A Little Bit of Mexico in Brooklyn Park

With my birthday being on the Mexican “holiday” of Cinco de Mayo (yes, less than a month away), I consider myself to be somewhat of a connoisseur of the country’s food.

So when I was invited by Phillip and Jenn Tompkins to check out their favorite Mexican restaurant in Brooklyn Park, El Salto, I jumped at the offer—and I was not disappointed.

El Salto, located at 5513 Ritchie Highway, opened its doors in 1995 and was one of the first Mexican restaurants in the area, said assistant manager Juan Loza.

“In the beginning, people didn’t really know a lot about Mexican food,” he said in an interview earlier this year. “But we introduced Mexican food into the area.”

Loza said many customers stick to traditional fare such as tacos, carne asada and fajitas with some trying dishes that aren’t as familiar such as the chile rellenos.

“Our goal is maintaining good service, good food and good prices,” Loza said.

On my visit on a Friday night in January, the dining room was packed and we had to wait for a table, but once we were seated I could tell the food was going to live up to my high standards for Mexican food.

I chose a combination dinner, getting one enchilada, one tamale and rice and beans (I love rice and beans), and really enjoyed it.

There is another location in Parkville and Loza said they plan to open another restaurant in Edgewater soon.

“We’re working hard. And I think we’re doing a pretty good job,” he said.

El Salto is involved in the Brooklyn Park community, sponsoring various youth sports teams over the past 12 years, Loza said.

While I haven’t yet had a chance to sample the margaritas, I know that the food is good enough to put El Salto on the short list of restaurants where I might celebrate what my friends and I lovingly call "Cinco de Maya" next month.

And I can’t wait.

So, where should I go next?