Seemor
Tromperia El zacB+Worth Trying
1322 Rice St, St Paul, MN 55117
· Mexican restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (427 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Excellent al pastor from a real trompo, fast counter service, and strong value for tacos; some complaints about occasional blandness, portion variance, and takeout accuracy.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Tromperia El Zac delivers solid neighborhood dining through exceptional trompo al pastor and friendly, attentive service, earning its strong local reputation. However, inconsistent execution on secondary items like birria and tamales prevents a higher grade, while occasional peak-hour waits and takeout accuracy lapses reflect operational constraints typical of casual taquerias. Fair pricing and authentic technique make it competitive with respected local favorites, though it lacks the consistency needed for grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
This Rice Street spot feels cozy and welcoming the moment you walk in. Order at the counter, grab a number, and your food arrives hot and fast. Reviewers keep raving, with one saying the al pastor was "so juicy with a little char" and that the room felt clean and comfortable. Construction around the area pops up, but fans still make detours for the trompo. The cooking leans Mexican street-stop classics with legit technique rather than theatrics: a real trompo for al pastor, solid alambres, and quesabirria that many love (though a few wished for richer broth). Portions are generally generous, pricing is fair for the quality, and there are a couple of fun twists like the Birria Pizza that regulars adore. Families fit right in thanks to kids meals and simple tacos. Chicken tenders with fries or a kids taco with rice make ordering easy, and sides like rice and beans are kid-friendly. If your crew prefers milder flavors, stick to bowls, quesadillas, or basic tacos and skip the spicier salsas.
At a Glance
- Authentic trompo al pastor with standout flavor
- Friendly counter service and clean, cozy space
- Good value tacos and combo pricing
- Occasional bland or dry items reported (especially birria broth, some burritos/tamales)
- Takeout accuracy and long waits during peak rush have occurred
What Sets It Apart
- real_trompo_al_pastor
- charola_taco_trays
- creative_birria_pizza_option
What People Love
- That first bite of pineapple-kissed pastor
- Fast, friendly counter service
- Massive burritos with leftovers
- Clean, comfortable dining room
Points of Concern
- A few reviews cite blandness or dryness in specific items like birria broth or tamales
- Peak times can mean long waits; one report cited about an hour and staggered serving
- Takeout orders have had missing items; check bags before leaving
- Pricing feels high to a minority when portions run small
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$22-$34 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Value route: Taco Combo 2 ($13.99) for 3 tacos with rice and beans
- Shareable: Alambre ($16.99-$17.99) plus extra tortillas
- Kids: Chicken tenders or a taco meal at $8.99
- Vegetarian: Chile relleno plate or the vegetarian pizza
Perfect For
- Quick taco runs with friends
- Family dinners where kids want simple plates
- Affordable casual dates
- Group platters for game night
Location Insights
Area: Busy Rice St corridor with everyday shops, auto traffic, and local footfall; casual neighborhood vibe.
Safety: Generally safe for daytime and early evening; construction periods can affect access and lighting.
Nearby: Near residential blocks, small retailers, and services; fenced parking lot behind the building.
Macalester-GrovelandMacalester-Groveland is a well-established neighborhood characterized by tree-lined streets, historic homes, and a strong community feel. The dining scene here includes casual eateries, coffee shops, and a few upscale restaurants, catering to a mix of students from nearby Macalester College, local residents, and professionals.
Hamline-MidwayHamline-Midway is known for its eclectic and artsy vibe, with a variety of ethnic restaurants, bars, and small businesses. It attracts a younger crowd looking for affordable dining options and a lively social atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–21:00
Tuesday11:00–21:00
Wednesday11:00–21:00
Thursday11:00–21:00
Friday11:00–21:00
Saturday11:00–21:00
Sunday11:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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