Boca Chica Restaurante Mexicano- St. Paul, MN

Cuisine: Authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex, Sunday Brunch,

Restaurant Features: Bar, Patio Dining, Lunch Buffet, Happy Hour

Location: St Paul, MN

Address: 11 Cesar Chavez St. St Paul, MN 55107 (651) 222-8499

Hours: Mon 11am to 9pm, Tues-Thurs 11am - 10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 10am-9pm

Links: Google Map  Boca Chica

Atmosphere: Boca Chica is one of the original restaurants to boast authentic Mexican dining in the Twin Cities. It is located on St Paul's west side, in the District Del Sol.  It was a busy Saturday night when my party and I visited, but we had no problem getting reservations for a large group with just a few days advance notice. There are three dining rooms, with plenty of table space. Several fireplaces around the restaurant kept the room on the warm side. On thing that I enjoy about Boca Chica is that they have house musicians that perform for each table if you would like to be serenaded.  There is also a 6-piece mariachi band who performs from 8-11pm on the fourth Saturday of every month.

There is also a nice patio area available during the warmer months.

Menu: Chips and salsa are complimentary. Salsa is on the spicy side!! Infused with a variety of chili peppers, I'd rate it a 6 on a spiciness scale of 1-10.  Make sure you have a cold drink available before trying it, seriously! In additon to chips and salsa, I recommend the guacamole at Boca Chica, it is excellent! Made with very fresh avocados, the guacamole is mildy seasoned with fresh tomato and onion.  Comes in a big bowl and is a great way to cool down from the spicy salsa!

Authentic dishes range from a variety of seafood dishes to huevos, flautas, enchiladas, chile rellenos, and tamales. Many of them topped with traditonal Mexican spices or sauces. Carne, pollo, barbacoa, pescados and carnitas authentically prepared. Tex-Mex dishes include tacos, chimichangas, enchiladas, etc. Boca Chica also boasts a variety of combination dinners and a long ala carte menu. See full menu here.

Lunch Buffet served M-F 11am-1:30pm

Sunday Brunch served 10am-1:30pm

Price Guide: Entrees range from $8-14.

What I ordered:  Plato Plazero....make your own tacos! I had both steak and chicken, which came with peppers and onions. Corn and flour tortillas came on the side, along with black beans, fresh pico de gallo and fresh guacamole. I also couldn't help but order a cheese enchilada ala carte. Everything was delicious! The portion was so big, I was able to make approximately 5 tacos.

Service: Our group had a reservation and we were promptly seated 10 minutes before the set time. Our waiter, Michael, was very nice and made sure everyone had what they wanted. It was a little slow getting our drinks, but the restaurant was very busy that night.

Overall Impresion: Boca Chica has a large menu offering with excellent authentic Mexican food, as well as Tex-Mex dishes. 

Comments

[Julie]

1.

You should try Boca Chica's Sunday Brunch buffet, it is AWESOME! A friend and I met there a few weeks ago. I didn't realize how big of a deal their Sunday Brunch was, the place was packed! Very affordable as well, $10.50 for the buffet.

[Jill Riter]

2.

I love Boca. Their "Ay Jalisco" is my standard. The chips and salsa are excellent and their chicken enchiladas are great. The Chile Rellenos are my favourite... give it a whirl...