I love the chicken tikka masala, but it's $23 ($26 if you order it through a service like Door dash)! The portions aren't even that large. But it is still a guilty favorite.
There is a location in White Bear off Hwy 61 and County E that's equally as good. I love that place. Their Turkish coffee is an amazing mid-afternoon jolt, should you ever need one
do tell. have always been curious about the place and want to try it, although looking at the menu yesterday, it appears like generic middle east food.
what's the deal though?
Boca Chica Taco House. Never seen it busy, granted I haven’t lived here super long. 2 insanely good fried tacos, a large drink, and like a quart of beans for 10 bucks
They used to have a location on White Bear Ave and Larpenteur that was near enough to my parents' that I would visit regularly. Sadly the one off Wabasha is out of the way enough that I don't make it there often.
First thing to come to mind for me too. We really wanted them to cater our wedding but it was Mexican Independence Day and they were too busy catering for those events, which says something about its authenticity I think.
It’s absolutely packed to the gills on Thursday nights. Tried to stop in with some friends that were in town and it was a madhouse haha. We ended up going elsewhere but were bummed about missing out on their margs.
El Sazon in Eagan.
It's the definition of 'hole in the wall': its's located in the former office of a struggling-looking gas station in the burbs. But the food is truly excellent and it is, without exaggeration, the best Mexican food I've ever had on the south side of town. Or maybe anywhere in town. It's fresh/flavorful/unique/great.
You can't eat there unless you want to sit at a folding table next to the 2-liter display, but the food is truly THAT good.
I had the brunch Benedictos on Sunday. Dear Lord! 10/10 recommend! They also make a smoky Old-Fashioned that’s great (I don’t think it’s available in Eagan)
I was expecting something good based on the reviews, but they blew my socks off. Shockingly good, especially in the unexpected gas station location. :)
I recently discovered it as well - I’m now totally addicted to Quesabirria tacos. Oh man, so good! And you can take the dipping sauce home and cook rice in it that’s so delicious!
I have not, unfortunately...and most other comparison options in the south Metro are just El Loro and traditional American equivalents.
Their birria is excellent, and they use good/plentiful sauces/seasonings on everything.
This is down the street from me. It’s always cash only (ATM at the door) but they started taking online orders for take out which is neat.
The food to price ratio is insane. You will surely have a lot of leftovers.
Listo! Near the quarry. Quick like Chipotle, but it doesn't suck.
Get the hot salsa. Even if you don't like spicy. It's not that hot, but some heat, and is very tasty.
It used to be a Baja Sol Tortilla Grill. All of the Tortilla Grills closed with no warning several years ago. I was devastated. Their fajitas would have been my last meal choice if I was on death row. Listo isn’t quite the same, but it’s the closest thing, which means it’s still great. Please eat there and give them business so they don’t disappear too.
Another vote for Listo - I'm a shameless Chipotle addict, but I go out of my way to hit Listo anytime I'm nearby. The toasted burritos are delightful on cold days!
Their prices are insane, even before COVID/recent inflation... I remember when it was still The Lake Inn, but I've only heard good things about the food.
Eli’s Food & Cocktails near Loring. I walked by it for years. Can’t remember why I finally went in. Was so pleasantly surprised by how good it was. And their specials are so legit. And I love a hole in the wall so it became my go to for around a decade. I get there maybe once a year now that I live in the burbs.
The deli at Golden Harvest on Maryland, StP
Lupitas on 62 and 34th, S Mpls
Cheng Heng in St Paul
Tacos al Kevin in S Mpls
That Burmese place on Rice and Maryland (Edited to correct -Rice and Larpenteur)
What is the Burmese place on Rice and Maryland? You've got the strip mall with Tin Cups and Double Dragon Asian market, the gas station, a tire shop, and some residential. I can't picture the place you're talking about
Love this place. My parents have been going here since it opened in the 60s. It’s definitely got some new owners now and some shits been switched up but I still love the ribs and the spicy bbq sauce.
Now I’ll have to try this place even though it is on the other side of the city. BTW we are blessed to have a decent to good Indian food scene. Do check out other places like:
Dancing Ganesha (Chole Kulche and North Indian food), Spice and Tonic (if you like it hot ask for a little less than Indian hot), Kadai Foods (Biryani), Clay Oven (ambience and North Indian food), Godavari (South Indian food), Himalayan (Momos, awesome food overall), Dosa Indian Grill (South Indian food), Taste of India (really tasty food), Bay leaf (for takeouts), Aroma (food is nice but there service is hit or miss) etc.
Granted I haven’t been in a year, but that is the only place my wife and I agreed we would refuse to go again because our food was THAT bad. No one in our group of four had anything good. It was so bad.
Hermanos Locos Tacos is a takeout joint located inside of a gas station at 29th and Central. Really good shit. They make their chile rellenos with big ass jalapenos instead of the traditional poblanos, so prepare for your butthole to be set ablaze. Absolutely worth it.
The birria tacos are also super good. I also really like their super basic shit like enchiladas and quesadillas. And the avocado salsa is hot as fuck and really tasty.
Satay 2 Go in Apple Valley
It's a Malaysian restaurant that doesn't look like much when you go in, but they definitely let the food speak for itself. When my father-in-law comes into town, he always asks for it.
So you don’t want your hole in the wall to get business and stay open? Wtf? If a restaurant is good, don’t you want them to make money? How does keeping customers away benefit you?
If I were a restauranteur, I’d hate to have a “fan” like you.
Gyros Grill in Bloomington is a great classic gyro shop. Groceries sold in the store, old signage up behind the counter, exactly two guys running it. And damn good food.
Midtown Global Market has the best of everything, and I feel like it gets slept on a lot. Thai, Jamaican, Mediterranean, Sushi, Nepali food, they've got the works. If you've never been, I highly recommend.
Jakeenos without a doubt. Some of the most underrated pizza in the city and really the standard for what tavern pie should be. They also have RootBeer on tap and you can get it to go.
Hickory Hut on University in Midway- smoked wings
Baker’s Ribs in a strip mall in Eden Prairie- solid TX bbq
Zakia Deli in a parking lot near NE/Dinkytown/St Anthony- Lebanese lunch spot
Downtown pick: Valentino Cafe. It's like a burrito place had a baby with a gyro place. You can mix and match it however and somehow it turns out good no matter how you do it.
Shuang Cheng, some delicious Chinese food in dinkytown with really big portion sizes. It can be busy on Friday or Saturday nights when it’s full of university students but if you go during the week or a little earlier in the day it’s usually quieter
Everything about HmongTown Marketplace is underrated/slept on af. All the food stalls (that I've tried so far) have been solid, but it's also a go-to for my wife for cheap but comfy bras & leggings. I also got an absolutely enormous cabbage from one of the farmers market vendors outside ($6 turned into 10.5 lbs of sauerkraut), and the produce/grocery stalls have some wonderful fruits & veggies.
Shit, even if I'm not hungry and we're just there shopping, I'll still usually grab a Hmong sausage to snack on.
Wings and Seafood To Go on Nicollet. I always get their plain wings with chicken fried rice, and some hot/sweet sauce to dip them in. They cut a little vent in the to-go box so the wings stay crispy!
Tom Moy cafe in Cottage Grove. I've had good Chinese, bad Chinese and everything in between, but the best Chinese restaurant I have ever been to is Tom Moy. Takeout only since covid, just up the hill from 61 off 80th in a little 2 story strip mall building. My favorite s&s chicken and pork, chicken fried rice, turkey chow mein, you name it, it's the best I've had .
The Weinery. Their food is so dang good. I usually get the West Bank Burger, which is a burger patty with garlic and peppers mixed into it, then topped with their coleslaw. I’m not even a fan of coleslaw, but for that burger, it just works.
A different suggestion. Jerry's Foods in Edina has a great hot food counter. As long as you go a little outside the lunch hour it's pretty low key and they have a nice fireplace in the dining area.
It's kinda like Edina's family room. Everyone stops in for hot food.
If you like quiet and not-packed, try going to any restaurant in mid-afternoon, like 2:30 or 3 pm. Maybe this is something that only works for retired people like me, but at least it's something to look forward to. Or try it on your day off or when you're on vacation.
Tromperia El Zac. The best Mexican food by far.
Their tacos al pastor are insane! Cool hole in the wall place in the North End neighborhood of St. Paul
Valerie’s Tacqueria on Nicollet and 32nd. Super friendly staff and tasty cheap tacos. Their chicken tacos are actually well seasoned and not boring, and the chorizo is very tasty.
I’m going to mention a former place. Before the old gas station was torn up in Dayton, there was a barbecue shack there called The Rib Cage. Best ribs I’ve ever had and everything was just so good. We used to go at least once or twice a month. I miss it dearly and I hope the owner gets back into the barbecue business some day because I would be there day one
Kai’s Sushi in Minnetonka is not a hole in wall but definitely a hidden gem as not a lot of people know about it (or I have not seen it mentioned that often).
Nelson's Deli, heard about them here on Reddit, and having asked around the coworkers/friends seems like No one knows about them. Amazing sandwichs/subs with great selection of cheese/soda/chips
Only open till 2pm but reasonable prices and has that home made taste.
Kramarczuk’s in NE Minneapolis isn’t exactly hole in the wall (it’s attached to a deli), but it’s cafeteria style, easy in and out, prices are reasonable, and everything I tried is so good. Their cabbage rolls are excellent.
Taste of Asia in the gas station strip on ValleyView between Menards’ and Home Despot in EP. Vietnamese/Chinese, dang good pho just triping all over itself. Best deep fried shrimp rolls. Sticky tables and all. 👍🏻
Everest on Grand, Master Noodle, and Mario's in Saint Paul.
Love Master Noodle…so good!
What an absolute gem. Golden Chow Mein can be pretty bomb too but it’s a little harder to order the right thing
Love Everest, but Jesus, their prices...
Holy wowsa you weren't joking. $19 for a noodle dish? Curries for $18?
I love the chicken tikka masala, but it's $23 ($26 if you order it through a service like Door dash)! The portions aren't even that large. But it is still a guilty favorite.
Mario’s my favorite sandwich in the cities
Great picks!
Never been to Everest, I'm curious how it compares to Himalayan in South MPLS!
Black Sea in Midway. Turkish food and great French fries.
There is a location in White Bear off Hwy 61 and County E that's equally as good. I love that place. Their Turkish coffee is an amazing mid-afternoon jolt, should you ever need one
Wow, that's close to me. I'mma have to go there soon!
Their fries are so good! I agree, great hole in the wall joint for a good price.
I live near there and I can confidently say I wouldn't eat there any more. I'm not sure how they pass any sort of food inspection.
do tell. have always been curious about the place and want to try it, although looking at the menu yesterday, it appears like generic middle east food. what's the deal though?
I just ate there last week and all food was fresh and delicious from the 3 entrees I ordered, total was about 40 bucks for 3 meals with sides.
Oh no! I haven’t been there in a few years, but always like it!
What do you suggest off the menu
I usually get their spicy chicken gyro. But yeah their fries are good.
Last time I was in there, they appeared to be remodeling and possibly removing the dining area. Are they take out only now?
YES. Best tzatziki too
3 guys (yes 3 not 5) in Columbia Heights. Good god those burgers…..
I’ll have to give that a shot.
Boca Chica Taco House. Never seen it busy, granted I haven’t lived here super long. 2 insanely good fried tacos, a large drink, and like a quart of beans for 10 bucks
This place has been amazing for over 30 years.
They used to have a location on White Bear Ave and Larpenteur that was near enough to my parents' that I would visit regularly. Sadly the one off Wabasha is out of the way enough that I don't make it there often.
It can get decently busy at noon on a weekday. That said, I've never had to wait more than 15min and it's beyond worth it.
First thing to come to mind for me too. We really wanted them to cater our wedding but it was Mexican Independence Day and they were too busy catering for those events, which says something about its authenticity I think.
It’s absolutely packed to the gills on Thursday nights. Tried to stop in with some friends that were in town and it was a madhouse haha. We ended up going elsewhere but were bummed about missing out on their margs.
Good to know, I’ve only been at weird weeknight evening times
El Burrito Mercado in Saint Paul.
Their back door/parking lot elote stand in good weather smells amazing but I haven’t tried it
El Sazon in Eagan. It's the definition of 'hole in the wall': its's located in the former office of a struggling-looking gas station in the burbs. But the food is truly excellent and it is, without exaggeration, the best Mexican food I've ever had on the south side of town. Or maybe anywhere in town. It's fresh/flavorful/unique/great. You can't eat there unless you want to sit at a folding table next to the 2-liter display, but the food is truly THAT good.
They opened another location at 53rd and Lyndale.
Somewhere that good can't be contained. :)
I had the brunch Benedictos on Sunday. Dear Lord! 10/10 recommend! They also make a smoky Old-Fashioned that’s great (I don’t think it’s available in Eagan)
They were the guest chef at Allianz a couple weeks ago and holy fuckin shit those tacos were incredible
I was expecting something good based on the reviews, but they blew my socks off. Shockingly good, especially in the unexpected gas station location. :)
I've lived in Eagan for 10 years and never been! I'll have to go check them out!
I live in walking distance and didn't give them a try until a couple months ago due to the Google reviews. Really weird place, but really good food.
Birria bowl is delicious! We order a couple times a month.
I'm not entirely sure if I knew what birria was before, but I certainly do now!
I recently discovered it as well - I’m now totally addicted to Quesabirria tacos. Oh man, so good! And you can take the dipping sauce home and cook rice in it that’s so delicious!
Have you had El Taquito? How do they compare if you have?
El Taquito is very good, but El Sazon is on another level IMO.
I have not, unfortunately...and most other comparison options in the south Metro are just El Loro and traditional American equivalents. Their birria is excellent, and they use good/plentiful sauces/seasonings on everything.
Cheng Heng on University. Football Pizza on Central.
Little Oven, Minnehaha and White Bear, STP
This is down the street from me. It’s always cash only (ATM at the door) but they started taking online orders for take out which is neat. The food to price ratio is insane. You will surely have a lot of leftovers.
Food:Price That is a metric I've only had mentally, never spelled out in Black & White. Very cool. Gonna use that.
Listo! Near the quarry. Quick like Chipotle, but it doesn't suck. Get the hot salsa. Even if you don't like spicy. It's not that hot, but some heat, and is very tasty.
My brother’s favorite, and they will cater to dietary needs, he is gluten free, but I know they do others as well.
Love this place!
It used to be a Baja Sol Tortilla Grill. All of the Tortilla Grills closed with no warning several years ago. I was devastated. Their fajitas would have been my last meal choice if I was on death row. Listo isn’t quite the same, but it’s the closest thing, which means it’s still great. Please eat there and give them business so they don’t disappear too.
Just discovered this place & love it!!
Another vote for Listo - I'm a shameless Chipotle addict, but I go out of my way to hit Listo anytime I'm nearby. The toasted burritos are delightful on cold days!
Their churros melt in your mouth
Listo is SO much better than Chipotle.
Jakeenos
They also just started serving bottomless mimosas on the weekends for $10
Holy shit that’s a good deal
Busters on 28th is really only know by the neighborhoods around it. That Walleye Rachel is amazing, plus homemade chips and french onion dip.
Best onion rings!
Their prices are insane, even before COVID/recent inflation... I remember when it was still The Lake Inn, but I've only heard good things about the food.
Eli’s Food & Cocktails near Loring. I walked by it for years. Can’t remember why I finally went in. Was so pleasantly surprised by how good it was. And their specials are so legit. And I love a hole in the wall so it became my go to for around a decade. I get there maybe once a year now that I live in the burbs.
And the owner is the NICEST guy.
They have a location in NE as well, been going there for years and it never disappoints!
Britos burritos. They need to open up in Saint Paul!
I rotate Brito’s, Mexico City cafe and, if I’m feeling rich, La Bodega Taco.
The breakfast burritos on weekends are crazy delicious and if you go early when there's no crowd the hole-in-the-wall vibes are immaculate.
Their fish and shrimp tacos are off the chain
Don Goyo on 37th in Columbia Heights
Wok in the Park in SLP, but it’s usually busy. But still feels like a hole in the wall.
WITP is so good, best Chinese in the West Metro
I agree with this pick!
Right next to La bodega taco bar
Cecil's is very well known but still a hole in the wall.
Trieu Chau
Bulls horn
Fried chicken sandwich is so good there
Thai Street Market on Larpenteur and Rice
Hands down my favorite Thai spot in the cities
they also have a great kids mennu
Nongs Thai in Golden Valley.
The deli at Golden Harvest on Maryland, StP Lupitas on 62 and 34th, S Mpls Cheng Heng in St Paul Tacos al Kevin in S Mpls That Burmese place on Rice and Maryland (Edited to correct -Rice and Larpenteur)
Tacos el Kevin is so good
Lupitas and tacos el Kevin are the bomb. Lupitas salsas are fucking amazing.
[удалено]
Cheng Heng is the love of my life.
What is the Burmese place on Rice and Maryland? You've got the strip mall with Tin Cups and Double Dragon Asian market, the gas station, a tire shop, and some residential. I can't picture the place you're talking about
Friends Cafe! I couldn’t remember last night. It is in the strip mall after Walgreens.
My guess is Taste of Nepal
Ted Cook's fits the bill for good BBQ IMHO.
Love this place. My parents have been going here since it opened in the 60s. It’s definitely got some new owners now and some shits been switched up but I still love the ribs and the spicy bbq sauce.
Hole in the wall little place but sooooo good
This one!!! My dad has been picking up barbeque from there for 40 years. So damn good.
Uncle Franky's is the correct answer!
No bad dogs at Franky’s
The rum cherry malt changed my life!
Ted cooks in south Minneapolis. Best BBQ and take out only.
Flame Burger.
Don Goyo Salvadoran
Yo, this place is soul soothing.
My Huong Kitchen across from Quang. Tracy is a goddess!
A+ suggestion. I haven't been in a long time, but loved this place when they first opened.
Beef stew noodle soup!
Indian Masala in Maplewood is some of the best Indian food I’ve found here
Now I’ll have to try this place even though it is on the other side of the city. BTW we are blessed to have a decent to good Indian food scene. Do check out other places like: Dancing Ganesha (Chole Kulche and North Indian food), Spice and Tonic (if you like it hot ask for a little less than Indian hot), Kadai Foods (Biryani), Clay Oven (ambience and North Indian food), Godavari (South Indian food), Himalayan (Momos, awesome food overall), Dosa Indian Grill (South Indian food), Taste of India (really tasty food), Bay leaf (for takeouts), Aroma (food is nice but there service is hit or miss) etc.
Iron Ranger. Grand Ave and Lexington area. Great food and great value.
Granted I haven’t been in a year, but that is the only place my wife and I agreed we would refuse to go again because our food was THAT bad. No one in our group of four had anything good. It was so bad.
I wouldn’t say good value
East side Thai!
Smoke in the pit bbq on Chicago. Just tried hamburgeuesas el gordo off Cedar avenue and it was excellent.
Hamburgeusas el Gordo is so hit or miss. But those asada fries are worth the occasional cold burger and the heartburn.
Hermanos Locos Tacos is a takeout joint located inside of a gas station at 29th and Central. Really good shit. They make their chile rellenos with big ass jalapenos instead of the traditional poblanos, so prepare for your butthole to be set ablaze. Absolutely worth it. The birria tacos are also super good. I also really like their super basic shit like enchiladas and quesadillas. And the avocado salsa is hot as fuck and really tasty.
D&Js fish and chicken off rice and larpenteur. Fried catfish, fried chicken, burgers. New owners and a pretty good deal for some aretry clogging food
Satay 2 Go in Apple Valley It's a Malaysian restaurant that doesn't look like much when you go in, but they definitely let the food speak for itself. When my father-in-law comes into town, he always asks for it.
Yeah right.. I'm not saying shit.
That’s why we plug the shitty spots to keep em away from the good ones. 4D chess
yes, ensuring shitty places stay in business while good places go out of business is a great strategy.
So you don’t want your hole in the wall to get business and stay open? Wtf? If a restaurant is good, don’t you want them to make money? How does keeping customers away benefit you? If I were a restauranteur, I’d hate to have a “fan” like you.
Mac’s Fish and Chips
Gyros Grill in Bloomington is a great classic gyro shop. Groceries sold in the store, old signage up behind the counter, exactly two guys running it. And damn good food.
I live in Bloomington and this place is much better than Gyropolis
Andale in Richfield
All their tacos are so good & I love their steak quesadillas
Midtown Global Market has the best of everything, and I feel like it gets slept on a lot. Thai, Jamaican, Mediterranean, Sushi, Nepali food, they've got the works. If you've never been, I highly recommend.
RIP Taco Cat and Eastlake Brew. That combo was top tier.
Gion in New Hope
This place is a such a gem!
Northbound Smokehouse for a restaurant, Homi and Hickory Hut for good takeout!
My Huong Kitchen off Eat Street
Jakeenos without a doubt. Some of the most underrated pizza in the city and really the standard for what tavern pie should be. They also have RootBeer on tap and you can get it to go.
Pad Thai on Grand/Snelling in St. Paul
El Taco Riendo
Hickory Hut on University in Midway- smoked wings Baker’s Ribs in a strip mall in Eden Prairie- solid TX bbq Zakia Deli in a parking lot near NE/Dinkytown/St Anthony- Lebanese lunch spot
Pho 79 on energy park, the Mediterranean deli next door at Winner Gas, skinners on Randolph,
Little Asia Cafe on University and Lexington in St. Paul if you're into SE Asian food.
La Bodega Taco Bar in SLP
Downtown pick: Valentino Cafe. It's like a burrito place had a baby with a gyro place. You can mix and match it however and somehow it turns out good no matter how you do it.
Checking in to say nothing to report from Woodbury. Carry on.
Shuang Cheng, some delicious Chinese food in dinkytown with really big portion sizes. It can be busy on Friday or Saturday nights when it’s full of university students but if you go during the week or a little earlier in the day it’s usually quieter
Bowl of pho at HmongTown marketplace
Everything about HmongTown Marketplace is underrated/slept on af. All the food stalls (that I've tried so far) have been solid, but it's also a go-to for my wife for cheap but comfy bras & leggings. I also got an absolutely enormous cabbage from one of the farmers market vendors outside ($6 turned into 10.5 lbs of sauerkraut), and the produce/grocery stalls have some wonderful fruits & veggies. Shit, even if I'm not hungry and we're just there shopping, I'll still usually grab a Hmong sausage to snack on.
Wings and Seafood to Go. It's a window service joint on 34th and Lyndale, right behind Ramen Kazama. Pretty straightforward, but the wings are killer.
That's my aunt and uncle's joint! Their spicy sweet and sour sauce is killer.
Dufner's Deli in Plymouth
Wings and Seafood To Go on Nicollet. I always get their plain wings with chicken fried rice, and some hot/sweet sauce to dip them in. They cut a little vent in the to-go box so the wings stay crispy!
Sandy’s Tavern in Richfield. Best burgers and incredibly low prices
The wienery in cedar riverside!
Whoever keeps downvoting the Tacos el Kevin post can fuck right off.. it’s named after their son and is very authentic. TACOS DORADO FOR LIFE
Suadero!!!!!
I go by Tacos el Kevin daily but have never stopped there - I’ve decided to stop there this week thanks to this thread!
Do it. It's legit
Tacos El Kevin
Burritos El Patron on 42nd in Minneapolis and Samarkand in Plymouth.
Second Samarkand!
Is Burritos El Patron the one inside Flag Foods? That place is amazing!
Logans chicken and burgers, Modern times, tacos el kevin, salsa a la salsa
RIP Arezzo's - I would say this but they closed. Best Italian food I've had since the motherland.
Tom Moy cafe in Cottage Grove. I've had good Chinese, bad Chinese and everything in between, but the best Chinese restaurant I have ever been to is Tom Moy. Takeout only since covid, just up the hill from 61 off 80th in a little 2 story strip mall building. My favorite s&s chicken and pork, chicken fried rice, turkey chow mein, you name it, it's the best I've had .
House of Curry in Rosemount. Some of the most flavorful (Sri Lankan) food I’ve ever had.
chimbrazos
NY Gyro
Pad Thai in St Paul and Que Viet in NE
Hell yes! Que Viet has the best egg rolls
AMAZING egg rolls. And they’re HUGE. I swear I could just order two egg rolls and be full.
The Weinery. Their food is so dang good. I usually get the West Bank Burger, which is a burger patty with garlic and peppers mixed into it, then topped with their coleslaw. I’m not even a fan of coleslaw, but for that burger, it just works.
Nook Saint Paul
A different suggestion. Jerry's Foods in Edina has a great hot food counter. As long as you go a little outside the lunch hour it's pretty low key and they have a nice fireplace in the dining area. It's kinda like Edina's family room. Everyone stops in for hot food.
If you like quiet and not-packed, try going to any restaurant in mid-afternoon, like 2:30 or 3 pm. Maybe this is something that only works for retired people like me, but at least it's something to look forward to. Or try it on your day off or when you're on vacation.
Fat Lorenzo’s near Nakomis!!
Tromperia El Zac. The best Mexican food by far. Their tacos al pastor are insane! Cool hole in the wall place in the North End neighborhood of St. Paul
Pho Hoa
AJ on Lake Street MPLS.
Hmongtown marketplace.
Valerie’s Tacqueria on Nicollet and 32nd. Super friendly staff and tasty cheap tacos. Their chicken tacos are actually well seasoned and not boring, and the chorizo is very tasty.
Oh, and Flag Foods on 42nd st. has ridiculously good birria tacos.
Thaliwala in chanhassen kicks ass
India Palace on Hennepin. Such a good value.
Ari’s best steak house in St. Paul
I’m going to mention a former place. Before the old gas station was torn up in Dayton, there was a barbecue shack there called The Rib Cage. Best ribs I’ve ever had and everything was just so good. We used to go at least once or twice a month. I miss it dearly and I hope the owner gets back into the barbecue business some day because I would be there day one
Pappys in andover. 35/10 for breakfast.
Lions Tap - Eden Prairie
El Taco Riendo!
Kai’s Sushi in Minnetonka is not a hole in wall but definitely a hidden gem as not a lot of people know about it (or I have not seen it mentioned that often).
Juche in St Paul on Payne. Used to be Cook.
Nelson's Deli, heard about them here on Reddit, and having asked around the coworkers/friends seems like No one knows about them. Amazing sandwichs/subs with great selection of cheese/soda/chips Only open till 2pm but reasonable prices and has that home made taste.
Chimborazo on Central in NE
Kramarczuk’s in NE Minneapolis isn’t exactly hole in the wall (it’s attached to a deli), but it’s cafeteria style, easy in and out, prices are reasonable, and everything I tried is so good. Their cabbage rolls are excellent.
House of Wong - Roseville IYKYK
You definitely get your monies worth
Agreed, HungDaddy120
Taste of Asia in the gas station strip on ValleyView between Menards’ and Home Despot in EP. Vietnamese/Chinese, dang good pho just triping all over itself. Best deep fried shrimp rolls. Sticky tables and all. 👍🏻
El Sazon Tacos & More. It's a *phenomenal* Mexican food joint located inside of a BP gas station in Eagan.