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Panaderia y Cafeteria El Quetzal - Authentic Mexican Flavors & Fresh Baked Pastries in St. Paul

Panaderia y Cafeteria El Quetzal in St. Paul offers a vibrant blend of authentic Latin flavors, with standout dishes like rich barbacoa tacos, hearty pork tamales, and flavorful steak quesadillas. The bakery’s dulce de leche cake and pastries add a sweet finish that’s hard to forget. Although ordering can be a bit challenging for non-Spanish speakers, the friendly staff and generous portions make the experience worthwhile. The self-serve style creates a casual, inviting atmosphere perfect for exploring traditional tastes. El Quetzal’s diverse menu and genuine flavors make it a must-visit for anyone craving bold, comforting Latin American cuisine.

Panaderia y Cafeteria El Quetzal at a glance

  • Address 1532 White Bear Ave, St Paul, MN 55106, United States
  • Phone +1 651-772-6806
  • Restaurant type Guatemalan restaurant .
  • Popular for Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner , Solo dining .

Photos & Gallery

Panaderia y Cafeteria El Quetzal: Reviews & Ratings

Rachel McDonald
4

Very good food, a much bigger variety than I anticipated. The fish takes 15-20 minutes to prepare, and is well worth the wait. Prices were higher than expected, but that's true everywhere these days. This was our first dinner visit (previously bought pastries for breakfast), and we will definitely return to try something new!

Erin McCabe
5

My friend had told me about this place and said its a place with the blue wall and awesome tacos! Well, the blue wall is no longer blue but the tacos were awesome! I had this awesome barbacoa melty cheese goodness tacos, enchiladas, and steak tacos. All of it was fantastic. I know very little spanish so ordering was a little tough so I took a picture of the menu so I can study and be ready for more food! The staff were friendly and patient as I muddled through! Delicious!

E.B. Yang
5

They give you a lot of cheese in your food here! I came here for cake, but ended up getting other stuff, and it was all great. Honestly, the food wasn't what I ordered, since I don't speak Spanish, and the people there didn't seem to speak English, so there were some misunderstandings, but it wasn't that big of a deal since the food was great! The lil' soup was my favorite from the food, and the dulce de leche with whipped frosting was my favorite from the sweets. I definitely want to go back again for that cake. (P.s. They don't serve food to your tables, you must serve yourself.)

keenan christopher
4

The tamales are big and delicious. I've been there three days in a row , and I've had the same great experience every time. The papusas are the best I've had ever. I can't wait to go back and try some other dishes

Sandra “Rogue!” M
5

First time in this restaurant. I really enjoyed the food that we ordered. The pork tamales. The chicken chomin. The steak quesadilla. Next time we're in town, we will visit again.

Ripley Pie
5

Such an incredible experience here! Especially if you’re looking for “mom’s home cooked meal” if you grew up eating this cuisine. Or for an authentic experience if you’re not Guatemalan or Mexican. We ordered a bunch of Guatemalan pan (bread) but they have both Mexican and Guatemalan bakery items. For the food we ordered a Loroco Pupusa and a Frijoles and Queso Pupusa—10/10! I loved the beans and cheese pupusa but my partner preferred the Loroco (mixed veggies) Pupusa. 100/10 I would recommend this place, and I’ll definitely be coming back! Be prepared to order in Spanish

Mai Yer Xiong
5

Delicious, authentic Guatemalan food! Fast and friendly service. Huge portions! There is a bakery in addition to the restaurant option.

Location

  • Panaderia y Cafeteria El Quetzal
    Panaderia y Cafeteria El Quetzal
    1532 White Bear Ave, St Paul, MN 55106, United States Hotline: +1 651-772-6806

Nestled in the heart of St. Paul, Panaderia y Cafeteria El Quetzal offers an authentic taste of Latin American cuisine that surprises and delights at every turn. From the moment you step inside this cozy bakery and cafe on White Bear Avenue, you're greeted by the vibrant aromas of freshly baked goods and the promise of hearty, flavorful dishes waiting to be savored.

The true highlights here are the generous portions and the rich, comforting flavors that linger long after the meal ends. The tamales stand out—large, satisfying, and packed with savory goodness. Equally impressive are the papusas, which local patrons claim are the best in town, offering a perfect balance of doughy texture and savory fillings. And for taco lovers, the barbacoa and steak tacos are a revelation. They brim with melty cheese and tender meat, crafted with authentic recipes that speak to a deep culinary heritage.

One can’t overlook the sweets either. The dulce de leche cake topped with whipped frosting is a standout—creamy, luscious, and just sweet enough to provide a perfect ending to your meal. Soup lovers will be delighted by the rich, soulful broths that complement the food’s hearty nature. Though the ordering experience can be a bit of an adventure due to language differences, that only adds to the charm and authenticity of this spot.

Service here is self-serve, which fosters a casual, welcoming atmosphere where you are invited to explore at your own pace. Despite the modest setup, the food quality and generous portions reveal a strong dedication to flavor and tradition. Whether you come for breakfast pastries or an adventurous dinner, Panaderia y Cafeteria El Quetzal is a destination that consistently earns its loyal following and offers a heartfelt connection to Latin American culinary roots.

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Delivery
    • On-site services
    • Takeaway
    • Dine-in
  • Payments
    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards
    • NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards