Tavial Grill

The owner is very passionate about the food her serves and his guests. The food was great! Try the cow tongue tacos. We will be back!

Some of the best tacos in town! Had the lengua, cabeza, and buche! All of ten were excellent! And there sauce actually has heat, bonus

It took me a few tries to find my favorite dish here, but when I did, I knew that I would come back for it again and again and again. The steak taco plate is absolutely delicious. I get it about twice a week and it is always as delicious as the time before. Victor and his staff have always ben very nice to myself and my friends that I bring to try out the place. Come and get the steak tacoooos! Plus the hot sauce that they make is amazing (as long as you don’t mind a little heat). Tavial is the best! Yummm

Fresh authentic fast food mexican. Burritos are huge. A lot of food for the price. Beware of mild and hot sauce, super spicy and hot. Will be back!

This is my go-​to taco spot. Cheap, fresh, and absolutely delicious tacos. Buches, pastor, and lengua are standouts in addition to their incredible carne asada tacos. Their burritos are huge and like $ 5.50, which is insane. But hold up for a second… and let me hit you with some knowledge. I’m just gonna throw this out there, Tavial Grill has the BEST steak nachos I have ever tasted literally anywhere. Period. Let me explain. I know nachos are not the most traditional mexican fare, but they happen to be one of my favorite things. I’ve had them just about everywhere, usually in the form of soggy chips with fluorescent cheese or gummy melted cheese. Good but nothing special. But here. my god. The chips are crisper than George Clooney’s suits. The refried beans are creamy and delicious. The steak is tender as a mother’s love. Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese join the party. Not melted cheese mind you, but light shreds that rest invitingly on the top. And the real kicker is their homemade salsa. Their red sauce is slightly smoky and has a good bit of kick, and their green sauce is creamy and refreshing with a hint of avocado. Slather both on and your taste buds will adore you.
So lets recap. Great tacos, awesome burritos, and the best nachos you’ll ever taste. And it’s cheap and family, owned with a staff that obviously cares? Yeah, you should be eating here.

The food and service here are excellent! I really enjoy the steak tacos with the green guac sauce that is in a squirt bottle at the table (so you can have as much as you like!) I have also tried the pork tamales, which were a good size and very delicious! They prepare your food quickly and are very friendly!

Found this little place quite by accident. Really enjoyed its authenticity and small feel. Food was quite good and nicely priced. Is a good complement to the Mexican restaurants in West St. Paul.

First time here today, for lunch — Chicken tacos.
Very good.
Have to say best tacos I have ever tasted.
Will definitely be going back to try more things.

The lengua taco is the bonb. The best lengua i ever had. Clean restaurant and the owner were very nice.

Stopped by with a friend for lunch, we didn’t know what to expect, and thought it’d be best to keep our expectations low. Boy were we in for a great surprise! The staff is friendly, and helpful. They happily answered our questions about some menu items, and gave us recommendations. I ordered the beef tongue taco, and beef nachos. My friend got the beef cheek taco, tongue taco, and chicken tamale. This is the most delicious Mexican food I have had in the Twin Cities! The meat tasted great, and all the ingredients were fresh. The tongue taco was delicious, and the chips they use for their nachos are divine!
I did take a bite of my friend’s tamale (I’m not a huge fan of tamales in general), and I thought it was tasty!
I will definitely come back here!

First Timer.
The «first» is important because it definitely will be one of many. Did my thing: went with the feature. The Alambre: steak, peppers, onions, bacon, cheese, seasonings; with a side of (4) warm corn tortillas. Amazing to solo, but even better idea for the future… to SPLIT!
Paired it with a horchata because thats how I do when I do traditional mexican.
The chef was very interested in how much we liked the food, which gave me the inkling he could be owner? Advised that next time I come through I should try the choriqueso… Needless to say I am already planning another trip…

My girlfriend suggested this place after she came across this place and seeing 5 stars 56 reviews! Boy was she excited. I decided to go eat lunch with her during her break and she suggested we grabbed Tavial Grill. Tavial Grill is located south St. Paul… I never thought I would be driving all the way out there to grab some Mexican food, but after seeing the reviews, we agreed to give this place a go.
The restaurant is somewhat new (September 2014). It’s a nice small restaurant that seemed to have bought a past fast food restaurant. They offer both dine-​in and a drive through. I came here around 11:45AM on a Friday and was not that busy. I walked in and the floors seemed a little dirty. Though this place only opened less than a year, it seemed to be somewhat dirty for its age. However, their tables and seats were top notch. Clean and new looking.
Upon entrance, I gazed at the huge menu. They seemed to not only serve a variety of Mexican foods like Tacos, tamales, quesadillas and burritos, but also American favorites like Philly Cheesesteaks, Chicken wings, salads, cheese curds and more. It seemed like of odd…, but hey if it’s good, why not sell it.
This place seemed to be opened by a family. I placed my order to, which seemed like the owner’s son. He was very sweet and nice and answered the questions I had. I asked him if he preferred burritos or tacos and he told me he personally likes the burritos. I decided to go with the carnitas burrito. I love carnitas burritos! I get it at almost all Mexican restaurants. My girlfriend wanted tacos, so I got her 2 carne asada tacos and 1 pastor (pork) taco, which contained pork, pineapple and onion. which I thought was a little weird. I don’t often get pineapple in my tacos… but hey, it seemed like it’ll be good nonetheless.
I then tried to order, my staple drink. The Horchata. I love horchata! It’s one of my favorite drinks to drink! I love cinnamon flavoured foods! I didn’t see it on the menu, so I asked them if they had it. The young boy told me not yet, they are still looking to get a machine for it. Hmm, I was a little disappointed, but I knew my girlfriend would be even more disappointed.
After placing my order, I saw some guy eating tamales. After being unable to resist. I went back and ordered a pork tamale… Boy does this a lot of food for 2 people.
They packed all the food in a lunch bag and topped it with tortilla chips!
Now onto the food…
First thing I tried was my burrito. It was pretty big and was a little scared I wouldn’t be able to finish it. I then started chowing it down. The burrito had rice, beans lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes, cheese, and carnitas meat… boy was this a bland burrito. I’m sorry, the carnitas meat was very bland. did not like how their carnitas tasted. It wasn’t moist. wasn’t fattening. and wasn’t roasted well.
It might be one of the worst. burritos I’ve ever had at a Mexican place… I couldn’t even finish it. I tossed the last ¼.
Next I tried the carnitas tamale. The carnitas in the tamale was again. as disappointing as the one in the burrito.
Lastly​.my girlfriend’s tacos. I didn’t try any, but she did not like it at all. and she’s tried tacos from all over California and Minnesota. She recommends tacqueria la hacienda on lake street for tacos.
I probably wouldn’t come here again for mexican food. it just isn’t that good.

Somehow I blocked this place out all the times I drove by thinking it’s just another bent joint. Then Linda H. brought it up and I never heard of it. That’s how much I never knew it was there. I never had a tamale, but I’ll try it. I broke down and got an enchilada with only cheese, topped with squirted sour cream. I think there were 3 plus the beans and rice that I mixed together, not only to get my complete protein that way, but it’s the only way to eat it to get the great flavor. So, this totally breeds the A word. They’ve improved this upper part of W. Seventh, but now I love it, and it’s just a spit away from Mojo Monkey donuts, where there never fails to be a screaming kid. Nobody screams at Tavial, but it wouldn’t be unreasonable it you did, it’s that awesome.

Really good, authentic Mexican food. The restaurant is super casual but cleaner than my other fave, Pineda Taco on Robert Street. It seems that the best Mexican food is at places where you order at the counter, and this place is no exception.
Four of us ordered an assortment of dishes: steak fajitas, chicken enchiladas, two tamales, four carnitas tacos, and one quesadilla. All were delicious. Service was quick and friendly. This is definitely a place to visit if you’re in the neighborhood – very authentic. Parking is easy in their own lot.

I JUST came back from my lunch there and felt the need to review them right away. I went today because it was Taco Tuesday AND Cinco de Mayo so what better excuse to try a place that’s been on my list?
I was expecting madness since it’s Cinco de Mayo but there wasn’t any wait at lunch time! I got there at about 12:15 and was up next to order. You order, then they call your number when it’s ready. I was looking over the menu and one of the guys working, probably the owner made some suggestions. I wanted to try the Alambre or the Fajitas but I wanted tacos so I went with tacos so I could try several kinds of the meats. They had some interesting ones but I stayed on the safe side this time and got steak, pastor, and tinga. I also ordered a red pork tamale. It was cheap! Around $ 10 or $ 11.
Food was done fast and came with a couple bottles of hot sauces. I liked the red sauce better but both were legit. Food was good, solid 4 star food but the service was impeccible. Everyone working was SO friendly and sincerely wanted to make sure I liked my food. He came over to clear my tray and asked how I liked it and if I would be back, and told me he’s remember me if I did, becuase he likes to remember his regulars! So sweet.
I will FOR SURE be back and next time I will try some of the adventurous tacos (tongue, cheek, etc) and some of their other stuff! Definitely recommend!

I wasn’t planning on coming here tonight. I was supposed to be on my way to Sioux Falls at dinner time but I was successful in convincing my boss to leave a bit later and eat dinner here as there wasn’t any decent food to be had between here and Sioux Falls. He believed me as he knew I wasn’t playing around when it comes to food. We were in the St. Paul area and searching for nearby places, I saw Tavial Grill. It sounded very familiar because Jenny A just reviewed it and I always believe in Jenny’s words. The girl does not know what sugar coating means. When she said it’s good, it’s good!
She said after Tavial, she’s no longer Taco Bell Mexican type and moving up in the world. Well, that sounds right up my alley. My coworkers called me «Weezy» like George called Louise in «The Jeffersons.» I am movin’ on up too! Though, I didn’t remember last time I ate at Taco Bell. I am sticking with it though and moving on up.
When we got here, we were a bit surprised that it was a taqueria. For some reason, we thought it was more of a full service restaurant, maybe because of the word «Grill». However, it didn’t stop us in trying this 5 star rated restaurant on Unilocal.Out of 31 reviews, their overall score is 5 stars! Wow! It had to be good.
It was good! So good! The menu was on the wall and it was not big but it had enough varieties to keep everyone happy. They even had french fries and wings on the menu. The prices were dirt cheap with tacos ranging only a bit over $ 2 and a fajita platter for $ 8. Get out! It was so cheap. They were so friendly behind the counter and it seemed it’s run by a family as we saw an older couple, a guy that must have been the son, and a boy that might have been the grandson. They greeted us and talked to us about the selections of food.
My boss went for Alembra or was it Alembre? I don’t fucking know but it was steak with bacon and some veggies that were prepared on the grill and served with corn tortilla. I went with steak fajita. We also got some Guacamole. I shit you not the food were excellent. It was not greasy and the meat was tender. It had great flavor and we inhaled that in no time. The guacamole was very limey and had a good kick to it. It had been kind of fun to build trust with my boss through my food selection as he seemed to trust me more and more not just with restaurant choices, but also other decisions. Apparently, I didn’t disappoint him this time either.
For a small taco shop, this place is pretty on fleek. Yes, I just learned the word from Dita D’s teenage son and it sounded appropriate. The inside was super clean, including the bathroom. You could also see the kitchen area that was spic and span. I was really impressed and was happy to see a family run business that really boasted quality. Plus, it was dirt cheap and we were stuffed with the $ 12 meal we got.
We didn’t get to try the chips and salsa though. I thought I read that they give you that with every meal but we didn’t get any. However, it wasn’t a big deal as I was trying to eat less carb. The two sauces given to us were amazing as well. I love both the green sauce and the red hot sauce.
I understood why this place has a 5 star rating and they deserved each star. I am a big fan of Mexican food and I had all kinds from Taco Bell to Rick Bayless’ Topolobampo. I’d say Tavial Grill can stand proud for serving great food, great service, at a great price. I just can’t wait to come back and try more tacos and the tamales.
El Jefe was happy all the way to Sioux Falls. Being in the same car for five hours, it was so important that he was in a good mood. Glad he didn’t eat any beans. Really glad.

Forget everything you thought I knew about Mexican food.
Tavial Grill just rubbed it’s taco all over my face and I am not complaining for one single solitary second.
Authentic? Well, they serve pieces of animal I will probably never eat, and the sweet guy behind the counter appeared to be mexican, so… Yes?
*cricket. cricket*
But, who cares. When you can serve me a plate of 4 different kinds of tacos, with the most basic topping of onion and cilantro and I’m not dying to slather some sour cream on that bitch, then we’ve got a winner. The chicken, delish. The chorizo; flavorful, a little spicy, and not skimpy at all. The carnitas; best thing I put in my mouth and I can’t decide if I hate myself or love myself for saving it for last. I was so full I ditched the corn tortillas and ate the insides with a fork, traditional whitey style. Last, but definitely not least was the steak taco, great flavor, a little on the chewy side but nothing that stopped my mouth from watering all over the floor. Seriously, it’s a little embarrassing.
And what’s better than knowing that Sam and I can celebrate a traditional mexican holiday because Sam has finally found a tamale he enjoys. The red pork tamale, fresh out the basket. Peeling away the husk leaving a giant flavorful mass of masa and generously filled with juicy and flavorful pulled pork.
Splendid, filling. and the service was all smiles and sweet jokes from the guy behind the counter. I love a lighthearted attitude with a side of tacos.
I used to be a Taco Bell Mexican, but not anymore! I’m movin’ up in the world, people!

Tavial Grill defines «neighborhood gem.» If Unilocal didn’t exist, how would I know about this hideaway on West Seventh? Anyways, the drive from Minneapolis was well worth my time. Alright, the review:
I. SPACE: Like many other taquerias, the interior is cozy, casual, humble, and perfect for small groups. They have their own lot, and finding a spot on the street shouldn’t be too difficult, too.
II. FOOD: They have mostly everything from enchiladas pollo to taco carnitas. They also have additional items such as chicken wings and cheese curds to attract other customers. But then again, who doesn’t like those things? I ordered a couple burritos al pastor, for dinner with my boo that night.
*Burrito Al Pastor: Just the right amount of spice, tender meat, not too bean-​y, and just enough rice (without it encompassing the entire burrito). I also love that their al pastor incorporates some of the pineapple that’s used to soften and make the meat more succulent. I would consider making a long drive to get it this, when possible.
*Chips: Nice, crispy, and hot. They come with every order, as well as some complimentary dips.
III. SERVICE: Incredibly friendly! Not only is this place run by a family joint — where, I had the pleasure of speaking to both the son and father — but they also treat you like family. Kindness kills.
IV. PRICES: What bumps this eatery up a star is their incredibly low prices for food. $ 5.99 for a burrito? Quesadillas for $ 5.50? The tacos are about 20 to 40 cents more than other places ($ 2.50), but it’s not outrageous or anything. Anyways, I bought dinner for my girlfriend for under $ 13 and the food was good. That’s ridiculous.
V. OVERALL: They definitely made a great impression on me, and I’m looking forward to trying their tamales and alambres in the future. To improve, I would like to see them carry horchata and maybe some other desserts. However, at those prices, I don’t care all too much.

My intention was to take a photo of the delicious carnitas burrito I had, but the risk of biting my own hand was too great.
I went here for lunch and anticipate going back for many future lunches. Everything I saw coming out of the kitchen looked amazing, so slowly but surely I intend to make my way through the whole menu. The price is right, too. Pretty inexpensive and you get a lot.

Stopped in one day after someone in my apartment building recommended it. Needless to say, I’m HOOKED. I’d choose this place over Chipotle (or even local Boca Chica/​Taco House) any day. $ 5.99 for a gigantic carnitas burrito? Can’t beat it. Their salsas are amazing — especially the green one. You get a handful of chips with your order, and you can add rice or beans as a side for 99¢ each. The chicken nachos are to die for — a mound of chips topped with juicy shredded chicken, beans, lettuce, and sour cream… Another steal at $ 5.99.
It’s dangerous living less than a mile away from this place!