Colita, a modern Mexican (specifically Tex-Oaxacan) restaurant, is the del Prado restaurant that sparked Sean and I’s scavenger hunt across the Twin Cities to well, “catch ‘em all.” We started at Martina, which, don’t get me wrong, was the talk of the town for years after opening, but now it feels over-polished compared to Daniel del Prado’s other ventures. Visiting Colita felt like stepping back into El Cielo in Medellín due to the lush greenery spilling behind the bar and dramatic lighting. In daylight, the restaurant is bright and airy, with such demand in the early evening that the trendy, upscale crowd here would gladly stand at the bar if the restaurant allowed.

Daniel del Prado’s Colita perfectly incorporates the diverse flavors of Mexico in each of its beautifully plated dishes and will have you salivating waiting for the next one to hit your table. From the corn elote with chipotle mayo, cotija, serrano and tajin to the Kansas City ribs with tamarind, sweet herbs, radish, tortilla crumble, and parmesan, your tastebuds will be delighted. As far as drinks go, take it from us and order the ‘Naked Dani #2.’ This cocktail, a modern twist on a margarita, is made with tequila blanco, pulque, guava, lime, Seville orange, and topped with salt bubbles and a rubber ducky, A.K.A the cutest thing you’ll ever drink.

The culinary teams at all of chef Daniel del Prado’s restaurants have been praised for their graceful interpretations of Latin American cuisines, but their drinks deserve a moment in the sun, too. The bar is like walking into an Instagram post — placed inside of a reconstructed gas station, it’s light and airy; everything is minimalist except for the walls behind the bar that are plush with plants. While the kitchen is known for its elevated takes on Tex-Mex staples, the bar wants you to rethink what you know about traditional Mexican cocktails.

People flock to Colita for their creative cocktails (order the Naked Dani — it’s topped with edible bubbles and a rubber duck) and Mexican flavors, but you’ll want to save room for dessert here, too, because the churros are divine. They come dusted in cinnamon sugar and swirled in a rosette, unlike the traditional straight shape for which churros are known. Dulce de leche is smeared on the plate underneath, and while you’re eating, dip them in the thick dulce cream on the side.

Another Daniel Del Prado venture — Colita in south Minneapolis — blends the flavors of Mexico with barbecue and smoking techniques. Focusing on small plates categorized by cold, hot, and smoked offerings, be sure to order anything with their hand-ground tortillas like the variety of tostadas with options like tuna, charred eggplant, chicken tinga, or cacio e pepe. For a vegetable option, be sure to try their corn elote, glazed carrots, and masa and guacamole.

S., Minneapolis; 612-886-1606; colitampls.com: Colita serves some of the best contemporary Mexican fare and cocktails around, and the hot spot comes with two patios. A few tables on the sidewalk are available, but the majority of the restaurant’s 46 patio seats can be found in an enclosed space on the east side of the building. Plants, wood accents and a pergola for shade add to the charm.

Colita has become a culinary trendsetter in Minneapolis, changing people’s ideas about food with a Mexican influence. This restaurant offers a unique and modern perspective on classic dishes, going above and beyond what is often anticipated. Colita, which is well-known for its creative cuisine and wood-fired cooking, has come to represent innovation in the Minneapolis culinary scene.

Any list of cocktails in the Twin Cities has to mention Colita. For lovers of extravagant cocktails that are a little over-the-top and whimsical in every way, Colita is the place. This Mexican eatery in Minneapolis has drawn a lot of attention for its cocktails that often arrive at the table with props like rubber ducks and a lot of bubbling foam.

Colita looks like a semi-magical spot and it cannot be ignored. The latest restaurant from chef Daniel del Prado (of Martina) occupies a former gas station on 54th and Penn. And in this unlikely spot, he’s whipped up a beautiful restaurant that weaves Mexican flavors with his Argentinian/Italian cooking.

Indoor potted cactus and the giant living wall behind the bar have always made Colita feel more like a warm weather-destination than Armatage neighborhood eatery. On warm days, the glass walls fold back and the giant plants come out. It's almost like a little slice of Los Angeles inside Minneapolis.

A cozy spot with a charming vibe, offering expertly crafted dishes, creative drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps everyone coming back. This place is incredible, I wouldn’t even believe it wasn’t 100% gluten free if I didn’t know it already. The eggplant tostada was absolutely incredible!

Colita is a gem in South Minneapolis that is entirely gluten-free. The restaurant combines Texan and Oaxacan influences, offering a unique dining experience with small plates perfect for sharing. Their churros for dessert are a fan favorite, and the cocktails are as creative as the food.

Some might say Colita has the best tacos in the state of Minnesota. Described as a Tex-Mex location, Colita combines flavors from the Mexican state Oaxaca, as well as other flavors from around the country. Colita has an outdoor patio for people who want fresh air.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (72 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5)- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 5400 Penn Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419-1539- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:How much travel nurses earn in Minneapolis, Minnesota

We started off with Colita which is a Tex-Oaxacan restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. The bar menu is extensive and includes some unique mocktails as well as craft cocktails. The Naked Dani #3 comes with a salty cloud and a tiny rubber duck on top.

A new hot restaurant in South Minneapolis that is 100% gluten free!. It’s a unique Tex-Oaxacan restaurant that offers many smaller plates to share. They also have wild cocktails and drinks, and some pretty unique menu items that are absolutely delicious.

Their handmade tortillas are made fresh every day with corn grown in Oaxaca, Mexico. The food is delicious and served beautifully. The Cacio e Pepe Stacked Tostadas made with three types of cheese are a unique and delicious starter for your meal.

Del Prado has since opened up four more restaurants across the Twin Cities – Colita, Rosalia, Cafe Ceres, and San Jusan – all to rave reviews – and Mpls St. Paul Magazine claims he’s single-handedly transforming the Twin Cities food scene.

It’s definitely one of my top restaurants in the Twin Cities. Lucky for people like us, the kitchen is entirely gluten free. Vegetarian options are a bit limited, but that doesn’t mean you won’t eat well if you steer clear of meat.

From the $2 a taco taqueria on East Lake Street to the more upscale lamb barbacoa tacos from Colita, our city has it all. Check out my guide for my take on the best tacos of all types – I don’t discriminate – across Minneapolis.

For those new to the area or simply looking to experience the best of the best, a few of the most notable eateries include but aren’t limited to Colita, Martina, Pizzeria Lola, Clancey’s, Alma, Betty Danger’s, Khâluna, and Demi.

Playful touches like a tiny rubber duck on your cocktail set the tone at this Tex-Oaxacan restaurant in Southwest Minneapolis. Expect a mix of upscale Mexican (lobster tostadas) and barbecue (Kansas City pork ribs).

Colita has long been one of my favorite restaurants, not just in Minneapolis but in the world. Please do yourself a favor and order the chicken tinga tostadas. They may not sound special, but I promise you they are!

Small plate dining inspired by Mexican fair and paired with a lovely drink menu. This is fun without being flippant, and a welcoming place to catch up with friends. https://www.colitampls.com/

5400 Penn Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419Phone: 612-886-1606 Visit Website. A post shared by Colita (@colitarestaurant). Colita is on Penn Ave in the South Minneapolis neighborhood of Kingfield.

I enjoyed our first meals at both Colita and Martina enough to be happy to eat there again if it came to pass but not enough to make it a big priority over the place in the tiers above.

Martina, Colita, and Porzana all are in, but not Josefina, nor Blondette. Let’s be honest: It’d be boring to have a list of the great restaurants from the same six big names.