El Tequila Mexican Grill & Bar Information

Walking into El Tequila Mexican Grill & Bar feels like stepping into a lively neighborhood spot where comfort food and good energy go hand in hand. The location along Central Avenue makes it easy to find, and there’s a steady stream of locals coming in, which usually says a lot before you even sit down. The dining room has that classic Mexican restaurant vibe-colorful decor, upbeat music, and just enough buzz to make it feel welcoming without being overwhelming.

The menu is extensive without feeling confusing, covering all the staples you’d expect along with a few house specialties that stand out. The fajitas arrive sizzling hot, filling the table with that unmistakable aroma of grilled peppers and seasoned meat, while the tacos are simple but done right, with fresh toppings that don’t overpower the main ingredients. One thing that stands out is how consistent the flavors are; nothing feels rushed or thrown together, even during busy hours. The portions are generous, so it’s easy to share a couple of dishes if you’re coming with friends or family.

Service here tends to match the energy of the place-friendly, attentive, and quick to check in without hovering. During one visit, the staff handled a packed dinner rush smoothly, keeping drinks refilled and orders moving without long delays. It’s the kind of place where servers seem genuinely familiar with the menu, offering suggestions if you’re unsure what to try, which adds to the overall comfort of the experience.

The bar side of El Tequila Mexican Grill & Bar adds another layer to the experience, especially if you’re stopping by in the evening. Margaritas are a big draw, and while there’s a wide range to choose from, the classic lime version is a safe bet-balanced, refreshing, and not overly sweet. It pairs well with the richer dishes on the menu, cutting through the heaviness in a way that feels intentional rather than accidental.

Looking through various reviews and spending time there in person, the consistency seems to be what keeps people coming back. It’s not trying to reinvent Mexican cuisine, but it delivers reliable, flavorful dishes in a setting that feels both casual and lively. There may be occasional wait times during peak hours, which is expected for a popular spot in this area, but the overall experience tends to justify it.

Most Popular Dishes

  • Arepa Queso $4.50
  • Beef Turnover(4) $10.99
  • Calamari $16.99
  • Cheese Dip (Side) $2.99
  • Cheese Dip, Chips Salsa $5.50
  • Cheese Turnovers $9.99
  • Chicharrones Picado Con Yuca $14.99
  • Chicken Fingers (4) W/Fries $12.99

Open Times

Monday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Thursday 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Friday 11:00 AM - 02:00 AM

Saturday 11:00 AM - 02:00 AM

Sunday 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Icon

Location & Contact

Contact Details

  • 4005 Central Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421, United States
  • Right Now :

What People's Say About Place

The food quality is always superb. The service is impeccable. And just a joy to dine in this very nice restaurant. We enjoy this restaurant very much and frequently dine there. Kudos to all the hard work and quality the staff provides their customers. We appreciate them!

Shout out to the friendliest. Most nicest bartender at tequila, Thank You Tony for the sour apple Martini. You always Make delicious. Had a great experience here. This is my fifth time going Food is really good. Bartender waitress, super friendly, Bathroom are huge, clean Perfect spot for selfies Mimi!

Excellent food and service! We had the tostoceviche for an appetizer and went with the street tacos for dinner. Our waitress was kind and helpful answering questions and making recommendations. And if you're into tequila, they have a great selection!

The food was good. Probably the best hard shell tacos I have even eaten. The wait was most painfully long however. I am reserving judgment on the wait as almost every business is under staffed right now. They also charged me for a second refill on a coke. At 2.99 each , that's a bit much...... Will I go again? Probably.

Overall, our experience was good. There were a few hiccups, which we're not too bad, although the weirdest one was when our waitress charged our card to a different table. She informed us and told us she voided it, but that the transaction went through. It should take a few days to be returned. That doesn't happen too often, so it was a bit odd. The food was good, I got pastor tacos, and my guest got trucha frita (fried trout). The food definitely tasted a bit above average. The staff was nice and, for the most part, did a good job. We don't drink alcohol, but they have a great bar at the restaurant. Whenever we've gone in, there have been a fair amount of people eating and drinking at the bar, but it's big too, so there are usually several seats available. They do have dancing and a dj on certain nights. We went several years ago, and it was fun. It's pretty casual with the dancing, so if you are a bit shy about it, the crowd is small enough to feel comfortable being yourself. Even if you don't live in the area, it's definitely worth a trip to this place. Although, one note, they do have limited salsa and chips. They used to bring them freely to the table, but I think you have to actually order them now, because our waitress didn't bring us any. In the appetizer section, it says the phrase, limited chips, and salsa. There is also a nice outdoor seating area as well.

Very hospitable staff. Amazing value. Great happy hour specials, including drinks from 2pm-7pm and food from 4-6pm. Half price apps (only certain apps) and low cost domestic beer ($3). Thursday had 2 for 1 margaritas. I was very impressed with the house margaritas. Had some true tequila taste (and packed a punch), was not surupy or watered down like most places. Very impressive. Nachos could be slightly improved as could limiting smoking on the patio. It was difficult to enjoy the the food with chain smokers nearby. The interior lighting was very dim (almost in an eery nightclub way).

Awesome food, service is great. Got our food quickly, and it was delicious. Try the Ecuadorian fried rice!

Wonderful place definitely worth the five star rating!!! The tacos I had today is so amazing, come and try your own let you be the judge of that!!! Great customer service, ideal place. !!

Places Nearby