Gran Plaza Mexican Grill

Service was outstanding…read more Chicken fajitas were fantastic (we're usually not fans of white meat but they did a great job keeping the chicken juicy and tender!) Shrimp fajitas were great and the mushrooms were the top tier. The spicy salsa was awesome and had a decent bite! The restaurant itself is cozy with a home feel. Couldn't be happier with our experience.

Always Great Staff. Love The Environment. Musics Great. Fast Servers. Christmas Music is The Bestread more

Lunch #17 - Fajitas

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Taqueria Espartaco

4.2(5 reviews)

0.3 mi

We decided to visit this restaurant last week for the first time. Now we went back again. Both…read moremeals were wonderful. The menu seems sparse at first, but the choices of fillings expand it quite a bit. The pulled beef Quesabirria was fresh and hot off the grill. The accompanying beef soup, which they make themselves as well was fantastic. There is an article from the Faribault Daily News on the opening in Sept 2023: https://www.newsbreak.com/faribault-mn/3234262550790-100-authentic-mexican-restaurant-opens-in-downtown-faribault The second trip was pulled Fajitas, wonderful again. The corn and beens were hot and tasty. The seasoned rice was not clumpy or bland. The pulled beef was accompanied by just the right amount of melted cheese that itenhanced rather than overwhelmed the tortillas. The store seeting is basic, tables and chares. You can order and pay at the register and pick up your food at the counter if you can't wait for the wait staff to bring it to your table or have takeout. Photos are from article in link.

First time coming here and was disappointed. Not much flavor.. would have been better with more…read morecheese more cilantro and onion and more crispy.

Ramen birria

Pambazo

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Corn

Mi Lindo Michoacan

4.3(7 reviews)

1.8 mi

This was the first time I had been back since Covid. They no longer have the salsa bar, but…read moreeverything else was perfect. I had asada and pastor tacos. They were perfectly seasoned, the tortillas were grilled and came with just cilantro and onions on top. I asked for both red and green salsa. The red packed a wallop and the green was tart and fresh. And now they have a grocery store next door! I'll be back.

I recently made my first visit to this little place in the Faribo West Mall based on the…read morerecommendation of a friend. It's such an easy place to get to, just off an exit on I-35. The menu is small but they have all the items you come to expect in a Mexican place, but with possibly a greater variety of meat options. As others have said, it's a no frills place. It feels more like a cafeteria than a restaurant. The menu is posted on the wall by the counter. You order and pay up-front and go to your seats, where your food is delivered to you. No alcohol. No fountain pop. A few feet behind the counter is a cooler of bottled soft drinks. There appeared to be a number of fruit flavored drinks, but they were too far away for me to read. I did see Coke so I went with that. I ordered a burrito al pastor with beans and rice and my friend had a barbacoa quesadilla with the same sides. I can't really judge the taste of the beans and rice, as they were inside the burrito, but the flavor of the whole thing was delicious. If anything I wish there was a little more beans and a little less rice, but I scooped some out with my finger and all was good. The flavor of the marinated pork still came through really well. Not hot, but with a flavorful warmth. This was a nice fat burrito. My friend's rice and beans were served on the side as usual, and he said the barbacoa was fantastic. It was the thickest quesadilla I've ever seen. The prices were fine. The service was friendly and the food came quickly. There's not a lot happening at this mall, so parking should never be a problem. This is not a date night place, but if you're just looking for good flavors, this is worth checking out.

Eating area, the we had we great The salsa selection is great ! Wednesday is special for Tacos

Burrito al pastor

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The Wednesday Special

Taqueria El Jefe

5.0(4 reviews)

0.2 mi

I've enjoyed food at this location since its days as The Cheese Cave (see my very first yelp…read morereview.) Well, now it is occupied by El Jefe, which began as a food truck and upgrade to restaurant a few years back. Where The Cheese Cave offered contemporary pizza and grilled cheese recipes (ingredients sourced from the titular local Faribault Cheese Caves), El Jefe connects Faribault diners to the traditional cuisine of a Mexican taqueria!!! I have been here an upwards of 10 times over the past two years and always leave satisfied and smiling. Ambiance is very basic, but the food and staff make up for it. My recommendation: stick with the tacos (traditional, classic) or indulge in their fabulous cheese nachos (probably not authentic, but what a treat). Taco ordering walkthrough: 1. How many tacos (3 is filling for me but can eat much more...) 2. Choose meat. I recommend the Al Pastor. All are good though (tripitas is cow stomach lining, but it's good if you're ok with it). 3. They'll ask if you want toppings (raw onion, cilantro and fresh lime). Say "yes." 4. Don't forget to ask for a Jarritos or a Mexican Coke! (I may get sparkling water, which is healthy and refreshing...) 5. Select sauces (multiple). Less spicy to the left. The green salsa is very accessible - not too spicy, quite tangy. 6. Seat yourself Eating at El Jefe is to enjoy very warming, comforting food. And experimenting with different salsas will be enough to please any foodie. This is top two restaurants in Faribault for sure. Taco aficionados ... will probably be relieved to find a good taco fix in the area! But nothing next-level e.g: no regional specialties, not much beyond the standard beef-pork-chicken meats, not a lot of topping variety (no radishes, pineapple); I don't think the tortillas are made fresh (but they are warm and fragrant of course). These are all the sorts of things that might make a 9/10 taco joint a 10/10. El Jefe isn't best tacos of your life or anything, but they are great tacos and one of the best Faribault restaurants.

We almost walked out because all the seats appeared to be taken, but there are additional tables…read moreand counter space toward the back. I'm so glad that we stayed. We came on a cool Saturday evening, and their menudo and pozole hit the spot. The first bite of the pozole won me over. The pork was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the broth was subtly spicy. The menudo was also good, oilier and spicier. Next to the cash register was a self-serve salsa bar that lent a warm, hospitable vibe to the place. In addition to salsa, it had fresh lettuce, onions, cilantro, and cucumbers. A real plus for those of us who want vegetables! The soups, available only on weekends, come with crisp tostadas heaped with fresh lettuce, tomato, and cheese (cotija, I think). The tostadas were quite filling, and we ended up taking some of the soup home. The staff were friendly and helpful. El Jefe opens up into a commercial space including a bathroom shared by other businesses. The bathrooms were well marked and very clean. El Jefe had everything I wanted for a warm and healthy evening meal. I'll definitely be back.

Sauce choices

Barbacoa, steak, and chicken tacos

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Restaurant facade

Restaurante El Colibrí

3.9(7 reviews)

0.0 mi

Oh my gosh! So so good! Feels like I'm at a beach town in Mexico. They do every culinary miracle…read morehere. Panadería, cafè. The tacos al pastor super good. Fresh frijoles. Service so friendly . Waitress speaks little English but we managed, with my terrible Spanish, to still get myself stuffed to the gills. Oh fer yum, Faribault. You're so lucky

They have tasty, authentic Mexican food. The only downsides are ambiance and selection. It's a…read morebasic, no frills setup with table service. They are often out of some menu items. If you are craving a specific thing, you'd best call ahead and make sure they have it that day! What they do have is good. Try to catch them on a weekend day when they have pozole! It's also a great opportunity to practice Spanish. Check them out!

Good selection of plates, and authentic tacos

Tacos de al pastor with avocado sauce were yummy.!

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My daughter had a Mexican torta (sandwich ) it was delicious!!

Los Taquerios

5.0(2 reviews)

1.8 mi

The Faribo West Mall was like ghost town when we dropped in on a Thursday evening. Add to that this…read moreplace has a tacos-by-Walmart vibe and I almost turned around. Glad we didn't because the staff was friendly and everything we ate was DELICIOUS. Apparently they have $1.50 tacos on Wednesday - i think the savings covers my gas from the Twin Cities so I may be back next week :)

Hands down, some of the best tacos I've ever had--seriously! Every bite is packed with authentic…read moreflavor, perfectly seasoned meat, and fresh toppings. I can't get enough of them, which is why I keep going back and haven't even tried the rest of their menu yet! They offer burritos, chimichangas, enchiladas, nachos, tortas, and more, so I'm sure those are amazing too. I always order a side of rice, and it's just as delicious. The service here is always wonderful. Great taqueria atmosphere. If you're craving authentic Mexican food in Faribault, this spot is a must-try!

Chicken Quesadilla

Rice Bowl

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Chimichanga

Depot Bar and Grill

3.6(136 reviews)

0.2 mi

Good food , great service, outdoor dining that accommodates dogs on outside patio! I love the old…read moretrain depot ambiance.

Met a colleague here for lunch. It's a cute atmosphere with the train theme throughout the…read morerestaurant/bar. I ordered the beet salad it was pretty and delicious. The whole beets were something I usually don't see in a beet salad but it meant I got lots of beats. Dressing was served on the side and was a nice compliment. I also liked that I got a piece of bread with the salad. My friend got a blue cheese burger on which they serve the Faribault Caves blue cheese brand. Like the local ties. Service was good. Parking easy. Nice stop.

German beer cheese

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Redemption

3.5(87 reviews)

0.2 mi

This was our first time eating here and we have been missing out! Everything was so flavorful! The…read moreserver was extremely attentive the entire time. The decor is rustic, simple and not over done. My 11 year old son raved his entire meal about how good everything was and that his steak was cooked perfectly. If you haven't visited yet you are missing out!

We had an outstanding experience at Redemption on Saturday night. The food was above and beyond…read moreexceptional including price, serving size, quality, appearance, and taste. We had 8 people and the service was awesome! We will definitely be back the next time we are in town. We also got to taste test a new dessert, blueberry bread pudding that was phenomenal and it should be added to menu.

Drinks

Steak tips - appetizer

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Truffle hamburger

Taco John's

3.8(5 reviews)

1.1 mi

HUGE TACO JOHNS FAN…read more The remodel that was done on this place a few years ago was nicely done. It used to look kind of crappy from the outside and quite frankly on the inside as well. This has never stopped me from going in and getting some soft shell taco's though! With the remodel, it seems more welcoming and overall it seems like there are more people there when I visit nowadays. I keep it simple with a #3 Two soft shell tacos, small ole (with extra seasoning), and a small soda. Instead of putting the ole inside the taco shell (it gets soggy) I like to dip my taco in the hot sauce and then put an ole on top of each bite individually. This keeps each bite nice and crunchy! I wish these were in more locations around the metro area! I guess it's just a treat when I visit Faribault!

The food is typical taco John's it's a good fast food meal. My wife and I find the service at this…read morestore is always consistent and great. The kids that work the window and people taking your order are top notch the whole staff there should be proud of themselves. They're always a welcome change from the ordinary. Great job guys and gals

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Taco Bell

2.2(19 reviews)

1.1 mi

As many years as Taco Bell has been in town, we hadn't tried it. So we decided it was about time…read more Ordered online and drove up to the speaker/microphone and gave my name. Drove up to the window and the kid there was very polite and talkative. After a while our food came. I put it in the seat and headed home. When I got there, the order wasn't right. They forgot a couple of items completely and didn't fix the rest as ordered. I called down and talked to the manager. He was very nice. I had to go back down to the store and they would remake the items screwed up in the order. So I got down there and went inside and told the kid who I was and why I was there. 10 minutes later the manager came out and asked me which items were wrong. He took those down and went and remade the order. Got the food plus a bunch of free taco coupons and headed back home. Needless to say, the tacos still weren't right. But we ate the first order tacos that weren't right but at least were edible (I asked for no chipotle sauce and it was on there on the redone order. Too hot for my stomach to take unfortunately) The food was mediocre at best. We weren't impressed. Probably just go back to Taco John's from now on. I give props to the manager for trying his best to make it right. Doesn't help when your staff fails you.

didn't put my food properly in a box, so when I went to get my food it spilled all over. When I say…read moreI need/ want something with my taco they do the complete opposite. I've never seen so much incompetence, uneducated people ever. they fight with you when you say there isn't something in the bag. not good service. At this point we might as well not have a Taco Bell.

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12 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Tim A.

3 years ago

Ive dined here before, and while the overall culinary experience was enjoyable, I couldn't help but feel that it fell slightly short of my expectations in terms of authenticity and spiciness. The establishment, with its charming ambiance and friendly staff, certainly has its merits, but let me delve into the details of my visit. Let's start with the food itself. I must admit that the flavors were quite good, showcasing the essence of Mexican cuisine. The dishes I tried were well-prepared, and the ingredients seemed fresh. From the savory tacos to the flavorful enchiladas, it was evident that the kitchen had skillfully crafted each plate. However, for someone who appreciates a bit of heat in Mexican food, I was left yearning for more spice. The dishes lacked the fiery kick that I typically associate with authentic Mexican cuisine, which was a bit disappointing. Another aspect worth mentioning is the ambiance of the restaurant. The decor and atmosphere were undeniably inviting, creating a warm and welcoming space. The staff members were friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, which enhanced the dining experience. While the food and atmosphere were commendable, it's important to address the authenticity factor. Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors and generous use of spices, particularly chili peppers. However, I felt that this particular establishment played it safe, toning down the spiciness to cater to a broader range of palates. While this approach might be appealing to some customers, it left me craving the true fiery essence of traditional Mexican dishes. Gran plaza offers a pleasant dining experience, with well-prepared and flavorful food. However, it fell short in terms of authenticity and spiciness. If you're seeking a milder, more accessible version of Mexican cuisine, this restaurant will likely satisfy your cravings. However, if you're a heat-seeking adventurer in search of authentic Mexican flavors that pack a punch, you might find yourself wanting more. read more

Zack S.

14 years ago

I have eaten at Gran Plaza with my family on several occasions and have never been let down. Food is amazing and portions are very generous. The place always appears clean and well kept. Staff seems friendly and the food comes out quickly. We look forward to eating at the Plaza again soon. read more

Dani S.

8 years ago

Stopped here because of Yelp. The food was amazing!! My husband and I shared the fajitas. He salsa was amazing. The guacamole was fresh and very good. It was very much worth the short drive off of the interstate!!!! Faribault is lucky to have this restaurant!!!! read more

Rachel F.

2 years ago

Always have wonderful and fresh food, it's one of my faves here in town. Their good service and excellent food is the highlight of the place. They also serve tasty margaritas. read more

Samantha W.

7 years ago

Always fresh and never disappointed with our meal... drinks can be a little weak... but over all we love it.

Review A.

2 years ago

Amazing food, excellent service, and beautifully crafted tacos! Highly recommend! Great Mexican restaurant read more

M. G.

9 years ago

Excellent food & great service! If you like great tasting authentic Mexican, you will love Gran Plaza.

Cole D.

3 years ago

Nothing needs to be said other than go to el tequila or el Molino. Grand plaza is good but not great.

Megan U.

1 year ago

Gran Plaza is our absolute favorite spot in Faribault and favorite Mexican joint in southern mn

Chris L.

3 years ago

Awesome food, fast service. Nice place to eat. They are very fast bringing food to table.

Jimmy L.

111

14 years ago

Good food and service. "Don't touch the plates HOT!"

Felix P.

7 years ago

No good service no straws included

Gran Plaza Mexican Grill - mexican - Updated October 2026

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Nice downtown storefront location. Nice decor. Very friendly staff. Based on other reviews,…read moreeveryone seems to love this place and I understand why now. There are many comments about the pork burrito smothered with white sauce. I must have ordered the wrong thing, because mine was smothered the green tomatillo sauce that's often served on pork. No problem though, because it was delicious. The only problem was that there was sauce all over most of the rice and beans. Almost burying the thing that impressed me the most: The BEANS! In a world where you have been conditioned to just push your rice into your beans and eat them alongside the entrée, these beans are amazing. A little smoke. A gentle heat on the back of your tongue. I took an order home and after reheating, they make an outstanding dip on tortilla chips.

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Admire their consistency in work ethic. They're open all the time seven days a week with very…read morefriendly service. Miguel can be testy at times but I would be too if I had to work seven days a week. Their green hot sauce is to die for and is worth the $10-before two o' clock is best. Lots of competition now but will always be a loyal customer here because they're hard workers and always serving the community to get by.

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The the food was fantastic. The service was amazing and this waiter were so polite. The place was…read morewell cleaned . The ambiance it was full of people the price was varied

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Stopped in for a quick take out lunch to have back at the park I've been hiking in all morning…read more Super clean place and such friendly staff! They have a nice size bar and a good size seating area for this tiny town of Waterville. I ordered the combo fajita lunch plate of chicken and steak. Wow! Everything was so fresh and amazing. The meat was cooked perfectly and the veggies were nice and fresh. Great place for a little road trip. Def recommend!

This restaurant has to be one of Waterville's best kept secrets! They have quite an extensive menu…read moreof Mexican dishes including some unique dishes of their own. One of my favorites is their Mini Chimi Appetizer. There are 4 pieces on the plate, 2 with ground beef and 2 with shredded chicken and cheese. These are delicious very filling! The staff is very friendly and attentive throughout your meal and their pricing is very reasonable. I highly recommend.

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We arrived on a Friday night around 7 and it was not very busy. We sat at the bar and were greeted…read moreby the bartender. The chips and salsa were good and I got a side of cheese sauce that was really good. I got the grilled steak and rice meal and it was good. My Only complaint is that the bar area smells bad. I would recommend not sitting at the bar as something really smells. Everyone was friendly but not sure I would go back.

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