La Costa Mexican Bar & Grill

La Costa

St Paul (Steak, Shredded Chicken, Carnitas)

Full Bar, Full Plates, and Full Bellies in St. Paul

La Costa in St. Paul isn’t your average taco stop. This Mexican sports bar and grill brings together full-service dining, a lively bar atmosphere, and street taco favorites — all without the inflated sit-down restaurant prices you might expect.

Walking in, I was prepared to pay a little extra. After all, it’s not a food truck or a takeout window — this place has a full bar, indoor seating, and TVs playing the game. But surprisingly, the prices were right in line with your favorite taquerias. I ordered a taco platter expecting a smaller portion, but for about $15, I got three street-style tacos, a generous side of rice, and my choice of beans. I left feeling full and totally satisfied — no need for a second round or appetizers to fill in the gaps.

Now let’s talk tacos. First up, the steak — a solid choice. It was moist, flavorful, and held its own among the lineup. Nothing overly dressed up, just seasoned right and cooked well. The carnitas were good too — classic, tender, and tasty — though they didn’t exactly steal the show.

That honor went to the shredded chicken, which really surprised me. Instead of dry grilled strips or bland filler meat, this was marinated, juicy, and full of flavor. The server even recommended it when I was deciding, and they weren’t wrong. It was the clear standout — rich, well-seasoned, and something I’d definitely come back for.

La Costa proves you don’t have to trade in your casual taco vibes just because you’re in a sit-down setting. With fair pricing, great service, and standout flavors, especially that shredded chicken, it’s a place that delivers more than expected. Whether you're grabbing drinks and dinner or just looking for a good plate of tacos in a comfy space, La Costa should be on your list.