read more Today seemed like a good day to give it a try. It's a cute little place that's easy to access and drive around. They have quite the menu, however given the title is "Tacoasis", I had to try the tacos. If it were "burritoasis" I would have got the burrito cause it in the name, right? (Haha) Anyway... got the tacos and hustled to my next meeting. The guy working was awesome, super friendly! I got the tacos, and gotta be honest I was a little disappointed. The tacos are $2.99. Taco Bell is at $1.99. There wasn't much of a difference in taste, but these tacos were smaller than I imagined. I was hoping that the additional $1 would have separated the tacoasis taco from that of Taco Bell. So, that's why the rating... for now. I definitely want to give it a shot again with a different item. Well give the burrito a shot next time and I'll update the rating and post! Until then, it's not a bad little spot.

Plaza Morena Campestre Grill

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Good service, nice atmosphere,both of our menu items had a good appearance & tasted exceptional…read more Menu had plenty to choose from, we will definitely return when passing through Owatonna, MN again.

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El Molino

5.0

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Stopped in for a quick take out lunch to have back at the park I've been hiking in all morning…read more Super clean place and such friendly staff! They have a nice size bar and a good size seating area for this tiny town of Waterville. I ordered the combo fajita lunch plate of chicken and steak. Wow! Everything was so fresh and amazing. The meat was cooked perfectly and the veggies were nice and fresh. Great place for a little road trip. Def recommend!

This restaurant has to be one of Waterville's best kept secrets! They have quite an extensive menu…read moreof Mexican dishes including some unique dishes of their own. One of my favorites is their Mini Chimi Appetizer. There are 4 pieces on the plate, 2 with ground beef and 2 with shredded chicken and cheese. These are delicious very filling! The staff is very friendly and attentive throughout your meal and their pricing is very reasonable. I highly recommend.

El Molino Mexican Restaurant

4.5

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Great quality food, the shrimp cocktail is my favorite and next would be the street tacosread more

Ehhhh, pretty good, more generic than other Mexican restaurants in the area. Staff seem like they…read morecouldn't care less about service. First visit here. Second visit, I called and ordered enough Taco meat to serve 10 people. When I picked it up, it cost me $60! Ridiculous! Haven't been back sense.

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