(PHOTOS) This New Rochester Restaurant Is Already Turning Heads: Ollin Cocina & Tequila

When a new restaurant is opening up in Rochester, we all get a little bit excited.  When Dave's Hot Chicken opened, traffic was backed up on Broadway because everyone wanted to try it and see the newest hot spot.

Everyone wants to know when the new restaurants and businesses are opening, what they are going to look like inside, and of course, what to expect on the menu.  We now know ALL of those answers for the newest restaurant in the Med City - Ollin Cocina & Tequila.

I got a sneak peek of the brand new restaurant the other day and grabbed a few photos and a few fun details - keep reading to learn more.

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New Restaurant, Ollin Cocina & Tequila, Now Open in Rochester, Minnesota

You probably heard back in August the news that renovations were happening in the old Carbone's Pizzeria in Rochester.  The building at 2723 Commerce Dr NW near Costco was painted green and a sign out front said that Ollin Cocina & Tequila was opening soon.

I love eating out, especially at Corona's Tacos, Los Arcos Kitchen & Cantina, Eddie's Rey de la Birria, and Fiesta Cafe in Rochester.  (If you've never tried those spots, add them to your list!)  And when a new place is opening, I get just as excited as everyone else.  When a good friend invited me to come to the new Ollin Cocina & Tequila for a sneak peek, I couldn't pass that up.  The menu wasn't posted on their website when I was writing this but here's a few pics and details to give you a glimpse what to expect before you stop in.

Photos and Menu at the New Ollin Cocina & Tequila Restaurant in Rochester, Minnesota

According to their website, Ollin Cocina & Tequila "blends traditional Mexican cuisine with a curated tequila experience to create unforgettable moments at every table."  That statement is definitely true!  Not only is the team making the guacamole as you walk in, but the house-made salsas are phenomenal as well.

Here's a glimpse at a few of the items on the menu:

Pork Belly Bites - this is an appetizer.  It comes with jalapeños, a salsa, and an avocado sauce.  $14

Street Tacos - the one of the left is Octopus, which came with cabbage, charred pineapple, and baja sauce.  The taco on the right is Ribeye, which comes with queso costra, avocado, and chimichurri.

According to the menu I saw on Google, you get three tacos with rice, beans, verde, and picante.  The octopus and the ribeye were both $26.

Other main dishes they have include fajitas, burritos, del chef, asador, enchiladas, ensaladas, and even a lunch and kids menu.

My only disclaimer on the food is this: I grew up in Iowa and have been in Minnesota for 25 years.  Quite a few of us in the Midwest have grown up with mostly a palate of tator tot hot dish and burgers, which is pretty tame when it comes to spices.  These dishes are not Taco Bell.  In other words, if you are sensitive to "the kick", be sure to ask your server to see what they suggest, or maybe ask if it is possible to have a sauce on the side.  If you love that kick on your tongue, I think you will have fun here.

Ok...now for the best part...

Pan de Elote - one of the desserts on the menu that features huckleberry and vanilla ice cream.  $11

Churros - I don't care how full you are from the rest of your meal, you MUST eat this.  It comes with vanilla ice cream, cinnamon sugara, cajeta, and chocolate. $18

With "tequila" in the name, you know that there is a drink menu available at the new restaurant. The photo above is a mini menu that I got to see.  See a glimpse at the wine menu and other specialty drinks here. 

When you stop in, you can order a drink from the bar (which has lots of seating!) or at one of the many tables when you come in to dine.

White Sangria is in the photo above.  If you love something sweet, this was what the bartender recommended. $12

If a margarita is what you'd like to taste, the one above is the Reposado. $14

Hours and Additional Info About Ollin Cocina & Tequila in Rochester

There are a few different seating areas inside the new Ollin Cocina & Tequila restaurant.  To the left of the front door is what appears to be a quieter area with some booth and table seating.  The decorations above are gorgeous and tie in so many of the natural and authentic elements throughout the restaurant.

To the right is the bar and additional seating, including several tables and booths.  There are few tv's on this side of the restaurant as well that are above the bar and on the walls.

Hours - They are open 11:00 am until 10:00 pm on Sunday through Thursday.  Hours are 11:00 am until 11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday.

As of writing this, online ordering wasn't up yet, but the website states that it is coming soon.

Learn more about this new restaurant at the Ollin Cocina & Tequila website.

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Do You Know Of Another Business or Restaurant Opening in the Area?

I love spreading the word about businesses and restaurants in our area.  This is a community and if you know a place that is opening, or you have something fun happening at your business that you want others to know about, please let me know!  You can reach me on Facebook or Instagram, or send me a note at jessica.williams@townsquaremedia.com.