Seemor
ColitaAMust Try
5400 Penn Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419
· Oaxacan restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (1651 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Creative Oaxacan-inspired small plates with standout cocktails and a fully gluten-free kitchen; lively, loud vibe and premium pricing with occasional service and seating hiccups.
Why it gets an A for overall quality
Colita ranks among the Twin Cities' finest dining destinations, driven by exceptional food quality with inventive Oaxacan-fusion execution and expert cocktail knowledge. Outstanding design and patio appeal create a warm, celebratory atmosphere that justifies its expensive positioning. Tight seating and occasional service delays prevent perfection, but the combination of polished creativity, loyal following, and destination appeal establishes grade A-level performance.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with a modern bar and lush greenery, the kind of place where bartenders remember you and plates land with color and aroma. One diner summed it up: "Service moved with our pace and the food felt celebratory." It can run loud at peak hours and seating is tight, but the energy is part of the draw. The cooking leans Oaxacan-inspired and creatively fusion-minded: house-ground masa meets cacio e pepe tostadas, octopus with salsa macha, and a beloved elote. Flavors skew balanced and polished rather than fiery; purists may find some dishes gentler than expected, but cocktail pairings and desserts (churros) land with flair. For families, there is no kids menu, but friendly options exist: simple tacos and churros please many, while bolder small plates may challenge picky eaters. The fully gluten-free kitchen is a standout for celiac diners, and the patio offers a calmer setting than the lively dining room.
At a Glance
- Fully gluten-free kitchen with broad appeal to celiac diners
- Inventive cocktails and polished presentation
- Standout dishes include shrimp tacos, churros, and elote
- Tight seating and loud room during peak times
- Reservation waits and group-size restrictions on weekends
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- fully_gluten_free_kitchen
- inventive_cocktail_program
- house_ground_masa
What People Love
- Playful, showpiece cocktails
- Polished, modern Mexican flavors
- Celiac-friendly menu freedom
- Lively patio and stylish interior
- Memorable churros finish
Points of Concern
- Loud, dark room can hinder conversation; patio is milder when open
- Seating can feel cramped and tables are placed close together
- Reservation delays of 15-45 minutes reported at peak times
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$55-72 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Aguachile or Crispy Masa Chips, then share 3-4 plates like Shrimp Tacos, Elote, and Tlayuda; finish with Churros.
- Seafood fans: pair Seared Scallops with Lamb Barbacoa Tacos for surf-and-turf balance.
Perfect For
- Date night with cocktails
- Celebratory small-plates feast
- Gluten-free dining without compromises
- Bar-centric solo meal with mocktails
Location Insights
Area: Residential South Minneapolis corridor with neighborhood dining energy; attracts destination diners on weekends.
Safety: Generally safe, well-traveled in evenings; busy during peak dining hours.
Nearby: Near neighborhood shops and residential streets; patio and sidewalk activity in warmer months.
Linden HillsLinden Hills is a charming, family-friendly neighborhood with a strong sense of community. The dining scene here features a mix of casual eateries, cafes, and upscale restaurants, often emphasizing locally sourced ingredients and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. The area is known for its walkability, safety, and proximity to Lake Harriet, attracting diners looking for quality food in a comfortable setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday16:00–21:00
Tuesday16:00–21:00
Wednesday16:00–21:00
Thursday16:00–21:00
Friday16:00–22:00
Saturday16:00–22:00
Sunday16:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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