- Attraction: Andale Taqueria y Mercado
- Location: 7700 Nicollet Ave S, Richfield, MN 55423
- Industry: Mexican Restaurant
- Website: https://andaletaqueria.toast.site/
Forget everything you think you know about Mexican food in Minnesota.
This unassuming spot transformed from an old Embers restaurant into what Guy Fieri called a destination so authentic, you’ll swear you’re no longer in the Midwest.
The moment you walk into this bustling counter-service taqueria, you’re greeted by the aroma of marinated meats sizzling on the plancha and the cheerful chaos of a place that’s clearly become a local obsession.
What sets Andale apart isn’t just their commitment to authentic street-style cooking – it’s the adjoining mercado that supplies fresh ingredients directly to the kitchen. This two-in-one concept creates an immersive Mexican experience where you can grab lunch and shop for specialty groceries in one trip.
Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, this hidden gem has earned its reputation as the #2 restaurant in Richfield on TripAdvisor through word-of-mouth praise and lines that regularly stretch out the door.
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Keep Exploring →Menu Highlights That Keep People Coming Back
The Al Pastor: Their signature tacos al pastor feature achiote-marinated pork with creamy avocado salsa that perfectly balances the smoky, spiced meat. You’ll find tender pork combined with sweet pineapple chunks and fresh cilantro that creates an explosion of authentic Mexican flavors.
The marinade process involves soaking the pork for 24 hours in a house-made blend of guajillo peppers, orange juice, lime juice, apple juice, cumin, black pepper, Mexican oregano, bay leaves, achiote paste, garlic, onions, salt, and white vinegar.
Lengua and Cabeza Tacos: These aren’t for the timid, but they’re absolute perfection for adventurous eaters.
The lengua delivers incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef tongue that’s been slow-cooked to perfection, while the cabeza offers rich, flavorful beef head meat that showcases traditional Mexican preparation methods.
The Famous Tripa: This standout features slow-cooked beef intestines that are then fried to order, creating the ideal combination of crispy exterior and tender interior.
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Discover MoreThe texture contrast is remarkable – you get that satisfying crunch followed by incredibly rich, melting meat that demonstrates why this taco has earned such devoted followers.
Tortas That Impress: These massive sandwiches on soft bolillo rolls are stuffed with your choice of tender meats, crisp vegetables, and creamy avocado. You’ll be amazed at how these hefty sandwiches manage to stay together despite being absolutely loaded with fillings.
Tamales Worth the Trip: The perfect masa-to-filling ratio and delightful spices make these tamales exceptional. The chicken version comes cooked in salsa verde while the pork features salsa roja, both creating fluffy, flavorful packages that represent authentic Mexican comfort food at its finest.
Carnitas Platillos: These generous plates come with your choice of incredibly tender, slow-cooked pork carnitas alongside rice, beans, fresh avocado, and warm tortillas. The meat practically falls apart at the touch of a fork, and the generous portions ensure you’ll leave completely satisfied.
Atmosphere & Décor
Bright and Bustling: The space feels energetic and welcoming with its bright, airy interior that manages to stay comfortable even during busy lunch rushes. You’ll find mostly four-top tables with simple, functional seating that keeps the focus squarely on the food.
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Keep Exploring →Indoor and Outdoor Options: The restaurant features both indoor seating and a patio area, with covered sections that allow for year-round dining. The outdoor space provides a pleasant setting for enjoying your meal, especially during Minnesota’s warmer months.
Casual Counter Service: You’ll order at the counter from large menu boards displayed overhead, take a number, and pick up your food when ready. This efficient system keeps things moving despite the consistent crowds, and the no-frills approach means you can focus entirely on the exceptional food.
Connected to Mercado: The adjoining marketplace with Latin American grocery items creates an authentic Mexican market atmosphere. You’ll hear Spanish conversations and see families shopping for specialty ingredients, adding to the genuine cultural experience.
Other Considerations
Affordable Pricing: You’ll find excellent value here with most tacos ranging from $3.49 to $4.49 each, making it possible to sample multiple varieties without breaking the bank.
The generous portion sizes mean you’ll get substantial food for your money, and many visitors find the quality-to-price ratio exceptional for the Twin Cities area.
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Discover MorePeak Time Strategy: Expect lines out the door during popular meal times, but fellow diners consistently tell newcomers that the wait is absolutely worth it. The kitchen works efficiently, so even busy periods move at a reasonable pace.
Parking Challenges: The parking lot in front fills up quickly, especially during lunch and dinner rushes when both the restaurant and mercado attract crowds. You might need to find street parking nearby during peak times.
Extended Hours: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, giving you flexibility for breakfast, lunch, or dinner visits. The extended hours make it convenient for grabbing authentic Mexican food whenever cravings strike.
Family-Friendly: The casual atmosphere welcomes families with children, and the straightforward menu makes it easy for kids to find something they’ll enjoy. The efficient service means families don’t have to wait long with hungry children.
Heat Level Options: You’ll find genuinely spicy salsas that satisfy those craving authentic Mexican heat levels – a rarity in Minnesota. The jalapeño green sauce packs serious punch, while milder options accommodate different spice preferences.
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Keep Exploring →Andale Taqueria y Mercado
📍 7700 Nicollet Ave S, Richfield, MN 55423
