Oro by Nixta

Oro by Nixta

NE Minneapolis (Lengua, Cangrejo {Crab}, Carnitas, Quesabirria)

Oro by Nixta A culinary experience to remember

Where do I even start with Oro by Nixta? This isn’t just a place for tacos it’s a culinary experience. One part art, one part street food soul, and all flavor.

Let’s claw into the star of the show the softshell crab taco. And no, it’s not just a few crab bits. This thing comes out as an entire deep-fried softshell crab, tempura-battered and blackened with squid ink. The dark, burnt-looking crust is an illusion it’s light, crispy, and cooked to absolute perfection. Nestled underneath is a bit of kimchi and saffron aioli, which adds just the right hit of acidity and brightness to contrast the crab’s rich, savory flavor. If you’re a taco adventurer, this is a must-try. Or better yet — split it with a friend and savor the moment.

From there, we went more traditional, starting with the carnitas taco a succulent, authentic, and elevated take on the classic. Simple, but done right, and a reminder of how powerful a few good ingredients can be.

Then came the lengua taco, which Beth absolutely loved. The flavors were unexpectedly deep and layered, giving it a signature twist that had her wanting more with every bite.

For me though, the quesabirria tacos stole the show. Tender beef, rich consommé, and a tortilla that holds up without getting soggy — this might be the best quesabirria I’ve had to date, no exaggeration. These are meant to share, but fair warning: you’ll want them all to yourself.

We also sampled the cactus salad that came with quesabirria, which wasn’t really my thing but hey, some people love that tart, pickled profile, and I get its role on the menu. I just didn’t want to waste it on my plate.

We wrapped things up with the Tres Leches cake, and not only was it absolutely gorgeous, but it was rich, soft, and sweet in all the right ways a perfect end to the meal.

Quesabirria with Cactus salad