Tacos El Kevin

Mexican restaurant · Central

Tacos El Kevin

Mexican restaurant · Central

4

3751 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407

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Tacos El Kevin by null
Tacos El Kevin by null
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Tacos El Kevin by null
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Tacos El Kevin by null
Tacos El Kevin by null
Tacos El Kevin by null
Tacos El Kevin by null
Tacos El Kevin by null
Tacos El Kevin by null
Tacos El Kevin by null
Tacos El Kevin by null
Tacos El Kevin by null
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Tacos El Kevin by null
Tacos El Kevin by null
Tacos El Kevin by null
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Tacos El Kevin by null
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Highlights

Authentic Mexican street tacos, al pastor, carnitas, barbacoa  

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3751 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407 Get directions

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3751 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407 Get directions

+1 612 964 8818
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tacoelkevin

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Aug 24, 2025

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@eater

The Best Tacos in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota | Eater Twin Cities

"Saturnina Valdez and Estevan Olivares’ Tacos El Kevin is regarded by critics and customers alike as one of the best taco spots in Minneapolis. Try a plate of the carne asada, served with whole-grilled green onions, and pair it with elote and sliced mango. Takeout orders can be called in or placed through Uber Eats." - Cinnamon Janzer

https://twincities.eater.com/maps/best-tacos-restaurants-minneapolis-st-paul-twin-cities
View Postcard for Tacos El Kevin
@eater

The Best Mexican Restaurants in Minneapolis and St. Paul | Eater Twin Cities

"Tacos El Kevin serves some of the Cities’ best Mexican cuisine out of a small, brightly painted storefront in Minneapolis’s Powderhorn neighborhood. The taco menu here, led by head chef Armando Dominguez, is immensely popular. Try the crispy tacos dorados, or the al pastor or carne that come with whole grilled green onions, and grab a cup of sliced mangos or a passionfruit shaved ice. Takeout orders can be called in or placed through Uber Eats." - Cinnamon Janzer

https://twincities.eater.com/maps/best-mexican-restaurant-minneapolis-st-paul-twin-cities
View Postcard for Tacos El Kevin
@eater

The Best Affordable Restaurants in Minneapolis and St. Paul | Eater Twin Cities

"Tucked a little building on Portland Avenue that’s painted with bright stripes of green, yellow, and blue, Tacos El Kevin is one of the Cities’ best taco restaurants. Keep it classic with barbacoa or carnitas, or go for the crispy tacos dorados (a plate of three is $10). If you’re on the hunt for something heartier, try the mojarra frita and feast on a whole fried fish." - Alex Lodner

https://twincities.eater.com/maps/best-cheap-eats-affordable-restaurants-budget-friendly-minneapolis-st-paul-twin-cities
View Postcard for Tacos El Kevin
@eater

18 Fantastic Mexican Restaurants in Minneapolis and St. Paul

"Tacos El Kevin, owned by Saturnina Valdez and Estevan Olivares, serves some of the Cities’ best Mexican cuisine out of a small, brightly painted storefront in Minneapolis’s Powderhorn neighborhood. The taco menu here, led by chef Armando Dominguez, is immensely popular: Try the crispy tacos dorados, or the al pastor or carne, served with whole grilled green onions, and grab a cup of sliced mangos or a passionfruit shaved ice." - Eater Staff

https://twincities.eater.com/maps/a-handy-guide-to-minneapoliss-best-mexican-restaurants
View Postcard for Tacos El Kevin

Ed Kim

Google
Solid tacos with plenty of the usual options. We got the combo plate, but the rice and beans didn't really impress. The horchata was nice the salsa was decently spicy. Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with a plate of tacos and skip the extras.

Ian Baltutis

Google
We had heard great things about this place but the food quality was not anything more notable than other authentic taco shops. The prices were higher than expected, especially for basic street tacos. Seating indoors is exactly what you would expect from a convenience store/taco shop. Overall, it's nice to have in the neighborhood for the occasional meal.

Nikki B

Google
A chef friend had told me about here and how great it was.... I've been meaning to stop by ever since. Yesterday an opportunity finally presented itself. Situated on the NE corner of Portland/38th St is the unassuming, if not sketchy looking Tacos El Kevin. I stand firm that such looking places tend to provide the best meals. Is it a convenience store? A restaurant? Open the door and find... it's both. There wasn't really a menu to order from....way below the register counter is a list of meats. I started rattling off meats...then asked: how much are the tacos? She replied w a reasonable $3.25. They were ready in no time; I was in/out in under 15 minutes. As I waited for my food I asked a couple nearby if they came here often and what they get? She replied he gets the tacos and that they come in about once a week. The tacos are double-tortilla'ed, which are flour street tacos. Not my favorite but better than corn so they were good. I'm not an onion fan so the fun big onion bulb included w my meal was wasted on me. I picked out all the diced onions, they were all on top so easy enough to get off. Otherwise it was the seasoned meat, cilantro, a couple of lime wedges and a few radish slices. I've never had or even thought of adding radish to a taco! The tacos were good and filling. I will definitely be back to try other offerings. Thanks Tacos El Kevin for the friendly and fast service in preparing a tasty lunch.

Damon Jones

Google
So, me and my son hit up the food truck they have. I had always wanted to go to the restaurant because the name of the place kept making me laugh in a good way and I was like...one day, sure. Well, when I saw the food truck I had to stop and give it a shot. SO GLAD I DID! We got Al Pastor Burrito and Al Pastor Quesadilla. The quesadilla had veggies but just the right amount, and it was very cheesy, and the sauce they included on the side was spicy and excellent. My son took the first bite of his Burrito and his eyes rolled back in his head. We immediately got a beef burrito for my wife and headed home. The burritos are huge and my wife only thought that she would get through half of it. She was on the second half in no time and got through half of that before handing it off. If the food truck is killer, the home location is worth a visit. Looking forward to visiting soon! I should note that the food truck kicked out our food in about a minute. Fast service! I tipped well. Hit them up if you see them!

Ryan P.

Google
Really good tacos. I had chicken tacos and I wasn’t disappointed! I paired it with Mexican coke and it hit the spot. I’m picky with tacos and this definitely made the cut. The sauce was also surprisingly really good and I’m picky with sauces. Definitely will order again!

Terrie Anne

Google
Ordered the Asada burrito for delivery. The fries were good, and the burrito was well assembled. However the meat had zero flavor or seasoning and had a little bit of an aftertaste. It was so disappointing as I’d heard good things about this place.

Jade Vu

Google
Tacos El Kevin was my go-to lunch spot when I used to work nearby—I went all the time! The food is always solid, and the horchata hits every time. Super convenient location too—it’s within walking distance from a bunch of places, which made it perfect for a quick and satisfying break. Definitely one of my favorites in the area!

Jennifer Ramirez

Google
I wish there was more food variety, but what they have is tasty. Service could be friendlier or more welcoming.
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Melanie H.

Yelp
Delicious authentic Mexican food! My coworkers and I visit here often for lunch and have all enjoyed the tacos (various kinds)! The service was friendly. The restaurant isn't anything fancy - lots of seating for large parties. The salsa was pretty yummy!
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Maia J.

Yelp
Was visiting a local farmers market and decided to grab a light lunch before starting off the afternoon. Stumbled across El Taco Kevin and thought we'd give it a try! First impression: a little run down, but sometimes those are the best places. It is a convenience store with a kitchen counter serving hot food inside. It seemed a little sketchy, but the servers were friendly. We ordered a few tacos (carne asada and al pastor). I typically only eat flour tortillas, but they do not have that as an option so we settled for corn tortillas. Our food came out quickly and they served our tacos with a few roasted onions and jalapeño and salsa. I was quite disappointed in how tasteless our food was. It unfortunately had no flavor at all and the meat was quite chewy. I read wonderful reviews and felt excited to try them out but it fell completely flat for me. I don't feel I will ever return and wouldn't recommend if you're looking for delicious tacos.
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Nikki B.

Yelp
A few months ago a chef friend had told me about here and how great it was.... I've been meaning to stop by ever since. Yesterday an opportunity finally presented itself. Situated on the NE corner of Portland/38th St is the unassuming, if not sketchy looking Tacos El Kevin. I stand firm that such looking places tend to provide the best meals. Is it a convenience store? A restaurant? Open the door and find... it's both. There wasn't really a menu to order from....way below the register counter is a list of meats. I started rattling off meats...then asked: how much are the tacos? She replied w a reasonable $3.25. They were ready in no time; I was in/out in under 15 minutes. As I waited for my food I asked a couple nearby if they came here often and what they get? She replied he gets the tacos and that they come in about once a week. The tacos are double-tortilla'ed, which are flour street tacos. Not my favorite but better than corn so they were good. I'm not an onion fan so the fun big onion bulb included w my meal was wasted on me. I picked out all the diced onions, they were all on top so easy enough to get off. Otherwise it was the seasoned meat, cilantro, a couple of lime wedges and a few radish slices. It also came w a SPICY sauce. I've never had or even thought of adding radish to a taco! The tacos were good and filling. I used the bathroom while waiting... you can shimmy through the narrow hall. They have signs not to flush tp. There is a large garbage can, so no worries. Thankful for a public restroom. I will definitely be back to try other offerings. Thanks Tacos El Kevin for the friendly and fast service in preparing a tasty lunch.
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Anne C.

Yelp
I am always looking for hole in the wall taco places and this is exactly what I'm looking for. Tucked inside a little shop, this unassuming taco place has delicious tacos with deep flavors with tons of classic, fresh toppings. Beats fancy bougie taco places any day. Has a few parking spots right outside for easy parking for either dine in or take out.
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Jason K.

Yelp
OH MY GOSH! These tacos were amazing! I got three of them. It took about ten minutes to get them. I got two suadero tacos and a pastor. Absolutely the best with the salsa dip they give you and the small tortillas were a wonderful handful of love. This place reminded me of Carpinteria, CA. They had soccer going on during our wait. Kind of cool. Fresh ingredients make everything perfect.
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Albino D.

Yelp
This review is about an online delivery order, catering order, and restaurant. I first discovered this restaurant because I was craving Mexican food, and it had really good reviews. I ordered a variety of tacos for delivery, and they were delicious! It reminded me of my abuelita's (grandma's) food when I was a child. Authentic tacos are not big, so order at least 3 or 4. Regarding the catering order, we decided to host a Super Bowl party and didn't feel like cooking for 30 people. The first thing to come to my mind was Tacos el Kevin. I called the restaurant and spoke to Armando. Armando and I collaborated on the order, and we decided to have chicken, steak, and pork tacos. The order included the taco meat, salsa in individual containers, grilled onions, cilantro, grilled jalapeno peppers, pinto beans, rice, and fresh corn tortillas I went to pick up the order a few hours before the game, and Armando made sure everything was ready to go. Please note that they were kind enough to help load the food in the SUV. At the party, everyone loved the food and asked where the tacos came from. I happily said, "Tacos el Kevin!" This last part is about the restaurant. There are approximately 7/8 parking spots, so plan on using off-street parking or an Uber. The restaurant is bigger than you think on the inside and has a small market. The food and items from the market are paid for at the front counter. The staff is very friendly so don't be afraid to order some food and find an open table. Bravo to Tacos el Kevin!
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Adriana G.

Yelp
Tacos el Kevin has amazing tacos, it's literally a hole in the wall. A hidden gem. One of those places that you don't want to gatekeep because it's so good you want everyone to try. My favorite treat to get here are the raspados, shaved ice. It's hard finding these around Minneapolis, they make some of the syrups for it. Flavors include tamarind, vanilla, rompope (eggnog-like), guava, pineapple, lime, etc. my favorite is the diablito (tamarind, Tajín, chili powder and lemon). Sure, the location isn't the most updated and aesthetic but recognize this is a small family business. They'll get there some day but for now they've got great flavor, an amazing menu, reasonable prices and great service. I will continue to come back for tacos and raspados.
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Tony A.

Yelp
Best al pastor tacos in Minnesota make sure to get the red sauce. Only surprise I had was getting an Al pastor burrito with fries instead of the tacos and the fries as some of the best in Mn nothing fancy but they do put a light coating on them.
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Amanda H.

Yelp
This place surprised me. Some friends and I were in town and craving tacos. We came across this place and decided to try it out. The shop was very small and hidden. We ordered the food to go and got asada, pastor, and carnita tacos. The sauce was good and it was great that they included grilled pepper and onions as well. I would definitely recommend this place for anyone who wants good authentic street tacos.
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Ruki R.

Yelp
I've only been here a few times, even though it's real close to home. (Within three miles, there are maybe forty taquerías to choose from.) The food here is good, and the staff is friendly.
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Rishi S.

Yelp
Probably the best tacos I've ever had. I had tacos from their food truck and they went the extra mile and served them with a roasted red pepper and shallot. Really delicious, will definitely be coming back.
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Ricky C.

Yelp
Good burgers the best burgers I ever had in my life good drinks, good chips, and french fries
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Andy P. D.

Yelp
Not a ton to compare it to in Minneapolis, but the tacos are $3, well-sized, and tasty. The chicken and carnitas were my favorites.
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Debbie S.

Yelp
Loved the food here! Tried it as it was walking distance from my daughter. Ordered a burrito and would definitely go back

Kandi H.

Yelp
Al Pastor was good... carne Asada was not. Service was amazing. Mango was yummy. Tried the carnitas they were good too.

Scott W.

Yelp
Tacos Dorados here are exceptional with decent prices fast and friendly service Highly recommend!
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Adam O.

Yelp
This place has top three best tacos in Minneapolis. For a reference point, I'm a big fan of Los Ocampo and La Hacienda. We got nine tacos for 19 bucks. Four asada, two carnitas, three pastor. All of the tacos were perfectly balanced. The steak was meaty and salty and combined with the traditional cilantro, onions, and lime was a total flavor bomb. The carnitas were chunks of some soft and some crispy pork. Definitely not the pulled pork style. By far though the star of the show was the pastor. Sweet, but not too sweet, savory, it was crunchy and has a bbq taste almost. It was seriously the best al pastor I've had from Minnesota tacos. The salsa was a good combo of vinegary-ness and heat. Not a lot of places to sit inside but three picnic benches outside (where we ate) and they were pretty good spots to eat. Overall near perfect experience and should be in the conversation with the big local chain type places.
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Trina V.

Yelp
Great tacos and elotes! I always get their Tripe tacos and they always hit the spot. Located inside a market, Tacos El Kevin is a hidden gem. Aside from tacos they also serve burgers, tortas and platters and they have posole on the weekends. Also, if you are craving snacks, the market has a good variety for you to choose from, including candies, chips, mangonadas, paletas, and raspados.
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Manu P.

Yelp
Orange sauce is brilliant and is so spicy! Ask for green in case you're worried about spice and if you're often worried then stick to the safe side and get green! The chicken is cut so small and is seasoned so well, the onions and cilantro are optional but add so much. For $2/taco you can't be mad!
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Kelli H.

Yelp
Yes, Kevin! I moved to the neighborhood a few months ago and can't believe how great this hidden gem is, maybe the best taco I've had in Minneapolis AND they're only $2. I tried the carnitas, asada and steak. Steak and carnitas were my personal favorite, but all of them were great. The mangos are also amazing. Go here!
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Moses S.

Yelp
Terrible. Tonight, Yelp stated this restaurant closed at 9:00PM, CDT. On Saturdays, 10PM. BOTH nights, they close at 8:00PM. Additionally, the kitchen looks older, run down, and unsanitary. Staff was extremely rude at this establishment. This was 2 attempts to smoke this allegedly to notch taco joint. No success. Will not be a be 3rd attempt. Sorry.
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Usman C.

Yelp
Saw this place posted on Instagram and decided to give a test run. I highly recommend. Small menu; big flavor! I ordered 5 steak Tacos and 3 orders for fried Tacos. So much flavor! The restaurant is located in a small community grocery store. As a matter of a fact, it wasn't even a restaurant. However, great customer service and awesome tacos. Please, try them.

Ash G.

Yelp
I could've gotten a better picture but it doesn't matter because believe me when I say this torta was so good!! I didn't have high expectations when I got there but Kevin proved otherwise! I'm from Houston so I was worried the Mexican food wouldn't be that great here. But I was so shook at not only the quality but the amount of food it was and how delicious it tasted. I'll definitely be returning. I'd be surprised if I found better Mexican than this elsewhere. Give this place a try!

S M.

Yelp
Decent tacos, i had pastor, carnitas and asada and they all tasted pretty good plus the salsas were also good
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Jess D.

Yelp
My partner and I headed in after a fun ski + skate date in Powderhorn park after driving by a few times and appreciating the new sign. We ordered four tacos each -- a mix of carnitas, al pastor, asada, and pollo -- and they were all delicious. Tacos are $2 each. Our favorite was the asada. Nicely grilled tortillas, perfect amounts of well-chopped onions + cilantro, very yummy spicy salsa, and a generous portion of well-seasoned meat. Also loved the way he garnished with a grilled spring onion and fresh radishes. Nice touch! I'll be back to try his fried tilapia! The owner was very friendly. The business is named after his young son. They also do catering for parties!
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Caroline P.

Yelp
One Friday night I was feeling quite down and frustrated about covid and how much I wanted to go to a patio and comfortably have some tacos and a margarita... so I googled tacos and saw a city pages review of this place. I told my boyfriend I had to go here or I was going to mope around all night, and I'm so glad I did because their tacos turned my night around. I ordered tacos dorados and they were one of the best things I've eaten in months. There were so crunchy and delicious. I alI also tried tripas for the first time - I liked it! Instead of the margarita, I bought a topos chico, but sitting outside on their colorful picnic benches, eating my take out, I almost felt like it could have been a normal, carefree, sunny Friday night.
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Candy T.

Yelp
Reasonable and Affordable price. Limited options but all the options were good. Casual vibe. The location was a little sketchy but it was not bad. Love that it's a grocery-restaurant place. You order first and then pay at the counter after you are done eating. The staff were friendly and funny. Many snacks on the grocery side so be sure to go when you are starving. The tacos were BOMB. 10/10 would return again. I think the pastor ones were my favorite.
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Kenzie M.

Yelp
Located inside a convenience store, this place is certainly a hole in the wall. But despite it's appearance, Tacos el Kevin offered the warmth and flavor of inexpensive Mexican cuisine. I ordered the chorizo and el pastor tacos and enjoyed every bite! This place is perfect for stopping in and grabbing tacos to go.
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Mark A.

Yelp
This place is fire. Got the tostada al pastor and the wife got tacos de carne asada. Both were awesome. Huge portions. I will certainly come back. Easily a S Minneapolis staple for me now.
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Sam C.

Yelp
For the price, I can't believe this place isn't more popular. The quesadilla has an incredible taste at an amazing price. My family is going to be hitting up this place regularly!
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Sarah M.

Yelp
Love this little gem inside the Portland Market. First time I went in, I just ordered at the counter (menu is somewhat unclear...) and got a couple tacos. $2 a piece, YUP. Second time, I was near death from my taco needs, and I called in. Lady answered who didn't speak English (which only made me love it more) and handed the phone to someone else who took my order. Tacos were ready when I got there 5 minutes later. Taco wise - I like the al pastor, which has a nice smokey, sweet flavor. No chewy bits. The chicken was not what I was expecting - it was more like diced chicken breast, tasty but not the flavor pack I thought it would be.Tortillas are charred perfectly, hot sauce is wonderful, and they come with plenty of radish, cilantro and onion. Go here. Order something. They don't reeeeallly have a menu. The man told me to go to Facebook for info, but even the Facebook page is vague. So first time, probably better to order inside, vs. calling. Kevin, I'm hooked!
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Noemi A.

Yelp
Delicious choices, not a big verity but everything on the menu is soo good and big portion size! It's a small corner store as well! My favorite is the torta de milanesa de pollo!
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Andrew O.

Yelp
After living in the Midwest for over 7 years I have been missing having authentic Mexican food nearby. Tacos el Kevin is the best Mexican food I have had in the state of MN hands down.
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Brian S.

Yelp
BEST F$@&*%$ Authentic Mexican food in Minnesota! I would bring my Mexican friends to eat here every day. Homemade food is the best and this is the same as going to Abuela's casa for dinner.
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Mary K.

Yelp
Good quesadilla, unfortunately I ordered a burrito! Carnitas were chewy but had a nice flavor. I'll give it another try soon.
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Ryan C.

Yelp
Worth it. Great price, good selection of meats for your tacos and it's convenient. Tacos dorados is wonderful, give it a try.

Katherine H.

Yelp
My first experience at Tacos el Kevin. I loved the tacos Pastor the best, but some of my group preferred the Asada. Garnishes and salsa were perfecto. The icing on the cake for me is that the food comes in neat little cardboard (biodegradable, not plastic) boxes that stayed nicely closed til I wanted to open them. All served with a friendly smile, and my call-ahead order at 8:30 pm on a Saturday night was ready when I arrived 8 mins later. My new favorite taco spot.
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John W.

Yelp
Absolutely fantastic tacos. The meat is flavorful and the texture is spot on. Only $2 a pop for the best tacos I know of right now. Walked in and ordered 6 tacos and had them within ten minutes. Definitely going back to try more of their stuff.
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Gaby W.

Yelp
An absolutely under-rated place and definitely deserves tons more reviews on here!! Mexican food (tacos specifically) is my favourite food by far and Tacos el Kevin solves my very frequent cravings! It is definitely the most authentic Mexican food in the whole area. Ingredients are very very fresh! The tacos are $2- absolute bargain- and even more excuse to order like 10!!

Margie N.

Yelp
I got veggie tacos--they were overflowing with rice and beans, lettuce and tomato, radishes and a roasted onion on the side. It came with green salsa. Tasty and satisfying. Prices are very reasonable. Don't be fooled by the outside, which looks a bit like an abandoned gas station. This is now one of my favorite taco spots in town.
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Anh L.

Yelp
The best!!! Surprisingly good and authentic. Will come back!! We order carnitas, pollo and al pastor. Superb!!!

Alex D.

Yelp
Great authentic tacos! If you're looking for some yummy tacos, stop here! Highly recommend the steak tacos or torta of al pastor (pork)

Tamia A.

Yelp
Their tacos and burgers especially with the fries are one of a kind! It's convenient, inexpensive and the staff is friendly. Best food ever

Michelle S.

Yelp
Great tacos! After getting smaller take out orders in the past, we just did a catering order for a party of 15. Super easy to order. Everyone loved the food! Sauces were awesome. Will definitely order again! Owner is trying to recover after the riots, we were happy to support them.

Adam B.

Yelp
Great hot sauce, authentic tacos and awesome service. I hate Americanized or vegan or Minnesota watered down tacos.....This is not that!! Mexican style

Tim B.

Yelp
Unassuming and understated. Authentic tasting Mexican food. Cheap and satisfying, but stay away from the burger.

Yareli M.

Yelp
The egg and chile relleno tacos are fireee, they close at 2pm on Tuesdays. They may seem like a small tacky food shop in a corner store but don't let that fool you from the fact that the food is sooo good.