This review represents an All the Tacos I Have Loved first: a review based on a blog comment suggestion! (Thank you to the mysterious Eli from Minneapolis)
After a severe taco drought, I finally got back in the game and went out to get tacos. I was a taco predator, and they were my prey. Those tacos didn’t stand a chance…
I’ve got to admit, not having a car, finding new taco joints in and around Minneapolis is getting difficult. I’m going to need a taco buddy to chauffeur me around the Twin Cities in exchange for tacos, burritos, and perhaps a beer or two. Let’s call this position my “intern.” Should you find yourself interested in this opportunity, please let me know.
This week I took a trip to Pineda, a taco cafeteria in a cozy shopping center off of Lake St. and Hiawatha. It’s a perfect location for something delicious: it’s right next to the light rail station, directly off of the greenway, next to Savers, and across the street from the YWCA. Getting tacos? Fuck, go to Pineda and make a day of it!
Having said that about their location, I found their tacos to be a little pricey, and not excessively overwhelming in the deliciousness department. Having said THAT about their tacos, I believe that Pineda is better known for their burritos, which I have heard are “off the chain.”
What I did love about the tacos, the burritos, the quesadillas, and the whole shebang in general is that it’s set up like a low-key Chipotle. To order you must step up to the counter, choose your menu item, then choose the innards for your shell of choice by saying what you want directly to the person making your food. The options of innards are numerous, and all quite delicious looking (I asked for green pork and potatoes, but they didn’t have any, which was okay because it sounded too good to be true anyway).
For my big three I chose lengua, shredded pork, and chipotle chicken. All were satisfying, but none of them blew my skirt up. Although, I must admit that chipotle chicken in taco form is pretty darn all right.
In the end, I believe Pineda is best if you’re already in the neighborhood and need a quick taco fix. I’m going back to try their burritos, because a trusted source has really got me curious. I’ll get back to you.
In the meantime, please keep suggesting places in Minneapolis for me to acquire excellent tacos.
Pineda Tacos
311 E. Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN
55405
OMG! This is hilarious. You totally didn’t go to the Pineda I know of, and I’ve never even heard of this one! You posted the right address, 311 Lake Street, but you went to the one at 2130 Lake Street (I saw on the receipt). I’m really surprised I didn’t know about it. The one I was talking about is smaller, probably more hole in the wall. Here’s a picture of it: http://maps.google.com/maps/place?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=DEb&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=ivmc&resnum=1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=pineda,+minneapolis,+mn&fb=1&gl=us&hq=pineda,&hnear=Minneapolis,+MN&cid=3058897487327023315
I actually live in Fargo, but if I ever move back to MPLS I’ll be your taco intern! I’ve heard there are great places in St. Paul, but have never been.
Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck.
You’re totally right. My bad? Is it a bad? I don’t know anymore.
Good call. I’ll definitely go investigate the other location!
Party on, Eli!
I usually goto the one at 311 Lake, next to Taco Bell closer to 35W but they are basically the same, just one is more divey-er . I also discovered one on 1304 Robert Street in West St Paul while I was visiting Boca Chica Taco House (not to be confused with Boca Chica Restaurante, they are different). The Pineda in W St. Paul might be worth checking out just for the crazy architecture.