Back in January I made mention of a new Mexican restaurant opening in Rosemount over near Suzie’s Kitchen. Soon after it opened I stopped and took a look at the menu posted on their window and turned away disappointed by the mundane items. However, after much urging from several commenters both on the site and via e-mail, I decided to make it a point to get over there to try it out. With us heading to UMore to visit their open house we decided to hit up Las Tortillas on the way.
We arrived right at 5 PM. There were two other people dining at tables and one or two at the bar chatting with the chef. We were seated all the way in the dark rear corner of the restaurant while there were plenty of bright and sunny spaces near the front. Our server was training another staff member as she had a ghost on her hip at all times. She left us with some chips and salsa, took our drink orders and let us look over the menu for a while.
The menu is mainly standard fare for a Mexican place and includes street tacos, burritos, tortas, and the like. However there are some other additions which I find abhorrent on a Mexican restaurant’s menu such as beer battered walleye and tequila shrimp pasta. We stuck to the usual and I placed an order for their Pulled Pork Torta listed on the menu as “Pulled pork, pico de gallo, queso fresco, lettuce & bean spread on a toasted roll” with fruit (it said $1.95 on their menu but they still charged me the $1.75 listed on their online menu) for $7.25 which was up from the $6.75 listed online. The Wife ordered beef pastor street tacos which is listed as, “Three house-made yellow corn tortillas, hard or soft with lime, salsa verde & spicy roja salsa” for $6.25 up $1.00 from the $5.25 online. In addition she placed an order, all while holding her nose over the name, for the “Gringo Taco Setup” which included lettuce, pico de gallo, cheddar and Fresco cheese for $1.50 more. We threw in three beef tacos for The Rooster which set us back an additional $4.50. Two soft drinks ($2.25/ea) and their “Spicy Pepper Relish” for .50 more rounded out our order.
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While you’re never supposed to look a gift horse in the mouth, the freebie chips and salsa were below average at best. While The Wife appreciated that the chips weren’t greasy or over-salted, the salsa itself left much to be desired. If they weren’t Redgold’s Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies pureed, I’d be in absolute shock. The salsa tasted canned, was runny, and even the wife remarked that it was missing something. That something was taste–other than the taste of cheaply canned tomatoes. We ordered a second round of it just to make sure it wasn’t a fluke. Sure enough, same runny consistency and lack of flavor. I hoped it wasn’t a sign of things to come…
Our entrees eventually arrived, incredible as it was being that our server was far more interested in training the new employee than ensuring we were satisfied with our service. The Rooster’s tacos were nothing special. Ground beef, soft tortillas which you can buy in stacks of 50 for $1.85 next door at Cub in the Mexican foods aisle, and some shredded lettuce with shredded cheddar. That’s it. For $4.50. The beef had no discernible flavor and he ate very little of it leaving plenty to take home and feed to the dog.
The Wife’s Street Tacos were surprisingly devoid of anything. While they were supposed to come with salsa verde and a spicy roja salsa, what they came out with was a tiny pile of green mush with some red stuff on top. If it was more than a tablespoon all together I’d be surprised. Her “Gringo” (can we please, please, please stop calling items on Mexican restaurant menus “Gringo”? It’s derogatory and ridiculous. Grow up.) toppings were the same shredded lettuce and cheddar that The Rooster had with some fresco cheese shavings and pico-de-gallo which was the most basic definition possible. I’d be willing to bet it had nothing more than tomatoes and onions as I couldn’t taste anything else but who knows, maybe The Wife got some into her mouth before I could take a stab at the pile. The meat itself was ok but certainly nothing special. The Wife noted it had some “kick” but I certainly couldn’t taste it. Sadly it sat on the same cheap tortillas The Rooster received and they were soft, chewy, and soaking wet. If they weren’t microwaved I’d be very surprised.
My Pulled Pork Torta was huge, the vegetables were fresh and bright, and the added pepper relish provided an acceptable kick. Unfortunately those are the only good things I can say. The meat was bland and lacking any and all crunch–might as well have cooked it in the crock pot for the last 10 hours and been plopped right on the crumbling bread. The beans overpowered the meat, something which should never happen, and there was no decent cheese flavor or any avocado. It’s clear that Las Tortillas needs to visit a couple of the local taquerias and learn from them before serving another mediocre sandwich while calling it a torta. They can start at Tacolmeca once it reopens next to Primetime or the gas station restaurant right on the border of Northfield and Dundas on MN-3. As it is, it’s pretty clear they were taking torta making lessons from Taqueria Hidalgo and you know how much I loved that place.
However, the food and general lack of service were not the biggest disappointments. The biggest shock came when we received a bill for $28.12. With a commenter noting that a meal for 2.5 back in June set them back only $20, I was expecting something more reasonable than a price I could pay for much tastier food served with a smile at any number of other local places starting with Taqueria La Hacienda.
Overall Las Tortillas was a total pass for us and while others have found plenty of great qualities about the place, I’d much rather spend $30 at just about anywhere else in town instead. In fact, there is only one other Mexican place I would rank below this one and when you’re in competition with Tereasa’s Mexican Restaurant in Lakeville, you know you’re a total failure. The Wife, as if peering into the future, muttered to no one in particular, “Maybe a diner will move in.” One can only hope.
Have you ever eaten at Las Tortillas in Rosemount? If so what did you think? Are you offended by restaurants using “gringo” on their menus? What do you think about their menu and prices? Whatever you have to say about Las Tortillas Mexican Restaurant go ahead and comment on as I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Address:
Las Tortillas Mexican Restaurant
15051 Crestone Ave
Rosemount, MN 55068
Phone:
651-332-2200
Hours:
Monday: 4 PM to 9 PM
Tuesday – Thursday: 11 AM to 9 PM
Friday – Saturday: 11 AM to 10 PM
Sunday: 11 AM to 8 PM
See all the pictures from Las Tortillas in Rosemount on Flickr here.
Related posts:
- Teresa’s Mexican Restaurant: Lakeville, MN
- Spicy Black Bean and Chicken Tortillas
- Papagayos Authentic Mexican Food: Lakeville, MN
- South Metro Restaurant Inspections: Eagan, Hastings, Rosemount, Savage
- WeekNIGHT Caching and the House of Dean (Best Bartender in Rosemount) at Applebee’s: Rosemount, MN
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August 19th, 2011 at 7:27 am
While writing this I checked my RSS reader and a new review popped up on Urbanspoon for Las Tortillas:
Nothing like going to a Mexican restaurant and ordering two items which shouldn’t be on a Mexican restaurant’s menu. I really think the margarita had something to do w/this.
August 19th, 2011 at 8:23 am
Actually my step son had that same burger and loved it as well. I do agree though that the service is not up to par (our waitress too was more interested in talking with other employees than her tables) but we did find the food was ok but not on the top of my list as well. I do agree with you regarding the “Gringo” items.
August 19th, 2011 at 8:28 am
We went to Las Tortillas shortly after it opened, and pretty much came to the same conclusions as you did Bill. The Salsa was nothing special, when you mentioned that it might be blended Red Gold tomatoes, this made me laugh as I swear I have seen this “recipe” for salsa being used at a few other places and I think it is disgusting. Is it really that difficult to chop some tomatoes, onions, cilantro and jalapenos and mix it up?
I don’t mind the “fusion” items but I see your point, don’t call it a Mexican restaurant and then offer burgers, pasta and other things. Better to go the route of “Me & Julio” in Hastings and go the Tex-Mex route.
I ordered the Carnitas at Las Tortillas and thought the same as you as they were fairly bland and I think you are right that they probably came out of a crock-pot or something similar.
Another place for good Carnitas is Taqueria Los Oscampo, they have a few locations in Minneapolis & St. Paul. I went to their newest location in St. Paul off of 94 and White Bear Lake Ave and their Carnitas did have those “Crispy Bits” I have come to crave when I order them.
By the way, Me and Julio was OK when we went there last week. It was packed so the service was a little slow, and the food itself was OK but nothing special. I’d give it another chance after they get their feet on the ground. The bartenders and servers themselves were friendly, and the atmosphere was fun.
August 19th, 2011 at 8:45 am
Re: Gringo
I had a Gringo Taco at Barrio last night to temporarily satiate my hunger since the only reason I was at Barrio was for the Surly on tap and was more looking forward to the 128 ribs at the food truck at Mears park last night, which are probably the best ribs in town, both in house and from the truck.
I am not as offended by the “gringo” term since it is sort of intended to be offensive. Because it is intended to be offensive to the “Taco Bell” crowd that wants a taco with lettuce, cheese and tomato with no spices, I am perfectly ok with that. While I much prefer the cilantro and onion style taco with whatever choice of protein, sometimes the “gringo” style is just fine, whatever you choose to call it. That Barrio does have a high heat habanero salsa to drench their stuff in helps greatly.
August 19th, 2011 at 9:28 am
Having only been there once, I’m not sure my input carries any weight but I was more neutral to Las Tortillas.
I thought the freshness of the food was a plus. They prepare more things in-house than most local restaurants and, to me, it was noticeable.
Our service was fine — friendly and not “in training”, but it’s Rosemount/Apple Valley…you’re going to get a high school senior girl who probably hasn’t eaten outside of Dakota County. Don’t expect a verbal dissertation on Mexican street food.
Overall, I agree with you Bill that the food was rather bland. Part of the joy of carnitas is that the cooking process tends to concentrate the flavors and result in a beautiful mix of fatty, crunchy, meaty, chewy goodness. You’re right, that was lacking. The torta roll was also missing something that I can’t put my finger on. It was fresh but just kind of ho hum.
Because it’s a little more fresh and light than the El Loros, Teresas, El Patios, etc. and a little less expensive, on paper it would seem like a decent alternative in Rosemount. I imagine if I lived behind the shopping center and needed a bite, I’d be in there about every other month. But for pseudo-Mexican, I would actually save myself the drive over from Burnsville and just pop into Chipotle for some carnitas tacos for $6 until I could get to one of the local true Mexican places.
@Lefty: Echo the recommendation that people find the Cafe 128 food truck and grab the ribs. Outstanding.
August 19th, 2011 at 9:46 am
Good to know! I agree with the “gringo” comment, as well. Thanks for the thorough review. It’s a safe bet I won’t trek over to Rosemount for the Mexican food there. I’ll be happy eating Mexican food in West St. Paul and on Cesar Chavez street. Great review!
August 19th, 2011 at 10:13 am
Bill has very high standards for his dining experience – rightly so, after all anyone spending $$$ to dine out has a lot of choices. That said, this establishment caters to the MN taste – bland. Authentic Mexican food is not well sought after in Dakota Co. My friends liked Las Tortillas, I thought it was OK. The “Spicy Pepper Relish” is at my limit for heat. We’re going again tonight with a group. I’ll try and be neutral….
August 19th, 2011 at 11:39 am
MSPD,
Yeah, those ribs were so perfect last night. 10 bucks for what was about a half a rack is stealing. I think they have a deal with the devil or something.
The only negative was that they fall off the bone so easily that I lost a hunk to the pavement. I almost ate it anyway.
August 19th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
As one of the people who suggested Bill try Las Tortillas (Yes, I’ll admit it . . . even after this review), I feel I should throw my two cents in as well. Living only a mile from the place, I’ve been there quite a few times and have tried many of the items, including all of the Street Tacos and Enchiladas, the Pork Torta, Chicken Jumbo Burrito, Steak Chimichanga, and the Puerco Verde Quesadilla. While I generally like the place (the reason for suggesting it to Bill), Bill did hit on a couple of the same dislikes I have:
The Torta: The bun is definitely crumbly and dry. I’ve had multiple friends try them as well with the same results. Not sure why this hasn’t been remedied, but perhaps they just haven’t been made aware of it. I also agree that the bean spread does over-power the meat (perhaps it doesn’t on meats other than the pork?) I would definitely like to see them spice the meat up more to help solve this dilemma, which I feel is a recurring theme in other dishes as well. On the plus side however, it is huge, fresh and I did like the Pepper Relish on mine.
The Salsa: 100% accurate Bill, however I see you didn’t try the hot salsa. I know that not every server thinks to offer it, but having been there as many times as I have, I know to ask for it. The regular salsa is definitely missing something . . . spice, a thicker consistency, and something else I can’t put my finger on. All I taste when I try it is runny tomatoes, and therefore I always get the hot, which is thicker and tastier (not to mention an acceptable level of spice, though I prefer it much hotter). On the plus side, they seem to have been experimenting with both salsas quite a bit, as they don’t seem to be the same as they were when it first opened. Hopefully they find the right mixtures and/or ingredients. I find it pretty good to mix both the Hot and regular, and at least one server has suggested the same thing.
The Prices: They recently raised some of the prices and, as you pointed out Bill, it appears they don’t have the new menu up on the website. Personally, I felt the previous prices were very reasonable and appropriate, but the new ones are a bit hard to swallow, especially considering the amount of the increase on some of them. Not sure what prompted them to do that, but it’s enough for me to dial back my visits a bit, and perhaps not order as much as I’d have done previously.
Cilantro as a Decoration: Please offer more Cilantro with your street tacos. Many people happen to like it, and laying one sprig across the top is a tease to those of us who do and would prefer to eat it with their tacos.
All that being said, I definitely agree with MSPD that more of their food is prepared fresh than most places, and it definitely shows. I also like the fact that, in my opinion anyway, they’re trying to do something different with familiar Mexican fare (especially south of the river.) That’s to be commended in my book. I haven’t been to some of the places suggested in here though, and look forward to trying them as well for comparison’s sake.
One more positive I’d like to point out is the Sweet Corn Bread, which has always been great (especially if you get one right out of the oven).
As for the “Gringo” issue, I’m not offended by it, but I definitely agree that it’s not entirely necessary.
In the end, I’ll continue to go back (though not as often due to the price increases) and see how things are going. I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with the owner on multiple occasions, and he genuinely seems to care about the product he’s putting out and getting it right. I hope he sees Bill’s review and this thread and considers trying to make some changes, as I’d really like to see Las Tortillas succeed.
August 19th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
Totally forgot about that. I really enjoyed that even though I only got a little bit of someone else’s.
August 19th, 2011 at 7:19 pm
Once again everyone liked the Las Tortilla experience. Got there early with no wait. By the time we left there was a line out the door. The margs are great – made from scratch, no commercial mixes. The requested “hot salsa” is very good. The pork burrito is my go-to dish – I like it. A person in our party ordered steak fajitas – definitely bland, the only negatve of the night. The Queen ordered the fish tacos – loved ‘em. We’ll return.
August 19th, 2011 at 7:20 pm
Went to Junior’s tonight for dinner. They have a burger with pico de gallo on top. It was actually pico de gallo and it was hot. So hot my wife scraped it off her burger and gave it to me. It made me cough when I ate it.
Now that’s pico de gallo. Not a few tomatoes and some onions. At least someone knows what’s up.
August 19th, 2011 at 8:28 pm
OK, Bill, I get it. You like heat! Some of us, most of us perhaps, don’t like it as hot as you do. I like flavorful, spicy food. Really hot, very high heat foods, numbs my taste buds – the flavors do not reveal themselves when too much heat is added. Call me boring but I know what tastes good to me (and my friends, apparently).
August 19th, 2011 at 8:32 pm
C&V,
You’re missing the point here. The pico de gallo at LT that I had yesterday didn’t include the basic parts that make it up.
As for the rest of your comment, please get real. You’re clueless.
August 20th, 2011 at 11:37 am
Bill,
“…please get real. You’re clueless.”
Happily clueless I would say! :-)
Clueless in Apple Valley, aka, C&V
August 21st, 2011 at 4:10 pm
Oops. Posted comment to the wrong thread. Feel free to delete, Bill.
August 21st, 2011 at 4:46 pm
Deleted an errant comment by MSPD per his own request above.
August 21st, 2011 at 7:11 pm
I went here once, as I was excited for a Mexican restaurant. I will sadly continue to make my own in the future. I cannot adequately descri e how un-impressed I was.
August 22nd, 2011 at 4:27 am
[...] I’ve ever tasted,” praise for the red velvet mocha at Royal Grounds, Bill Roehl gives Las Tortillas in Rosemount a negative review, thoughts on the unusual pizza at Ecopolitan, Dara likes the food and hates the service thus far at [...]
August 22nd, 2011 at 3:02 pm
I made some fresh pico this weekend. Fresh tomatoes, jalapenos and serrano peppers from my own garden and some farmer’s market cilantro and onions. I chopped it by hand and mixed. It was terrible.
Dumped the crap into my food processor, added a bit of citrus and some salt and pepper and processed for 8-10 pulses. Let it sit overnight to let the flavors blend. It was perfect on our grilled tilapia tacos last night!
The moral of the story? If you ever have a bad pico de gallo going, just use the lefty approved rescue method and all will be well. I don’t know if I can save las tortillas from themselves however.
August 22nd, 2011 at 5:48 pm
Got to have lime and salt.
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:20 am
The term gringo, used in this context, is used to mildly poke fun of the silly white folk ordering things that might be considered “Americanizing” Mexican food. I usually think it’s funny, but it’s sort of nauseatingly ironic in this joint.
Yeah, sure, “gringo” is to varying degrees derogatory. For some reason, it doesn’t bother me. But, I’ve had people all my life trying to convince me to be offended at “Finnlander.”
Beer battered Walleye at a “Mexican” restaurant? Now THAT is offensive. Type “Walleye Pike” on your menu and we’re going to need to step outside.
August 23rd, 2011 at 9:20 pm
I’ve always taken more offense to the people who order non-Mexican food (a la the Walleye) at a Mexican food restaurant than to the restaurant itself for trying to appeal to different tastebuds.
My first try would be the chimichanga…the only way to improve upon a burrito is to deep fry it. Yum.
August 24th, 2011 at 8:23 pm
i thought gringo was a take on green go, as were the uniforms the u.s. soldata’s wore during some war. green go home?
maybe clueless in A.V. has the definitive answer:)
bb
August 24th, 2011 at 8:49 pm
clueless here,
“The most likely source of ‘gringo’ is the Spanish word ‘gringo’ itself, which means ‘foreigner’ or ‘unintelligible gibberish.’ The root of ‘gringo,’ in turn, is thought to have been ‘griego,’ Spanish for ‘Greek,’ often applied as slang to any foreigner.” lifted from ask.yahoo.com. (Wikipedia has a similar explanation, but uses bigger words.)
Happy to be of service…
September 2nd, 2011 at 7:02 am
[...] but a good one solely because the meat itself lacked any real flavor. Much like Rosemount’s Las Tortillas, it really needed something extra to fight through the powerful taste of the arepa. If they got [...]
October 6th, 2011 at 3:46 pm
Looking for business?
October 6th, 2011 at 3:52 pm
According to that the 99 cent tacos own everything else. So does that mean we can get one of those $5 margaritas for 99 cents?
October 6th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
don’t think so, but the margs are very good.
October 6th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
Attn: Sandy. Apostrophe police alert!
October 6th, 2011 at 7:43 pm
Argh! It burn’s my eye’s!!!
October 8th, 2011 at 3:27 pm
I have been to Las Tortillas three times and really like it. The cornbread with Avero sauce is very good as is the Old School quesadillas with turkey and mole sauce. The desert of fried tortilla and ice cream is also good. I think this restaurant is far better than the typical “El” version of Mexican restaurants of which are so ubiquitous to this area.
October 28th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
Just ate lunch here for the first time (with spousal unit). We both thought the food (fajitas & chimi) was of excellent quality. Prices were reasonable and in line with others. Service was great. We’ll definitely go back.
January 25th, 2012 at 7:04 am
[...] on Nicollet: A New World Tavern 6. Burger Time 7. Reno’s Pizza 8. Burger Jones 9. Las Tortillas 10. Zest Bar and Grill 11. Taqueria Hidalgo 12. Ernies Pub and Grill 13. Teresas Mexican [...]
January 31st, 2012 at 3:38 pm
I just came across this review and sad to say that I generally agree with your findings. This place is 2 blocks from my house so I was really hoping that I’d enjoy it.
I’ve been to Las Tortillas twice now and have left with the opinion that the drinks are the best thing on the menu. I tried the steak burrito first and found that the steak was overcooked and not flavored at all, just basic beef from what I can tell. The second time, I tried the carnitas enchiladas and found them to be dry and tasteless and to be honest – the dish looked that way as soon as it was delivered.
I’m a pretty good cook at home and typically go to dinner to have something that I can’t make at home…I’m pretty sure I could beat this in my own kitchen.
The chips and salsa, guac and the quesadilla’s are decent but if I was going for a mexican dinner – I will shy away from Las Tortillas.
Now…Guiseppe’s Pasta Al Forno in Rosemount is a different story – great red sauce and italian bread!! I just wish that they had a bigger space so I could sit down to enjoy rather than just take out.
July 17th, 2012 at 3:06 pm
This is not representitive of my experiences. The food and service are excellent. I have never had a bad experience or bad food. Ryan and his crew are excellent. They frequently do specials that are extremely creative and tasty.
July 17th, 2012 at 3:29 pm
Pete, where else do you like to go when you’re looking for Mexican food?