Jeffrey P.
Yelp
This location in South Minneapolis used to be the Singapore restaurant that had been vacant for a very long time until Grande Sunrise took over the location a couple years ago. I was excited to try it out when they finally opened, since I only lived a few blocks away, but was a bit hesitant how good it would be since there were two other Mexican restaurants in the nearby area as well.
The first time I went inside, I was greeted by the friendly staff, and the interior was fairly small, but inviting (I was the only customer inside). I ordered a beer, and took a look at the take out menu, since I was going to take the food back home for the family. The menu was fairly extensive with pictures, and they had certain deals of the week, including reduced prices on their tacos 3 days a week.
I ended up choosing the ground beef nachos for the wife, 4 tacos for myself (ground beef, pastor, carnitas, and the asada), and the chicken nuggets to my (then 5 year old). I got extra homemade hot sauce on the side). Since I was the only customer inside at the time, my order came out in less than 12 minutes, and the take out bag weighed a ton!
When I got back home and unpacked everything, I noticed some nice details on the to go cartons. The cooks had perforated the package to my daughter's chicken nuggets and fries so the steam could escape, and her food stayed hot, and everything had that just out of the fryer crispness to it. I couldn't help but sneak a few of the fries, and they were excellent (battered as well). The chicken nuggets also put McDonald's to shame. There were also about 9-10 nuggets in there, along with a boatload of fries.
The ground beef nacho's my wife ordered were a work of art, and it was enough food to feed two people. The 1/4th of a sliced avocado on top was a nice touch, and they were also probably the best nachos I ever had.
My 4 taco's were also very good, with great flavor, and they were packed with meat, onions, and cilantro. The hot sauce was excellent as well, but may be several levels above the standard midwestern palate (no worries here though, my motto is mo hotter mo better!). They also have a mild sauce.
We all had leftovers for the next day. All in all, I was very impressed! So much so, that this is now the only place we go to if we are feeling like Mexican food. The food is fresh and consistently well made every time, the service is fast and friendly, and the portions are huge. Grande Sunrise has also recently received their liquor license as well, and they have a small selection of margarita's and tequila on hand.
I hope this restaurant becomes a permanent fixture in our neighborhood. If you haven't tried Grande Sunrise out yet, you are sorely missing out on this great gem. I can't say enough good things about this family owned restaurant. There is plenty of street parking (non-metered) and a small rear lot.
p.s. Don't forget to get the fried plantains, it even comes with a glaze for dipping!