Biting into a great taco in St Cloud, MN is a whole experience. You sit, the shell cracks, the flavor bursts, and suddenly, you’re all ears for the salsa secrets of Central Minnesota. Over the years, I’ve sampled everything from street-style carne asada to spicy veggie blends. I once tracked down a spot after overhearing a heated taco debate at a local café, and it was worth every bite. Quality, freshness, and a little bit of local know-how are what set the city’s taco spots apart from the generic chains and cookie-cutter menus.
Finding the best tacos here should never feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. From long-standing family-run gems to no-nonsense late-night counters, there’s a taco in St Cloud for every kind of craving. The flavors are bold, the tortillas taste homemade, and the toppings are always generous but never overdone. Ready to meet the best plates, one taco at a time? Let’s unravel where to find your next favorite bite in St Cloud, MN.
1. Mexican Village Restaurant
Mexican Village Restaurant sits at the heart of downtown St. Cloud, a longtime favorite for locals who know their way around well-crafted tacos. One visit and you sense the energy of a spot that takes pride in friendly service and classic, satisfying flavors. I once ducked in during a downpour, and the cozy booth and fragrant spices made St. Cloud’s weather easy to forget for a while.
What sets this place apart is its dedication to fresh, hand-prepared ingredients. The tacos arrive warm, with tortillas that hold their shape and fillings that burst with seasoned beef or chicken. Try the chicken tacos for a real taste of what they do best: juicy, generously filled, and topped with crisp lettuce and just the right amount of cheese.
It’s a great pickup for anyone craving a traditional taco in a spot that feels like a small celebration with every visit.
2. Bravo Burritos
Bravo Burritos is a place where flavor gets your attention the moment you walk in. Tucked away on 33rd Ave, this spot doesn’t shout for attention, but anyone who’s visited knows it’s a gem for authentic Mexican eats. I’ve had days where only their tacos can fix a lunch hour slump, and they never disappoint.
The house-made salsas and bold seasonings make each taco pop. The fish tacos, especially, have a subtle crisp that’s tough to find elsewhere in St. Cloud. If you lean toward classic, try the seasoned beef or chicken tacos, loaded up and never skimpy on the fillings.
Grab your order to go or stay for a casual bite. Bravo Burritos brings hearty, honest tacos and a relaxed vibe to every meal.
3. Giliberto’s Mexican Taco Shop
Giliberto’s Mexican Taco Shop is the top contender when late-night taco cravings sneak up. The first time I walked in was after midnight, and the sizzle from the open kitchen promised something special. Fresh ingredients and speedy service stand front and center here, no matter how late you swing by.
The menu might overwhelm at first glance, but the tacos are the clear star. The street-style carne asada tacos have a char-grilled depth that lands every time. They come topped with onions and cilantro, and that simplicity lets the meat shine. For something lighter, the grilled chicken tacos pack plenty of taste, never dryness.
When you want authentic flavors with no shortcuts, Giliberto’s delivers every time, right down to the last bite.
4. QDOBA Mexican Eats
QDOBA Mexican Eats brings the fun of customization right to your tray. Whether I’m grabbing a quick lunch or meeting friends, it’s the spot where nobody ever has to settle. Everything is built fresh, and every topping is added just how you want, from the punchy salsa to cool guacamole.
The tacos here are all about options. Start with the flame-grilled adobo chicken or slow-cooked brisket birria for flavor that stands out, then load up with your favorite slaw or cheese. If you’re after something plant-based, their fajita veggies don’t disappoint.
With quick service and a bright, clean dining room, QDOBA is perfect for those who like their tacos flexible, with every bite tailored to their taste.
5. BluTaco
BluTaco is the low-key taco spot in St. Cloud for when speed matters, but you still want flavor that hits just right. I’ve stopped by after a long day of errands, and the quick counter service meant I was in and out in minutes, taco in hand. What really stands out here is the bold southwest taste packed into every bite.
You get to call the shots at BluTaco. Pick barbacoa, carnitas, or citrus pollo, and layer it with cilantro lime rice and beans, then add your favorite salsa. The honey habanero salsa is a standout for anyone who likes a little sweet with their heat.
If you want a taco that plays with tradition and still brings serious flavor, BluTaco checks all the boxes.
6. Taco Villa
Taco Villa is the kind of family-run spot that immediately feels comfortable, from its laid-back dining area to the friendly conversations behind the counter. It’s a place I stumbled into on a snowy afternoon, and since then, it’s been my go-to for low-key lunches that still taste homemade.
Taco Villa’s tacos have a loyal following, thanks to their balance of fresh toppings and gently seasoned meats. The ground beef tacos are simple but satisfying, wrapped in a shell that manages to stay crisp until the last bite. For something with a bit of zing, go for the chicken tacos with a splash of their house-made hot sauce.
If you enjoy real-deal flavor served up with a dose of local warmth, Taco Villa always delivers.
7. Taqueria La Campechana
(320) 240-0000Call
Taqueria La Campechana is the place you go when you want your tacos straight from the hands of people who know their craft. The cozy atmosphere somehow always smells of grilled meat and fresh corn tortillas, drawing you in for more than just a quick stop. My first visit was thanks to a tip from a local, and I left wondering why I hadn’t tried it sooner.
The tacos here feel unmistakably authentic, with classics like carne asada and al pastor shining bright. Each taco gets a generous portion, topped with onions, cilantro, and zesty lime. Don’t sleep on their salsa bar, which lets you customize each bite just how you like it.
For a taste of St. Cloud’s genuine taco tradition, Taqueria La Campechana is a solid bet every time.
8. Anejos
(320) 252-1000Call
Anejos offers a polished, welcoming spot that shows a thoughtful side of Mexican dining in St. Cloud. My first visit started with the sound of sizzling from the kitchen and ended with a taco platter that made me linger longer than planned. There’s a sense of attention to detail in every dish that sets Anejos apart from the typical taco joints.
The fish tacos come battered just right, flaky and light, while their steak tacos bring a rich, smoky flavor. Each is topped with fresh pico de gallo that tastes like it was made seconds before it hit your plate. If you’re aiming to try something different, don’t skip their shrimp tacos for a real coastal touch.
Anejos is about tacos done with a little refinement and lots of flavor.
9. Taco Bell
Taco Bell sits firmly in the comfort food category for a reason. There’s an honest joy in rolling up to this St. Cloud location late at night, tired and hungry, knowing a Crunchy Taco is just minutes away. The convenience and consistent flavor have a certain appeal that’s hard to argue with.
While the menu has expanded in recent years, it’s the classics here that keep people coming back. The Crunchy Taco and Soft Taco stick to basics: seasoned beef, fresh lettuce, and cheese. If you’re looking for a twist, their vegetarian options offer a change of pace without losing that signature Taco Bell flavor.
When speed and simplicity win out, Taco Bell delivers a taco fix that does the job every single time.
10. Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle Mexican Grill on 5th Ave S brings high-quality fast-casual to downtown St. Cloud. I’ve stopped by often after work, building my own taco trio and watching as each ingredient is prepped right in front of me. The focus here is on real flavor with simple, bold ingredients.
The chicken and steak tacos always feel freshly grilled, and the corn salsa adds a pop of sweetness. If you’re after something different, the sofritas make for a tasty plant-based option. Every taco comes layered with fluffy rice, beans, and your pick of salsas, letting you tune each bite to your liking.
For anyone looking for quick, satisfying tacos made with care, Chipotle is a reliable stop in St. Cloud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find authentic tacos in St. Cloud, MN?
Head to spots like Giliberto’s Mexican Taco Shop and Taqueria La Campechana. These places are known for their street-style tacos, made fresh with grilled meats and classic toppings.
Which St. Cloud restaurant has the widest variety of tacos?
Bravo Burritos and QDOBA Mexican Eats offer plenty of choice, from grilled chicken to brisket birria and veggie options. Both let you customize your tacos just the way you like them.
Are there good vegetarian tacos in St. Cloud?
Yes, you’ll find tasty plant-based options at Chipotle, QDOBA, and Bravo Burritos. Fajita veggies and sofritas are flavorful picks for vegetarians.
Is there a place to get late-night tacos?
Giliberto’s Mexican Taco Shop is open late and covers those after-hours cravings. Taco Bell is also a reliable standby for late-night taco runs.
Can I get tacos for takeout or delivery in St. Cloud?
Most taco shops in the city, including QDOBA, Chipotle, Giliberto’s, and Taco Villa, offer takeout and delivery options for maximum convenience.
