Taqueria La Perla

You can barely eat anywhere for under $10 with inflation and restaurants raising prices so I was a bit shell shocked to find tacos still unbelievably reasonably priced here! And these are not wimpy tacos. These are generous sized tacos, generous sides and a generous salsa bar. There is minor confusion when you walk in because the restaurant and grocery store occupy the same space. You order at the food counter but you don't pay until AFTER you finish the meal. Seating is around the corner, tucked away. Also note these tacos take time. It's not the order and you get your meal right away. Expect to sit around 10 minutes or so before your food arrives but it's worth it because it's so good and filling. The ambiance is no frills and sparse but if you can overlook that and just enjoy the tacos, this place is worth a visit.

I've tried every other taco place in town so had to round off the list. Upon walking in, you see a small seating area and a grocery store. There wasn't anyone working in the kitchen so I used my Spanish and asked if I could order. The gentleman seemed bothered but made my two tacos. I'm not sure if there's certain lunch times but I went around 2pm. He then had the female worker ring me up. Pleas note they take cards for a minimum of $8. Plan ahead everyone. She was very nice. I got a carnitas and a barbacoa taco. Both were pretty good. No complaints. Each came with onion and cilantro on top. It also came with garnishes of radish lime and salsas. Great prices. Great meats. Would return for sure. Come support local business here.

Taqueria La Perla (located inside of La Perla Market) in Waite Park serves up absolutely phenomenal authentic Mexican food and they are soooo underrated. I've been a regular here for a few years, and they deserve to have more customers come in to try their tremendous food. Whether you're craving tortas, burritos, quesadillas, or tacos...they have it all. The food here barely costs you a penny as their menu is very reasonably priced. My go-to are the tacos here...each made with two corn tortillas (which somehow makes it taste so much better than just having one tortilla), diced onions, guac, and cilantro. My favorite tacos are the carnitas taco, the carne asada taco, and the barbacoa taco. Keep in mind, there are days where not all of the meats are available...they may or may not have the kind of taco meat you request, but don't worry, there's not a bad choice in this joint.The carne asada meat here is diced and seasoned so perfectly. The barbacoa is the perfect amount of spice. As for the carnitas, it is so tender and juicy. Each one is mouth-watering in its own way. The only critique I would have for Taqueria La Perla is the interior of the place. It is not the most cleanly and space is limited. They recently got booths instead of the tables they had before, but even then, Taqueria La Perla could use some renovations. But hey, good food is good food and that's what's most important. It's unfortunate that most people in the St. Cloud/Waite Park area do not know of the fact that they make fresh Mexican cuisine every day from 9am-9pm along with the grocery store. This is because it says "La Perla Market" on the outside which leads customers to think it is only if you want to buy market goods that you should stop by here. 95% of the time I've been to Taqueria La Perla, I've been the only non-Latino person eating food there. At times, I've had a tough time communicating with a few of the employees there, but they are such sweet people. They always find a way to accommodate to you even if someone has to step in to do some translating. Times like these when I wish I had taken Spanish in high school. Don't be shy, if you're in the St. Cloud area, come in for some amazing Mexican food! You will LOVE it!

Right on the money. This is THE place for the best tacos in St Cloud. I promise you they are real. The menu is not cluttered. The food is simple and fresh. Try the lengua. It is the tenderest I have had. Try everything. You will be happy.

Super cute shop! The tacos are authentic and taste amazing! Everything is made to order and nothing is over $9.99. Tacos are only $1.85 a piece - highly recommend stopping by if you're looking for some great Mexican food at a low price!

Pound for pound, the best tacos in St. Cloud. Perhaps the best in outstate MN.Quality and authenticity make up for a rather simple menu - which I have been told is expanding. The main dishes are solid. Small authentic touches add up in a big way . If you have ever had the privilege of living in Mexico - this will bring back fond memories. My only frustrations with the food are the rice and beans, which are mediocre and very much an afterthought. Do yourself a favor, and order La Alambre - essentially a taco plate (or "un orden") without any sides (why waste your appetite on beans/rice?). Layout: seating can be cramped. There are three booths and a small table (maybe two?) Strategic planning and flexibility are a must. There would clearly be difficulty in accommodating a group larger than 4-6. Finding sufficient seating can be a challenge during busy periods, during which longer waits can also be expected. However, the food is WELL WORTH any minor inconvenience.Service is generally quite excellent. In particular from an older woman I believe to be the owner. Best Mexican food in St. Cloud.

Great food, decent value, nice people.We stopped by for lunch, I had tacos (tripa and pastor). The boys split a torta and the wife had fajitas. The tacos were some of the best I ever had, for less than $2 each with guacamole on the al pastor . The boys loved the torta chicken, I tried it but I don't get chicken in a Mexican place. The only negative was the fajitas did not have enough meat. We got drinks from the store that is connected, which is less expensive and more selection than restaurants. Service was good, you order at the counter and they bring it to you. Pay after you eat, drinks were paid for at a separate register.I would like this place in Minnetrista, instead of an hour away.

If your looking for authentic look no further. I stop anytime I'm in St. Cloud area. Great market as well to find specialty items for cooking.

Went in for a couple taco's, advertised on window authentic tacos @ 1.99. The older guy could not speak English, ran up tacos stated 9.00 then said no 6.00 plus I showed him the menu, he kept pointing to 2.69 each, don't get food there if you want to be overcharged. Dirty inside even after they washed the floor. Walked out and they lost my business and others!!

I sample taco shops all over the country and Mexico. This amount of gristle from only two tacos. Sorry but I won't be back.