Great service. Good food. Good value. The pintos were good. A nice option vs refrieds. read more

Esmeralda’s - Mexican Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

We were passing through and looking for a good place to stop for lunch. Based on the ratings and most reviews, we gave it a try. It was about 11:30 on a Tuesday and pretty quiet. We were greeted, seated and immediately waited on by a friendly server. First, the chips are definitely not made in house and are nothing special. The salsa had a little bite to it and tasted pretty good. It is a shame that the chips were not fresh and crisp. The unsweet iced tea was very strong. We suspect it might have been instant, but do not know that for sure. The Fiesta Burrito was flavorful, as the meat was well-seasoned. The refried beans and pico were also very flavorful. The chimichanga with ground beef was seasoned well and covered with melted white cheese. The lunch portion is small, but that was good for me. The pinto beans and rice lacked seasoning, so after a dose of salt they tasted better. The sour cream was a good compliment to the chimi, but the tomatoes and lettuce were quite acidic and without good flavor. Based on our food and drink, I consider it to be quite average. The service and time to receive meals after ordering was good, though. read more

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My coworker and I decided we wanted to go out for lunch. He was more familiar with the area than I so he suggested Esmeralda's. We each had the chimichanga dinner. He got chicken and I got shredded beef. The server was very good and took our drink order and brought us chips and salsa. While almost every Mexican restaurant brings out chips and salsa theirs was different. The salsa was a little thicker and had more flavor than most places and the chip were a thicker and crispy. Our chimichangas were great and very flavorful with some very good queso over the top. The place wasn't too crowded for a lunch time and was very clean. I'm plan on going back soon. read more

We went to Esmeralda's, hoping for Happy Hour. We were disappointed they did not have a happy hour. Regardless, our chips, and salsa arrived shortly after we sat down. I was disappointed with the chips. They tasted like Old Dutch tortilla chips. We ordered the guacamole which was made tableside (which was VERY good!) I ordered the flautas and my friend got a burrito. Both were good. Overall, the food and service were good and we would return. read more

Esmeralda’s - Guacamole - Mexican Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Our first visit and this is one of the better Mexican restaurants in the northwest suburbs. We started with the tableside guacamole which was delicious and you can customize to your liking. The complimentary chips and salsa were also very good. The chicken fajitas came out sizzling like you hope for when you order fajitas and that gave them a nice grilled flavor. Shrimp ceviche was good as well as was the combination #14 which came with 2 enchiladas and a quesadilla. The inside was very clean and warm, which was appreciated. Our server Olger was super nice, very friendly and attentive. All the staff were very nice. read more

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First time coming here, I was looking for a good spot to eat and definitely picked the right one. It was so good I got seated with a bowl of chips and salsa almost immediately. Then asked what drink I wanted. Food came super fast everyone seemed on top of it. Place was very clean!! I payed around $25 for my tacos and soda all together would definitely come again. read more

Esmeralda’s - dessert menu - Mexican Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Steak was grisly. Everything was ok good, not great, not better than I can make myself at home. Service was good. read more

Came in at 5:30pm on a Wednesday. Was seated and was greeted/put in our drink orders within a minute! Super kind host and waitress. Chips and salsa came out equally fast. Our food came out quickly as well. I got the shrimp ceviche and it was soooo good and fresh. My pictures aren't doing it justice because I was too excited to eat my husband got some sort of shrimp dish with tortillas and that was so flavorful as well. The restaurant was super clean. 10/10 experience and definitely will be returning read more

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Picked Esmeralda's for my book club meeting spot this month. When I arrived, I was shown to a table already set up to seat a larger group. Waters and chips and salsa appeared shortly. The top two recommended items by our server were the Pina Fajitas and the Quesa Birria Tacos. Both were chosen along with a Burrito California and a quesadilla. Everyone enjoyed what they ordered - empty plates all around. I wanted to check out something I had never tried before so picked the Arroz con Mariscos. The shrimp, scallops, and seafood blend was seated on rice and covered with cheese. This came with soft shells to make handhelds with all the fixings. Also a very delicious gluten free option without the shells. We tried a variety of the drinks offered on the drink menu. The Ultimate Margarita, Blanco Pomegranate, Blackberry Smash, and Modelo Negra were delicious. The Titorita had quite a kick from the jalapeños - for those jalapeño fans, this is your drink. The Pineapple Henny-Rita was a hit, coming out in a cored out pineapple as the glass garnished with a fruity smile that brought out the smiles all around. read more

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I went after a recommendation from a friend. The salsa is very good, but I do wish the chips were fresh made. They taste like they're out of a bag. I ordered the chicken fajitas and they were good. They were seasoned and flavored well. My bf got the seafood burrito and really liked it. The server was friendly and attentive. We went closer to closing time, so there was only 3 other tables in there but they were playing music. I would return. read more

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Brand New Mexican restaurant in the Riverdale area of Coon Rapids! Pretty run of the mill Americanized Mexican food. I ordered 3 tacos. They were made traditionally (or as Americans would say, street tacos) with double white corn tortillas, meat of your choice, onions, cilantro and a lime wedge. The meat all seemed to be slightly over cooked but overall they were decent. They came with a habanero hot/taco sauce that was FANTASTIC and arguably the best part of the entire experience. I also very much enjoyed the salsa that came out with the chips. It is some of the best restaurant salsa I've had. Chips were subpar. Ordered a couple beers on tap. Bartender was struggling a little to pour them but he made it happen. Another patron in the restaurant ordered an Old Fashioned, word of the wise, don't get an Old Fashioned at a Mexican restaurant. Outside of the lack of bartending skills, service was good. This place is exactly what you would expect from any other large scale Mexican restaurant. No worse, no better. 3 stars. read more

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Had driven by Esmeralda's plenty of time, but never thought of stopping to eat at a Mexican restaurant in this location. Glad that I finally did stop as this place did not disappoint. The service was top-tier as chips arrived promptly with drinks refilled as soon as they were emptied and polite waitstaff all around. The birria tacos were executed perfectly, and the rice and beans are large servings. Lots of good daily specials on their sandwich board in the front. We will definitely be back to Esmeralda's! read more

First I will say service was amazing. We were seated immediately on a Friday evening. It was just starting to get busy. They brought chips and salsa right over. They checked on us and got our drink order quickly. We were ready to order when they got back with drinks. My husband had some specialty tacos. I had seafood Chimichangas. Our food was excellent. I loved the white booths with the gold grommets. It gave it a little bit of classiness. They are located in an area we visit often so we'll definitely be back. read more

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The service is quick and friendly. Wait staff is super nice and helpful with the menu. My last trip, I got the carnitas plate/platter and it was so yummy. Came with rice and beans and tortillas so I could make my own tacos if I wanted, but more food overall for lower cost than 3 taco. Great deal. Today I got the birria plate. Omgoodness it's so delicious. Big bowl of birria and consume, side of rice and beans, and tortillas for dipping. I need this recipe!!! read more

Esmeralda’s - Birria plate - Mexican Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Our dinner experience was Fantastic. The meal, our server, our drinks other staff members who stopped at our table to see if we needed anything where Fantastic. Son mentioned we were celebrating my birthday & to my surprise after we were finishing our meal a group of employees serenaded me with a birthday , birthday wishes and desert to share with my husband. and son . Everyone totally made my day. Thank You All I Highly recommend this place for their fantastic food,fantastic service and going obove and beyond caring for their customers. read more

This place went over looked by me for years and for that shame on me! It feels like it's in an odd place for a restaurant, but the food and service definitely make up for it! The service is always prompt and super friendly and your food comes out in a very timely manner always tasting amazing! We've done take out and delivery with this place as well, because sometimes you just need that home-cooked Mexican meal but you don't want to go out in the cold! read more

Ordered for take out. Great service and food came out quick but the meat was very dry to me. I usually order chimichanga and quesadilla as my go to dishes for new places, but the meat was just very dry. It came with fresh chips and those were good. Plenty of parking space! I'm not sure about seating. Think I'll give it another try and update the review later. read more

I love this place! Delicious food! I ordered the taco salad and xango. I will return!!!!!!

Food is great so is the service the Cantaritas are the best I only wish they had a patio read more

Esmeralda’s - Aquachile - Mexican Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Food was good. I didn't like the chips they served with the salsa didn't taste like they made them and were just regular chips I buy at grocery store. Service was ok. We were sat in a booth that the sun was shinning right at us and we couldn't escape and they didn't have blinds on the window to block. So two of guests had to hold hands up to face for awhile. Not a huge deal as I think only two booths are affected by the big window. Was just an inconvenience. read more

Busy night, server absolutely ignored us for tables with more people (bigger tips?) Chicken fajitas were mostly peppers and onions. Margaritas water down, took 2 hours to Finnish and pay. read more

Let's start with service; our waitress was superb! So kind and friendly and had a sincere genuine aura and smile on her face with every customer she greeted. Ambience; it was clean and filled with beautiful art and music. Bathrooms were very clean as well which is super important IMO. The food: so delicious! They start you off with chips and salsa (my fave) and the salsa was so delicious and flavorful. I ordered the birria tacos which came with consommé and beans and rice, huge plate of food! My boyfriend ordered a steak burrito which also came with beans and rice and pico. He was extremely satisfied with it. Drinks; we were given water without even asking which was nice! I ordered a michelada with corona and it was so tasty and had chamoy and tajin around the rim. He got a piña colada margarita (blended) he enjoyed it. I will definitely be back here to try other goodies like ceviche, fajitas and menudo thanks team at Esmeralda's! Note - BRING CASH! read more

Esmeralda’s - Plates of food, drinks and chips and salsa! - Mexican Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

3 months ago we went to Esmeralda's and the food was fantastic. Today we went expecting the same and were very disappointed. I had the same thing I ordered last time and it lacked the same flavor - last time there was a nice spice to it and a great combo of flavors in the Burria tacos. This time they tasted very bland. The pineapple margarita was also a disappointment. last time it was served in a pineapple and the flavor was wonderful. This time a glass and you could barely taste the tequila and the flavor was lacking. I heard they have come under new management...they need to look at their original recipes! All that said, the waitress was wonderful as were the other staff. very prompt and very professional. The chips and salsa were good. the chips were warm and nice. read more

First time here and can't believe we haven't been here before. SO GOOD! We had the chicken quesadilla (this was especially so good!), queso birria tacos, and ixtapa fajitas. All were so delicious, we will be back here for sure! read more

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I am visiting from Texas and my family suggested Esmeralda's for dinner. I was very pleased with everything! The ambiance, the service and the food! I order the Fish Tacos. One of my favorite in Texas. It was delicious, everyone in our party loved the food! You got to give it a try! Fresh chips and great salsa! read more

Esmeralda’s - Fist tacos - Mexican Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

We enjoyed our lunch at Esmeralda's. Service was friendly, food came out quickly. Carnitas plate had a nice serving of tender pork, good flavor. Fajita Quesadilla had lots of tasty meat and veggies. Both came with standard rice and beans, guac and pico salad. Good salsa too. They have Pepsi products on tap, but you can get Coke in a bottle if you know to ask for one. Mr. read more

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I saw this place when I went to a nearby business. I love Mexican food, and this seem like a good authentic place to go. Wonderful reasonably priced food with exceptional service. It was pretty slow on a Friday night but honestly I'm glad we came here for the first time. read more

Great experience with wonderful service from the entire staff. We were seated right away and had the chips and salsa delivered soon after. The server was friendly and answered our questions on the menu. Food and drinks were ordered and delivered fast with the food being hot and very good. We had the Quesa Burria tacos and the BurritoCancun. Both were very good and plenty of food. Highly recommended this place. read more

I was passing through town and stumbled into the authentic Mexican Restaurant!!! I had the taco birre OMG the best I've ever had! Plus refried beans were homemade!!! Yum! Salsa fresh and homemade! I'll be back as I frequent this area often! Kenna took great care of me! read more

We were super excited to try Esmeralda's. We went on Cinco De Mayo and maybe that was the issue. I never ate here when it was Acapulco but my wife said the decor hasn't change. It was nice and clean. It was a short wait which was what we expected. We were seated. We were brought chips and salsa and the servers thumb was a full knuckle deep in our salsa so I wasn't trying it. Wife said it was good with a little spice. We started off with cheese dip with jalapeños. It came quickly but no chips. So it sat for a long time. The server came to our table and asked if we liked it. I had to tell him we didn't get any chips. He took it back and awhile later a new cheese with chips came out. We also ordered the elote corn. I had to ask for this 3 times and it made it to our table the same time the check came. We shared the La Banderita enchiladas. This is 3 enchiladas, chicken with green sauce, beef with red sauce and cheese with cheese sauce. They were goodish. Nothing really different than any other Mexican restaurant. The sides were your standard beans and rice. We wanted to try something fun so we got the Torta. This is a Mexican sandwich with refried beans, lettuce, onion, tomato, avocado, mayonnaise, cheese and your choice meat which were chorizo, ham, el pastor, steak, carnitas or tongue. We ordered it with chorizo no onion. It came out piled high with onions. When the server made it back I showed him all the onion. He had no problem getting us a new one. The chorizo lacked flavor. The concept of the sandwich is great but that bun could not hold up at all, soggy the moment it got to the table. And I didn't taste any mayonnaise. The fries were cold and soggy. Tasted like yesterdays fries tossed in the microwave. Extremely disappointing but we gave it a try. read more

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Your run of the mill Tex max place, nothing special about the food, the salsa was pretty good but that's about it.

Absolutely loved this place! Took mom, wife and boys here for Mother's Day. Seems family owned/operated as all the workers we saw were Mexican. Ordered fresh table-side-made guacamole to go with the free chips & salsa. Not a big guac guy but this was very good. Cheese dip with chorizo was a little runny but very tasty. We all enjoyed our meals, and finished with dessert. Fried ice cream was delicious! An array of hot sauces at the table for spice eaters. Service was very courteous and attentive. Reasonable prices. We all agreed we'd be back!!! read more

Less than mediocre at best. I'm surprised to see how many decent ratings there are. Chips are not fresh and are just generic white corn thick chips. Salsa tasted like marinara sauce. They use Colby jack shredded cheese on everything not your typical white cheese. Queso was good (but chips were meh). The meat quesadilla cheese wasn't even melted nor did it have the fresh crisp grill crips on the tortilla. I genuinely believe they warmed it up in the microwave.. Waitress was weird and blamed us for their mistake. The inside is blood red. Fairly pricy as well. Definitely recommend acopoulco in Andover or other restaurants before this one!! read more

One of the best Mexican spots around. Large menu with everything you would expect. There service is great and the food is even better. Plus there margaritas are delicious. read more

Delicious food with generous servings and responsibly priced. Service was relaxed and met every expectation! Provided a delicious fried ice cream birthday treat as a surprise! Authentic Mexican atmosphere and servers. This will be our new go-to Mexican restaurant! read more

When they rolled out the cart to make the fresh guac to our exact liking, I thought I'd died & gone to heaven. SO fresh & tasty - we just about licked the bowl clean. And the house Marg was perfectly paired for this spontaneous Happy Hour with our son. The staff were so sweet and attentive. Can't wait to go back & enjoy the sunny patio as well! We will be returning regularly :) read more

Great food. Great atmosphere. Perfect for family dinner. Very clean. Love the chips, salsa & food

Absolutely LOVED our supper! Clean, quick, friendly & delicious! My only complaint is that I didn't come w/ a second stomach. The Chile rellano that we ordered to share, I ate almost the whole thing & MAY have threatened to bite my husband if he reached for it again, THAT is the standard measure for me; an amazing chili rellano is everything! read more