first time here and I'm so sad it took me so long to come here!! with over 35 latinx owned businesses, you can get just about everything here! food, desserts, candy, groceries, clothing, meats, pastries, juice, toys, and sooo much more! everyone was so kind here and the prices for everything seemed very reasonable in my opinion. The only thing is parking can be a bit tricky here, but aside from that this is such an underrated spot! read more

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I love Mercado Central. Went on Thursday most recently and it was so packed and busy, which made the wait times pretty long but all was well because it was just so great to see the community come out to support this amazing place! I went to Pupuseria El Rincon. Got a bean and cheese pupusa and a zucchini, bean, and cheese pupusa. Both were sooo good and came with red salsa and free curtido. Will be back soon to try other kinds! read more

I like Barcelona but I hate REAL I like Barbie Doll, she's my favourite GAL And will we post more nudie pix? Oh yes you know we SHALL But in the Mini Apples, I like MERCADO CENTRAL! If your name's Ripken then I'll call you CAL If you're a triangle you can call me PASCAL If you're Paul Simon you can call me AL But in the Mini Soda, it's MERCADO CENTRAL! If you're a computer, you can call me HAL If your name's Bond, I'll let you in my Casino ROYALE If you're Daniel Craig, I'll let you in my CANAL But if you're hungry in Midtown, MERCADO CENTRAL! If you need a long distance friend, try a PENPAL If you need to send me money, I accept PAYPAL If you need some Mexi-food, this place will boost MORALE And if you're in Twin Cities, go to MERCADO CENTRAL! Better than the Midtown Global, and Golden CORRAL Better than the hipster crap (you know my RATIONALE) Better than most anything in Twin Cities LOCALE Come for Latin treats at the MERCADO CENTRAL WHAT! This is the heart and soul of Minneapolis. The Mercado Central. Where you come to get authentic Mexican food and wonderful tamales and Mexican clothing and Mexican baked goods and Mexican butcher shop Meats. This is the real thing. There is no appropriation or anglicisation or hipsterization going on here. This is all Mexico all the time. The tacos are real. The tamales from La Loma are spectacular. La Hacienda tacos are particularly yumsworthy. Try all the stalls here. Don't stall. Go now. Hurry. Wait what do you mean it's forty below outside? It's Minnesota. That's a tropical day in Minnesota. You can hang out at the Midtown Global Market if you want more of a wider international selection rather than just Latin, and if you want things to be more tailored to the Anglicized tastes. It's more popular, makes more money, more fabricated, just a few blocks to the west down Lake. But if you want real Mexican food you come to the Mercado Central and you get lost in all of the deliciousness. You'll end up leaving with a large amount of Merc-andice, and there's a long list of fans, and you can Ado me to that list. I'm glad I Cent you here, and I hope you Ral-ly around this market and help keep them open. read more

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As you arrive at the Mercado, you are greeted by gorgeous artwork on the exterior of the building. There's a parking lot on one side, and parking during lunchtime on a weekday was easy. Once you enter, you will be charmed and possibly a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of small shops and eateries. If you have the time, you will want to wander through the shops where you can purchase everything from clothing to candy. If you are craving some Latino food, then you have come to the right place. There are so many amazing food choices, from tacos to pupusas to pozole. To eat in, there are ample tables available in a large area of the Mercado. You might find yourself grabbing some food to go after you fill up on site. This is a really unique space in Minneapolis, and well worth a visit. Be sure to arrive hungry! read more

Gotta go here, felt like a dream, you could need some cold cuts, a bracelet or even a currency exchange along with 35 other very random but fitting establishments. read more

My cravings for sweets and tacos lead me here and wow I have found my new go to spot! Mercado central is located right on lake street; hard to miss this big beautiful building filled with artwork! Inside is decorated with more art and is full of various food, clothes,and gift shops. I got $2dollar chicken tacos from 'best tacos and man they are not joking the tacos are ridiculously delicious! And to satisfy my sweet tooth I got pastries that were soft, sweet and super yummy for just a dollar each!! I would highly recommend checking this place out! read more

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This place is truly a hidden gem. I went and got the pupusas and they were wonderful. Light, cheesy, and with ample fillings to choose from. I really enjoyed the flower/cheese pupusa and the prices were very reasonable as well. This place does get crowded though so be prepared! read more

Mexican market filled with food stalls and general merchandise. If you want quick bite of fast Mexican cuisine, line up at your favorite window, order and then have a seat amongst the other vendors. You can buy clothes, snacks, perfumes and all sorts of other assorted goodies here. read more

Mercado Central - Shopping Centers Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Came here for the pupusas! Met a couple of friends here over lunch. One friend of mine speaks Spanish, and that was a good thing because the lady who was working didn't speak any English. So it worked out, and the pupusas are legit. I got the pork pupusas with cheese and beans. OMG. SO good. Like, the wholetime you are eating it you know how bad it is for you but it's so delicious and you can't stop. The slaw and red sauce were good too. Cheap- 2 pupusas and a bottle of water for $7.75. Can't wait to come back next time I want to blow my diet. read more

Mercado Central - Pupusas - Shopping Centers Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Do you want to visit another culture without the sky miles? Visit Mercado Central on Lake Street! My husband loved this venue-he said it felt like he was back in Mexico! I love the food here! I had the chicken taquitos-rather a lot of food for one person! read more

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We were here for lunch now, with some friends. Has a good ambience and good food. We had the scrmabled eggs and the braided chicken bowl. I also had a sip from my friends Michchilada. The coffee was not spectacular. All in all definitely worth a visit for an interesting take on Mexican Food read more

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And I have found the goldmine. This place is a gem that should be cherished in the community forever. So upon walking in I was hit by aromas that I haven't smelled in forever. I stopped buy Best Tacos and picked up some al pastor, carne asada, and chicken tacos. I helped myself to some red and green sauce and I walked to a table in the cafeteria. I had to get something to drink, so I stopped by a store near by and got a original glass Coca Cola. Guess what, I got a liter of that Coca Cola for $2.50! A steal right? Did I mention the tacos were $2 dollars? They packed so much flavor with such minimal ingredients. Just meat, onions, and cilantro made my eyes fill with joy. Upon finishing that, another smell carried me to a bakery on the other side of the building. I quickly grabbed a bright pink concha and a few polvorones. I was surprised to see that every thing in that bakery was $1.00!!! Then I found myself getting a fresh blueberry smoothie hand crafted by a extremely nice woman. My trip for some tacos quickly turned into an amazing experience. It's also a good place to practice your Spanish! This is my new go to place for great food and goodies. If you have yet to visit this place, you are missing out. Please give it a try. Support the community and please tip when you can. read more

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If I could plagiarize, I would just use Susannah H's review. It's spot on. But in my own words, Mercado Central is so much more than a place to buy incredible and affordable tamales, tortas, and conchas. It's also a community gathering spot for residents, entrepreneurs, and youth. Want to grab a tasty and affordable lunch with your family? Of course. Have an awesome business idea that you want to pilot? Rent out a space. Need college admissions counseling? Head to the second floor. Mercado Central is an artery connected to the heart of Minneapolis' Latino community, and it represents the perfect marriage between economic development and culture. Don't believe me? Look at Manny's Tortas! Manuel Gonzalez -the owner- always dreamed about owning his own business. He finally got his opportunity in 1999, opened up shop, and now has two locations! How awesome is that? (Delicious tortas for errbody!) Mercado Central's model is one that should be replicated by organizations and (potential) businesses that want to revitalize a neighborhood and empower a people. For the community. By the community. Mercado Central! Love and respect times infinity. read more

I love Mercado Central, the vendors, the foods, etc... But, many people probably aren't aware of how TRULY SPECIAL Mercado Central is, and how influential it has been in helping make Lake Street what it is today. Not only has it brought authentic, amazing Latino food and culture to Minneapolis, but it has greatly revitalized the area. More importantly, Mercado Central was created to be a central market, gathering, and community space for the Minneapolis Latino community, while also giving help and support to many Latino immigrants so that they may gain the entrepreneurial opportunities to grow and flourish. Groups involved in Mercado Central offer resources to new or small businesses, such as low overhead costs, group marketing opportunities, pro bono legal service, technical assistance, and office equipment. Thanks to these services, businesses have been able to expand around Minneapolis, buildings along Lake Street have been restored, and many other free services, such as career and college counseling, are now available to the Latino community. SO! Next time you're at Mercado Central, take a look around the building and outside, and realize the power a unified community can have to make something so truly wonderful. read more

If you have ever traveled to a foreign country where English is not the primary language you may feel intimidated to enter Mercado Central. Don't be afraid, during the cold Minnesota winters if you can't afford a trip to Mexico Mercado Central will be a good substitute. The people working at the food stands are used to dealing with non-Spanish speakers and most of the menu boards have pictures that allow you to point at what you want. They also have a basic understanding that if you say chicken you will wind up with pollo, if you say beef you will wind up with beef, see wasn't that easy? Price points are very affordable for the amount of food you get. And I don't think you can get a much better taco on the streets of Mexico. If language is a really big issue avoid the weekends when the place is bustling and parking is migraine inducing. Go on a weekday or a holiday when crowds are not as plentiful. The whole building is kind of a maze with LaLoma tamales in the NE corner and the other food stalls in the opposite corner of the building and take advantage of the layout to browse and find some really excellent wares. One of the cooks at Open Arms is Mexican and he told me that LaPerla, the tortilla shop, has the best menudo - the meat is always tender, so I will check that out next time. read more

Mercado Central is like my home! literally when I was younger I would live here no joke morning till night that's because my parents would buy groceries and clothes and décor and have a bite to eat here and mingle and get legal advice and get into there catholic church community! Its a building with individual shops and if you know the right ppl you can get great deals and hook ups and also different types of food you want Mexican food its right there you want Salvadorian food its right there Ecuadorian no problem. They also have a bakery beware sometimes the bread is hard but next to the bakery they serve latin drinks like Mexican hot chocolate or champurrado! its like the Mexican hot chocolate but they add masa which is like flour to thicken the drink up omg and pair it with a or 3 tamales verdes ITS A WRAP hands down delicious! oh and the security or sometimes the cop that's infront of the door is the funniest dude there I don't know if he still works there but he is very funny and friendly! read more

How dare every single previous poster not tell me about this place a million years ago? I had to meet a work cohort here yesterday and I almost died of happiness. I lived in Mexico for a year and this place was the closest thing I've seen to a Midwestern remake since I moved to Minneapolis. The tostadas had the real crumble cheese on them and the salesmanship of tight lycra tops was supreme. This place has got nothing on the Global Market, which although cute feels pretty suburbanized to me. This is going to be my new taco spot from now on. Also - real quick - this super cute lady was walking around the dining area asking people to go to a 4th of July party in Powderhorn park on Sunday. (Not her personal party - there were going to be bands and food and whatnot.) She was just talking to people about trying to get the different folks from the neighborhood to participate and hang together. I loved that and the fact that there were Mexicans getting their taco on, pupusa lovers googling over Ecuadorian food, hipster/bikers looking for a cheap snack, kids, old people - a whole variety of folks. Warm fuzzies abound. read more

Don't let people tell you that you can't get real Mexican (or even El Salvadoran) food in the Twin Cities. I've been to Mercado Central a couple of times and cannot express to you how awesome it is to have this place in town. I just went there the other day to satisfy a taco al pastor craving, but instead of getting myself a taco, I ordered a pupusa with chicarrone and queso. If you are wondering what this is, you'll just have to get your butt down to Lake Street and find out. The next thing I need to find in the Twin Cities is a nice Colombian place. I love arepas con queso. And for those of you who are wondering, Mexican coke does taste different from American coke. But now with the price of corn products skyrocketing, American bottlers may start using real cane sugar again just like in the old days. read more

This is great food is excellent, people and staff are very friendly. Prices are great except for Manny's Tortas (why so $$$$?). Ambiance is a great example of the rich diversity of Minneapolis. If that's not your piece of heaven,go to Woodbury for a $20 burger behind the security gates and stop in Edina for your cake. read more

This place is hopping, with a selection of food to suit every taste. When I arrived here, I was in the mood for a pick me up in the form of dessert. I love rice pudding, but I ended up getting the tastiest Tiramasu I've had in awhile. I could tell the chocolate topping was mixed with mocha, and I'm pretty sure the cream used in the middle was rice pudding at Manny's Tortas. It's pretty great that Mexican Coke is served here, yay for real sugar and no high fructose corn syrup! If you're going with a group like I did, make sure to have someone stake out some prime seating. It can be a competitive sport. read more

Mercado Central is one of those places that just not enough people know about. From the street, you can't really tell what's inside, but when you walk in, you know you've stumbled into a vibrant and energized little piece of the city. I've loved everything I've tried at Mercado Central, but you MUST try the pupusas, which, at $2 each, are like a perfect little piece of fabulousness. On top of the perfect price and great taste, the woman working behind the counter is super-cute in a "friendly-neighbor" or "mom of your friend down the street" kind of way. Stop by: you'll know what I mean. read more

Are you hungry for some real Mexican food? Only got a couple of bucks? Do you have a few minutes to wait, for your food to be made fresh? Do you like to browse through things like handmade clocks and First Communion dresses while waiting for your fresh, hot pupusa? If yes, then get your ass to Mercado Central. Are you uncomfortable with loud crowds of people, all speaking in another language? Do you have a problem with sharing a table with 20 strangers? Do you believe an authentic taco means a hard shell with ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese? If so, then please stay in the suburbs. This place is not for you. I really enjoyed our recent stop at Mercado Central, and I think I'll be spending a lot more time there. The variety of vendors, the astounding aromas, and the community atmosphere are right up my alley. (FYI, though, the parking lot is a nightmare. Best be prepared to walk a few blocks.) read more

It's amazing how you enter the un-assuming plaza and you are immediately taken into another world. Little open area shops to stroll through; Mexican goods that have labels in Spanish and that local-feel chatty cafeteria/food court all add to the ambiance. That being said, I did walk around for a very short while and sat down to enjoy a pupusa and something from Manny's Tortas. As someone had said, they're not sure what's in a pupusa. I'm not sure either, lol. All I know is that it was pretty good and excellent for the price. The bf got something from Manny's and while he said the sandwich was good, we both looked at what he received for his higher price and what I received for my pupusa.... and it didn't really make too much sense. Nonetheless, if you want the cafeteria feel while eating your Mexican food, Mercado Central is your place! (It's funny, Yelp asks what the "ambience" is like for this place, and I almost want to select touristy.... lolol) read more

Love this place! The shops, bakery, grocery store, restaurants and floral shop! Reminds me of street markets in MX but cleaner. It is a cultural experience!! Taqueria la Hacienda is definitely my favorite restaurant! Al pastor, burritos are my two favorites. I've tried Manny's....I guess I'm not big on sandwiches. The floral shop is fast and friendly and very affordable!!! Beautiful rose arrangements. A mini taste of Mexico in Minnesota!! read more

Mercado central is like a more authentic and more latin version of Midtown global market. Getting in the place is almost like going to Mexico. In here there are some stores selling clothing, accessories and similar appareal. In addition there are stores selling all sorts of snacks, chilies and spices and then there are the food stalls. The food stalls are the great thing about Mercado central and a place to pretend you are on vacation choosing some street food. Bring your best spanish and enjoy some food! read more

A great piece of Latin America in Minnesota! Tamales and pupusas are amazing! Lots of treats that you can't find anywhere else. GREAT SERVICE, amazing and nice people read more

The best way I can describe this place is to have you imagine the Discount MegaMall (you know...the frankensteined Mexi-centric mall on Milwaukee Avenue). Now try and picture a giant hand karate-chopping it in half, cleaning it up (thanks health department) and moving it to Minneapolis. This anonymous hand would decide to call it Mercado Central and people would actually want to go there...by choice. If you find that description too Chicago-centric, I'll try and make it more concrete: a bunch of vendors (food and other) inside this building. It was clean. The tacos were awesome! The pupusas were awesome! This should be a required stop for anyone traveling through Minneapolis. read more

La Loma's tamales... oh my goodness. I've only had the veggie ones but dang -- these are the tamales I dream about. Manny's is excellent as always, but I think the real star of Mercado Central is the little tortilla window. You get a bag of 36 for $2 and they're good enough to simply roll up and eat on their own. read more

Thank GOD some real Mexicans! to bad they have to edit their spice for some locals which makes some things blandorama.

Really I should be reviewing each vendor here. But, I don't remember their names- So, one review must fit all. I've never had a bad meal here, and I agree with some of the other reviewers, don't let people tell you you can't get good real mexican food in the cities. The Mercado is very no habla friendly, though it can get kind of hard sometimes, still even if everything is lost in translation you can just point at the menus. Not only is the food good but the cause is great too. check it out! read more

Any place where you can get awesome Mexican candy is a draw for me. Top that with some stellar food, other random mish mash of products, and you've won this gal's heart. I am crazy for Tamales! You can get them here! Muy Muy delicioso amigos and amigas! Hop on to you moped and dine here then get some candy. Follow that with some Mexican Pastry or pastry then candy. I've done it all! Me gusta tu comida Mercado Central, every last bit of it! read more

This place was great! I was craving Mexican food and a co-worker suggested I check this place out. I was able to get tacos, sweet bread, and candy. And there was a grocery store next door where I happily shopped for more Mexican food items. read more

Mercado Central is a latino mall with stores of all types - clothing, candy, bridal goods, travel agency, etc - but the key is its food court, where the superstars of twin cities mexican food can be found, including Manny's Tortas and La Loma. You can get seriously good tacos, full-on mexican plates, tamales, tortas, and soups, including a menudo served weekends that I haven't mustered the balls to try but have been told is fantastic. A bakery, market, and butcher shop is also on hand in case you want to try some of this brilliance at home. read more

Awesome. try the popusas, and the first taco stand next to the popusas makes the best tacos. Small, jam packed with flavor, great tortillas. The other kiosks are decent but this is where you want to take your belly to. read more

The place in general is awesome, but the hair salon on the second floor, did me dirty. I showed the lady how I want it and to only cut 4'' off. She decided to do her own the and cut my hair all the way to my shoulders (My hair was all the way to my lumber). I was very up set with the results. read more

On my way out of Minnesota and I thought I'd check this place out. I got one Taco Al Pastor and one Barbacoa Taco. Both were probably the best of their kind I've ever had. I can't really comment on the place itself, since I carried-out the food, but the tacos were the real deal. The homemade tortillas may be small, but they are delicious with the perfect texture. The meat on the tacos is so well-seasoned and flavorful that all they need is a little onion, cilantro, and a few drops of salsa. Both the green and the red salsas are great: spicy, but also flavorful. I'd love to stop by again the next time I'm in Minneapolis. read more