The Rusty Taco, a small Texas chain and St. Paul favorite, has crossed the river to Northeast Minneapolis and taken up residence next to the old Wilde Roast space on Hennepin Avenue. The big difference between the Minneapolis and St. Paul locations is that the Hennepin Avenue shop has a full liquor license, serving margaritas and specialty tequilas in addition to an array of tap and bottled beer. The food menu is the same as in St. Paul—short, simple, and posted on the wall. There are a dozen varieties of tacos, which are $2.50 each, handmade, and wrapped in warm corn tortillas (flour tortillas available on request). There are two vegetable options, a shrimp, a fish, and eight varieties of beef, pork, and chicken. This variety means there’s something for everyone.
When we visited, we ordered an array of tacos along with chips, guacamole, and salsa for a meal that was fast, simple, yet varied with lots of flavor, and satisfying. The namesake Rusty Taco is filled with achiote-marinated shredded pork and topped with pineapple, onion, and cilantro and was a favorite of both my husband and my six-year-old son. My nine-year-old loved the fried chicken with jalapeno ranch dressing, and I enjoyed the fish. The chips are thick, crispy, salty, and perfect for scooping up whatever falls out of the tacos.
If you can’t visit either of the brick-and-mortar locations, check out the roaming Rusty Taco Truck, with locations posted on Facebook and Twitter.
Rusty Taco Minneapolis
522 E Hennepin Ave., Mpls.
612-315-5372, rustytacomn.com
