Centro
A vibrant Minneapolis spot offering modern Mexican bites and creative cocktails in an industrial-chic, hipster setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Centro
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Minneapolis spot offering modern Mexican bites and creative cocktails in an industrial-chic, hipster setting.
"Enjoy delicious cocktails and unique dishes in a lively, hipster atmosphere with two distinct vibes."
Portion Sizes
For larger appetites, tacos might offer better value than other entrées.
Ordering System
Be prepared for self-service via app or scanning a menu code; no traditional waitstaff.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mexican
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Inventive Mexican Fare & Cocktails
Savor unique dishes like the 'cool ranch crunch wrap' and refreshing guava margaritas in a vibrant, industrial-chic setting.
Hipster Atmosphere with Dual Vibes
Experience a lively, hipster vibe across two distinct areas: a casual bar and a more restaurant-oriented space.
Unique Tacos & Modern Twists
Explore a diverse taco menu featuring modern Mexican twists alongside unexpected offerings like oysters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Portion Sizes
For larger appetites, tacos might offer better value than other entrées.
Ordering System
Be prepared for self-service via app or scanning a menu code; no traditional waitstaff.
Visit Times Matter
Off-peak visits offer different atmospheres; consider when you go for varied experiences.
Spice Level Note
Ask for tahin on your drink rim if desired for a touch of chili-lime flavor.
Tips
from all over the internet
Portion Sizes
For larger appetites, tacos might offer better value than other entrées.
Ordering System
Be prepared for self-service via app or scanning a menu code; no traditional waitstaff.
Visit Times Matter
Off-peak visits offer different atmospheres; consider when you go for varied experiences.
Spice Level Note
Ask for tahin on your drink rim if desired for a touch of chili-lime flavor.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Centro is celebrated for its inventive Mexican cuisine and creative cocktails, particularly the guava margaritas. Diners enjoy the unique atmosphere, which ranges from bar-like to restaurant-oriented, and the fast, efficient self-service ordering system. While many praise the flavorful dishes and vibrant setting, some found certain menu items to be inconsistent in taste or portion size, and a few noted issues with food quality.
"Absolutely delicious, the variety of authentic dishes were exploding with flavors. Excited to go back and try something different. Pineapple queso is definitely something to try if you haven't already."
Jessica Cogswell
"I've visited Centro a handful of times for lunch and it's a nice spot for drinks and a bite! Their cocktails are delicious—I really like their guava margarita—and they have a great overall selection. The decor and atmosphere are also very pleasant. Although you order your food and drinks through their app on your phone, the staff we interacted with were still nice and friendly.
All this said, their food can be a little hit-or-miss. In the past I've enjoyed their carnitas tacos, but I was not a huge fan of the birria crunch I tried on my most recent visit. For me the flavors were surprisingly a bit lacking and the wrap seemed over-full of meat and cheese. However, I did like their salsa verde and thought their guacamole was pretty decent. Plus, the tortilla chips we ordered came out warm which is always nice.
Overall, I definitely think Centro is a good stop if you're in the area, especially for groups! I'd probably stick with their tacos if ordering an entree, but their drinks are great so it's a fun place to catch up with friends for a lunch or on a night out."
Allie Hanson
"Nice little vibey spot, private— not too busy during a Sunday afternoon. They have really good frozen drinks, music and everyone was minding their own business. I enjoyed the indoor bar and patio."
Dear Rachel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Centro utilizes a self-service ordering system, either at the counter or by scanning a menu code with your phone. There is no traditional waitstaff.
Popular choices include guava margaritas, 'cool ranch crunch wraps,' and their various tacos. Some reviews also highlight their salsas and guacamole.
Yes, Centro is mentioned as a great place for groups to catch up and offers family-style options like build-your-own taco kits.
Yes, Centro has vegetarian options available, including two vegetarian taco varieties.
The atmosphere is described as hipster and lively, with two distinct areas: a bar-like side and a more restaurant-oriented side.
Visiting during off-peak times can offer different experiences. The restaurant's atmosphere can feel very different on a weekday afternoon compared to a Friday night.
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Minneapolis' Best Restaurants
Restauranteur Jami Olson has not one but three food and drink concepts on Quincy Street, one of the main thoroughfares in Northeast Minneapolis. Stop by Centro for stiff margs, barrel-aged tequila negronis, and either an exceptional Taco Bell tribute (the Centro Crunch) or a plate full of fresh tortillas pelted with nopales, braised lamb, shredded pork shoulder and some of the best salsa in town. Its next-door neighbors include an all-day Mexican café/impeccably curated market ( Vivir) and a laidback spot (Bina’s) that rides the line between elevated dive bar (classic cocktails poured alongside tall cans of Coors Light and Hamm's) and diner (a masterful tuna melt, rich wagyu-butter burgers, vegan sloppy joes, and devilled eggs draped with herring).
Where to Eat in the Twin Cities, Minnesota
Like Minneapolis and St. Paul, Popol Vuh and Centro may be joined at the hip, but their looks and personalities are wholly fraternal. James Beard Award–nominated chef Jose Alarcon oversees both kitchens, so which direction I turn after passing through the street art–laden entrance depends on my mood: I make a left for Centro when I want to gulp down fish tacos and mezcal-spiked guava kombucha slushies in a festive dining room. I make a right for Popol Vuh’s more refined experience—hand-pressed red tortillas slicked with squid ink aioli and topped with chorizo, papas, and a curl of blackened octopus.
Twin Cities takeout/delivery restaurant options suggested by our food critic
Chef José Alarcon is turning out six varieties of some of the Twin Cities' most memorable tacos (beef, pork, chicken, beer-battered fish and two vegetarian options), plus salads, shrimp ceviche and mole cupcakes. Family-style options include enchiladas (black bean or chicken) and build-your-own taco kits, and the bar is hawking prickly pear margarita mix. Delivery and curbside, Wed.-Thu.
Essential Mexican Restaurants in Minneapolis
If you’re looking for a modern take on Mexican classics, look no further than Centro’s two locations in Northeast and Central Minneapolis. Nowhere else in town can you find mole verde wings alongside fancy crunch wraps, enchiladas, and…oysters!. Centro is neither a low- nor high-brow joint and has sips, snacks, and meals for omnivores and vegetarians alike.
The 16 Best Restaurants in Northeast Minneapolis: Our Local Awards
When we heard a Mexican place was opening across the street from one of our favorite Twin Cities breweries, (that’s be the Northeast legend, Indeed Brewing) we weren’t sure what to expect. What we got were some absolutely fantastic takes on classic Mexican tacos. Tinga, al pastor, fish, and even nopales cactus… it’s all here and it’s all amazing.
Best Mexican Restaurants in Minneapolis, MN
Centro is described as being a great special occasion restaurant, with Mexican-inspired food. At this restaurant, you'll have your choice of a variety of excellent dishes, plus wine and beer. Centro provides space for people planning special events, and also provides catering service for people in need.
Our 20 favorite places for chicken wings in the Twin Cities area
Instead, Centro's saucy mole verde wings are a delectable shade of green. The chicken is marinated in a sauce made from garlic, lemongrass, pepitas and cilantro. The wings are baked, then fried to order, tossed in that zippy mole verde once again, and sprinkled with red-speckled Tajin.
Highest-rated Mexican Restaurants in Minneapolis, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (37 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.0/5), Value (3.5/5)- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 1414 Quincy St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413-1588- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:Highest-rated seafood restaurants in Minneapolis by diners
14 Places for the Best Mexican Food in Minneapolis https://www.lifeinminnesota.com/mexican-food-in-minneapolis/
Centro is located in the heart of the Northeast Arts District in Minneapolis. The restaurant is bright and welcoming with fast and friendly service. The tacos are fantastic and you can stop by the bar to get a cocktail, beer, or wine to enjoy with your meal.
The Best Brunch in Minnesota 2019
This brunch feast at Centro in northeast Minneapolis includes (clockwise from top left): Lonestar Taco, Tomatillo Bloody Maria, Huevos Rancheros, Chilaquiles, Rosarito, Carnitas Torta, Frioles Barrachos, and Avocado Toast with a side of bacon
March's Margarita Madness Bracket 2019
Oh the cool concoctions you can find here in Nordeast, but trust in the Quincy. It’s a classic with tequila, lime, and orange curacao, plus it’s on tap (which = pitchers!) Also: Papas Chingonas are not just fun to say, but fun to eat!
The Nachos At This No-Frills Restaurant Are Worth The Drive From Anywhere In Minnesota
Centro’s neon sign glows like a turquoise beacon against the twilight sky, promising Mexican delights in Northeast Minneapolis’s urban landscape. Photo credit: Patrick Duffy
15 Best Mexican Restaurants in Minneapolis in 2025
1414 Quincy St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413Phone: 612-345-5527 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Centro (@centro_mpls)
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