Tolis Pupuseria is a Salvadoran restaurant in Brooklyn Park centered around one of El Salvador's…read moremost iconic dishes: the Pupusa. Traditionally made from masa harina (corn flour), water, and salt, the dough is portioned, filled, sealed, and flattened once more before hitting the griddle. It's a process rooted in technique, repetition, and care -- and at Tolis Pupuseria, this craft is clearly their wheelhouse.
The menu offers a thoughtful range of Pupusa fillings, including beans, beans and cheese, vegetables, chicken, pork, birria, and jalapeño. Pupusas can be enjoyed on their own, but the menu extends well beyond them. You'll find Salvadoran staples like pastelitos salvadoreños, panes cheveres, and heartier plates such as churrasco salvadoreño and carne asada. There's also a selection of Salvadoran breakfast plates, Mexican dishes, and desserts. Tolis runs weekly Pupusa specials -- Mondays: buy four, get one free!
In the name of research, I sampled widely across the menu and was struck by how intentionally Tolis Pupuseria approaches Salvadoran cooking. Standouts included the bean and cheese pupusa, the birria pupusa, the Super Desayuno, and the nachos Salvadoreños. The pupusas had a crisp exterior and a soft, warm interior. The fresh, Salvadorian cheese used had a satisfying pull and depth without overwhelming the masa. The birria pupusa, while understandably softened by the consomé, showcased tender, well-seasoned meat that carried the dish.
The nachos Salvadoreños were a departure from what I expected. Built on a base of crisped "pupusa chips," they're topped with grilled steak, refried beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, Salvadoran cream (similar to sour cream), and queso fresco. Though listed on the breakfast menu, this is a substantial, filling plate that could easily stand on its own at any time of day. 5/5, no notes! The Super Desayuno brings a sope, empanadas de plátano, and fried yuca -- an abundant plate that offers a little bit of everything and reflects the kitchen's generosity.
Everything is made to order, so a short wait is to be expected, but it's well justified. The space itself is cozy, warm, and inviting, with ample seating for dining in or waiting on takeout orders. Tolis operates as a counter-service restaurant, yet the hospitality stands out. The staff is welcoming, patient, and genuinely helpful when it comes to walking guests through the menu or offering recommendations. They also offer an e-birthday club, which includes monthly drawings and a birthday treat.
Tolis Pupuseria opened its doors in August, and it fills a noticeable gap in the Twin Cities dining landscape. Salvadoran food -- and Pupusas in particular -- can be hard to come by in the area, making this restaurant a meaningful addition to the local culinary community.
If you're in the Twin Cities and willing to make the trip to Brooklyn Park, this is a spot worth seeking out. Whether it's your first introduction to pupusas or a familiar comfort, Tolis Pupuseria offers a sincere, well-executed experience that deserves both attention and support.