First off I love the decor! So quaint! The service is excellent and so is the food! I wish I would've thought to take pictures but everything looks so good. We just dug in. We ordered the queso to start and then had the flautas de Pollo. Looking forward to going back. read more

The food here is so delicious! It is very authentic and the portions are generous. The staff is very welcoming. We will definitely eat here again even we are in the area. read more

Where is this located, what city state how many people what gender and do you have please send me something back or I'll look that up somewhere else on someone else's phone read more

Best homemade Mexican food around. Friendly service and great atmosphere to be in. Family owned and very clean.

Authentic Mexican food with delicious margaritas. On Thursdays, they have a taco bar with handmade flour tortillas, all you can eat for only $14.99. This place is a gem. Wonderful staff where everyone feels welcome. Whether you're traveling through or staying nearby, El Portal is a must! read more

El Portal - Mango, lime and classic margaritas - Mexican Near Me - Melrose, Minnesota

Great authentic mexican food. Quick service, either dining in or out. Ambiance is great.

Quick and friendly service since we were the only people in the restaurant at 7pm on a Saturday. We ordered the $12 margaritas and they were extremely weak. Not sure there was any tequila in it. Food taste was just ok. read more

We stopped here for dinner since we have been missing our Tex-Mex from Houston. The time was 4:00pm and the parking lot was empty... not a good sign but we went in anyway as it was very early for dinner. The inside was nice and also clean. I ordered the combo #2 and hubby ordered #47. The service was good, food was just okay... not Spicy at all, sort of bland. The chips and salsa was just chopped tomatoes and onions... no flavor at all... and they charged us $1.99 Would I go back? No read more

Very friendly staff, good food, attentive staff. Definitely would return. You wont regret dining here. Stop and say hey read more

El Portal - Balloon given to me by a staff member after dinner - Mexican Near Me - Melrose, Minnesota

We stop by here all the time when looking for good, authentic Mexican food. Everything we've had is great and is reasonably priced. Definitely recommend! read more

We had friendly service. However the food was less than par. Salsa was more diced tomato's with no flavor. Chips were stale not fresh terrible appetizers. Had the tamales place with poblanos, salad and rice and black beans. read more

Honestly such a good atmosphere, people and Food. I would have not thought this place was this good the guy Serving there is such a kind man very grateful to talk and meet him and the whole service was great absolutely recommend this place and I would advise so learn some Spanish for amazing service. read more

We had not been to this restaurant for a number of years, so we thought we would revisit it. I was shocked by the increase of price on the menu. We went for lunch in the small town, and most of the menu items were around $18. We paid $18 for our vegetarian entrées. We also were surprised that we were charged for the little salsa and chips. Although the food was good, the atmosphere was not great, and the prices were outrageous for the small town vegetarian lunch. Due to this, we will not be returning. read more

Great place to get authentic Mexican if your traveling along 94. Highly recommended.........!

Stopped for food close to closing. In town for funeral. They welcomed us in and served wonderful and delicious Mexican food!! Great atmosphere and great staff. It's just right off of Hwy 94. read more

Terrific food. Always ask about the special of the day -- it changes constantly and is almost always delicious. Warm, friendly service. Simple little spot that's worth a stop whenever you're in the area. Right off I-94. One poster claimed prices were $18 for vegetarian and that they charge for chips. That has never been our experience. Honestly wonder if they are mixing it up with another restaurant. read more

I have driven pass this little gem for years, decided tonight, coming back home from Fargo, that I wanted Mexican food. Construction by Alexandria, so mentioned we should try the place by Melrose... We were greeted immediately upon arriving, very friendly, service was imitate, and excellent, drinks were ordered quickly served, chips and a great fresh salsa served. large menu, food was ordered, and came fairly quick. We had a great meal, very friendly service, Freddy was a hoot... I loved my experience here, definitely will be back... read more

Hidden gem in the middle of Corn Country. We drive back and forth between MN and ND and recently stopped here a few times to get our authentic Mexican fix. We had the Enchiladas, Wet Burritos, Flautas, Carne Asada, and Flan for dessert. Everything is made from scratch including their complimentary chips and salsa. The green salsa is a fave. The Wet Burritos with shredded beef is awesome but any of the meat fillings are deliciously spiced. The Flautas are the least favorite, a little too dry. The Flan tastes like a professional Pastry chef made it, it's excellent! What's also great about the homemade food is the lack of excess grease. We never leave feeling like crap or bloated. The service is warm like being welcomed into a Mexican home in Quintana Roo. The Owners and staff are kind and generous. Highly recommend! read more

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A true Gem. Great homemade Mexican. The Chilli Rellenos are the best I've ever had. Rosa and her lovely family take great pride in their food and service. read more

With the changing demographics of Greater Minnesota, no one should be surprised to see more and better ethnic restaurants.(I hate that term but not sure what else to use) . As a pescaterian, eating in rural areas can be a challenge so was delighted to find this place near Melrose. The shrimp fajitas were fantastic- fresh, hot, tasty. The lentil soup starter was some of the best I have ever had. Tip for vegetarians- tell them in advance and they will help you out. Appeared to be a family operation- service was excellent. Worth a stop as you drive down 94. read more

El Portal - Front entrance - Mexican Near Me - Melrose, Minnesota

Food is delicious!! Margaritas are great!! Service was superb. All together great place to eat!! It's a great place to check out!! read more

The owners are the most wonderful people and make an effort to see my family and I when we go. I love every single dish I order and it's perfect, true and authentic. read more

The food Is very good! It's a great experience with how they decorate the place! I definitely recommend coming here!

This is the best Mexican Food in central Minnesota. Free chips and salsa. Great service. Family owned. read more

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Stopped in for the first time and had a beef chimichanga somethered with cheese. I've eaten at all of the Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants in the St. Cloud area, and El Portal has them beat in terms of authentically Mexican food. The restaurant is located just off Interstate 94 in Melrose. You can't miss the yellow-painted building. Outside the front door you'll find statues of Pedro and a burro. Inside, you'll find more bright, festive colors, paintings, a large colorful mural on the wall, and the kitsch you expect to find in a Mexican restaurant. This business is family-owned and operated. It's not a chain. You get great personalized service. I was treated to a basket of tortilla chips and their salsa verde (green salsa) and fresh tomato-based salsa (more like a pico de gallo). Neither had any heat to them. The tomato-based salsa had onions, cilantro, and a hint of lime. It was quite tasty. I was served a bowl of vegetable and noodle soup as I waited for my meal. The chimichanga was excellent. It was filled with a flavorful, seasoned ground beef that included cooked tomatoes and onions. The entire chimichanga was smothered in copious amounts of cheese. On the side were some great refried beans, Spanish rice, lettuce, a red onion, and tomato. The plate itself was hot, as was the meal. I would definitely eat here again. It would be fun to try some of their special dishes, especially the mocajete (a dish for two). If you're looking for authentic Mexican food and aren't afraid of a little drive, be sure to try El Portal out. It's worth the trip. Note that the restaurant is not open on Mondays. read more

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El Portal was recommended to me by a co-worker, I'm a travel CNA. I was a little unsure because it was right off the exit but the quaintest places end up being the best! I got the quesadillas and they were wonderful! I will definitely be visiting again! read more

Great food and options for vegetarians! Flavorful pico ,green salsa and fresh chips when you sit down. But don't fill up on the chips and salsa the entrees are beautiful and tasty! The people that work there were conversational and knowledgeable about how items could be made vegetarian. We will definitely eat there again on our next trip from Detroit Lakes to Mankato. Right off 94 on county road 13 / exit 135. Perfect for a quick sit down meal. read more

El Portal - The entrance - Mexican Near Me - Melrose, Minnesota

Best Mexican food in area. Always good service, and good atmosphere. In the 10 years ive been eating here and NEVER have i left hungry, or disapointed! read more

Can I just say amazing and fresh food every time I order. And the cakes are seriously one of a kind and simply delicious! Highly recommend stopping at Melrose El portal . Wont disappoint read more

If you want authentic Mexican food, this is your place to go! The food is amazing! Freshly made and fast service. Friendly staff and clean restaurant. It might look like it's closed but the open sign is always on so don't pass this by! Located right off of the freeway exit to melrose. I stop here often and am never disappointed. read more

Stopped here last week to celebrate the Cumpleanos of my Mom! Even though I haven't been here in years the owner still remembers me and always greets me (in my second language; Spanish). I was quite impressed with their generosity, giving us chips with two kinds of salsa (green and red) and soup as a complimentary appetizer. After scanning the 4 page menu I decided on the Chiles Rellenos. (side note: I HATE HUGE MENUS. There is no way everything on the menu can be good, which makes my job as a reviewer super hard. Stick to what you know, people. Make the food good. brief menu and make my job easy. ) Okay, I'm back from the rant. I would classified the Chile Rellenos as "okay". They were taking a bath in the sauce, which overpowered all other flavors. I also thought their prices were a little wack for small town Minnesota... They did give us fried ice cream and rendered the English version of "Happy Birthday" to my mom, which was very cute. Peace, Love, Guacamole. read more

Had dinner there this evening and the food was very good. I had the enchiladas and my fiancé had the carne Asade. I tried his and it was also very good. It's a very cute place off the highway and I didn't even know it existed. Seems like a family owned joint and everyone helps out. They were very nice and helped answer questions. Would recommend anyone to go here if you're in the mood for Mexican. read more

Best Mexican food around! Had the sopes and chimichanga suiza. Delicious! Highly recommend this restaurant. Nice staff, clean and friendly. read more

very friendly staff and food was fantastic! Will be back again soon!

Food is always cooked properly and amazing! Great service and great prices for the portion sizes staff is always friendly.

I usually don't review restaurants. Mostly because of inconsistencies in food quality and service. El Portal is amazing. It's run by a wonderful, thoughtful family/staff. Meals start with a cup of hot soup. The complimentary tortilla chips and salsa keep coming, drinks are also quickly topped off. The food, Yum! Their food does not leave one wanting for flavor. It's authentic! Every bean is washed, soaked then cooked to perfection. The carne asada is reminiscent of my own Latina grandmother's recipe. They have no need to add large amounts of cheese or a poorly made cheese sauce to mask small portions or as a last ditch attempt to add flavor. I've never had a meal I didn't enjoy. I've also tasted all my husband's dishes (he helps himself to my choice(s) as well, I resist the temptation to stab his hand with my fork) and not once have I been disappointed. We drive over 31 miles each way for this hidden gem. I'm 100% okay with the trip because it always results in a fun time, good service, great food. Do yourself a favor, even if it's a bit of a detour, try El Portal! You will not be disappointed. read more

El Portal - Combo. Beef taco, empanada, cheese enchilada with rice, refried beans, with your typical accoutrement on the side. - Mexican Near Me - Melrose, Minnesota

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Not impressed. One in party ordered steak burrito, it was ground beef. Just not the vibrant flavor I'm used to. I won't be going back.

Excellent example of authentic Mexican food done well. I had the carne asata and it tasted great. Went with a group of five people and all were very happy with their meals. Waiter made great suggestions on what to order. read more

This place served not only the best authentic Mexican food I've had in Minnesota, but one of the finest meals I've had anywhere. The special features generous amounts of tender, tasty roast pork with beautifully fresh salad, cheese quesadillas, salsas, warm tortillas, tortilla chips, and the best rice and refried bean side dishes anywhere. The garnishes were fresh citrus fruits. All this and friendly service for a reasonable price. A destination diner has come to Central MN. read more

stopped for dinner tonight and WOW is all I can say! this place has great traditional Mexican food! we started with a green tamatillio salsa and a chopped tomato salsa when we sat down followed by a traditional chicken noodle soup with lime... we got a pitcher of Horchata to drink for the family, great stuff after a hot weekend! I had the combo #5 with a stuffed pepper with homemade cheese, a homemade spicy chicken tamale and a traditional soft corn taco....good stuff! Even my 6 year old daughter loved it and is polishing off the leftovers as I type! We are having breakfast there before we leave tomorrow to get back on the road :D read more