Why Locals Love El Burrito Mercado
El Burrito Mercado, located in the heart of St. Paul, MN, is much more than your typical Mexican dining spot—it's a vibrant fusion of authentic Mexican restaurant, lively bar, and charming café, all under one colorful roof. This unique establishment brings an incredible slice of Mexico to the Midwest, celebrating bold flavors and genuine hospitality that will transport your taste buds south of the border.
Step inside, and you are immediately greeted by the enticing aromas of fresh ingredients and homemade salsas that beckon you to explore their carefully curated menu. For breakfast, indulgence begins bright and early with delights like Analita’s Breakfast—three soft tacos brimming with savory chorizo and eggs, crowned with creamy sour cream, melted cheese, and fresh avocado slices. Or savor the comforting crunch of Migas con Salsa Jalapeño Rostisado, where crispy corn chips meet fluffy scrambled eggs, roasted jalapeños, and authentic Mexican farmers cheese, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that awakens your senses.
As the day unfolds, their lunch offerings continue to impress. The Burrito Tradicional is a hearty favorite, wrapped in a warm flour tortilla packed with your choice of guisado, fluffy rice, creamy beans, crisp lettuce, and the tang of sour cream and cheese. For those seeking lighter fare, the fresh and zesty Cactus Salad or Suzie’s Salad combine crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy avocado drizzled with a lively citrus-lime dressing that perfectly balances the heartier options.
When evening falls, El Burrito Mercado shines as a hub of conviviality and flavor. Start with a basket of their all-natural, stoneground corn chips paired with zesty roasted tomatillo salsa and smoky chile arbol salsa—each bite bursting with vibrant layers of spice and freshness. The Queso Fundido is a standout dish, a luscious Mexican-style fondue of melted asadero cheese and tangy tomatillo salsa served with tortillas, ideal for sharing and indulging in rich, gooey decadence.
The atmosphere here elevates the experience further: a bright, welcoming patio sets the perfect scene for relaxing with friends over drinks from their lively bar, where you can unwind after shopping in the adjoining full-service Mexican market. As one delighted guest noted, the staff's genuine warmth and knowledge create an inviting environment, making the sometimes unfamiliar world of authentic Mexican cuisine accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Beyond the food, El Burrito Mercado is a cultural treasure trove. Customers rave about the extensive grocery selection, including fresh produce, butcher-counter specialties, and an artisan bakery loaded with tempting pastries like churros and choco flan. The aroma alone, as one visitor described, is enough to whet your appetite and draw you deeper into a treasure trove of Mexican crafts and culinary delights.
Whether you’re stopping in for a casual breakfast, a flavorful lunch, or a festive dinner with handcrafted cocktails, El Burrito Mercado promises an immersive and memorable experience. It’s a place where bold flavors, authentic recipes, and heartfelt hospitality come together to create not just a meal, but a celebration of Mexican culture in the heart of St. Paul.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Identifies as women-owned
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- On-site services
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Fast service
- Great dessert
- Live music
- Serves local specialty
- Sport
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy-hour drinks
- Happy-hour food
- Healthy options
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Toilet
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trending
- Trendy
- Family friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Locals
- Tourists
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- On-site parking
- Parking
Real Reviews from the Community
- Mar 9, 2026
Amazing staff, friendly and helpful! It's hard to go through this place without a guide (if you're not familiar with Mexican fare) but the team here are patient and friendly! I bought churros, choco flan and chicharron! There's so many more to explore that I'm saving for the next trip. Certainly worth a try and you can relax at the bar after shopping!
- Feb 23, 2026
Fantastic, authentic Mexican food in a full-service Mexican market. This place has it all. Take out deli, eat in, our buy ingredients and cook at home. Extensive bakery selections, butcher counter, fresh veg, groceries, large gift shop of Mexican crafts... it's all there! Plus, they should charge just for the aroma in the store! You'll be instantly hungry when you walk thru the door. House made tamales and other classics are all delicious. This place is a complete experience Take the time to look at everything!
- Jan 30, 2026
A real gem nestled in a vibrant and bustling neighborhood. When I moved to Minnesota, this was one of the first places I tried, and I was blown away by its large grocery selection, charm, and great food. I haven’t been back in over 10 years, since it’s not too close to me, but I decided to go back this weekend. It didn’t disappoint! I’d highly recommend checking out Raspberry Island’s Alebrijes exhibit (June-October 2025), and then heading here for lunch and a few groceries. The patio is definitely to place to sit. They also have an elote stand out back! I enjoyed my coffee and burrito, and I left the restaurant feeling full and with my arms full of groceries.
- Jan 26, 2026
we came in through the grocery store. the people up front were a little rude but it’s understandable because we didn’t know where we were going. very good food, incredible patio— can’t wait to try it again. the guacamole was to DIE for
- Jan 10, 2026
Always very good! My husband and I love shopping here. The to go food is hot and delicious. I love the shrimp burrito, the rice, and queso. Their chips are also very tasty. Came in for breakfast on a Sunday too and had a delicious breakfast burrito with rice and beans. The green salsa is delicious, has a bit of heat, but not too spicy for this Minnesotan. My husband had the breakfast torta and liked it, but said he would try something else next time.
- Jan 6, 2026
EVERYTHING was delicious! TREAT YOSELF 2a REINA Margharita(or2). Best Margherita that I've ever had! Spendy but worth it. YUMM and also bought stuff in the Mercado :)
- Jan 4, 2026
Two linked reasons to visit: the store is exceptionally complete, with a wonderful meat cutting department! The cafe has the most diverse and authentic Mexican food I have found in the Twin Cities. A walk-up ordering kiosk has replaced the former cafeteria style line. It takes abit of effort to master all the options. The checkout clerk can help. A lovely deli section is close to the cafe seating, allowing you to select some take home things while your food is cooked. Much recommended for any of their offerings!
- Dec 27, 2025
The food is amazing, the atmosphere is authentic and fun, and the lengua (cow tongue) literally MELTS on your tongue. You cant even feel it when you chew and it’s so goooddddd. Plus, even when they’re busy you only have to wait like 15 minutes to get your food. The staff are very friendly too