Hola Arepa- A Minneapolis Food Adventure

Morgan Langworth 21 Jun 2025

There is a spot in South Minneapolis that has truly made a name for itself, bringing a special kind of Latin street food to people who enjoy good tastes and a friendly atmosphere. This place, known as Hola Arepa, started its journey as a food truck, bringing its unique culinary creations right to where people were. It has since grown into a restaurant that many folks have come to cherish, offering a delightful twist on dishes inspired by the vibrant food scenes of Latin America.

The whole idea behind Hola Arepa, you see, is about taking classic street food from Latin countries and giving it a fresh, personal spin. It is a concept that truly resonates with people looking for something different yet comforting. From its humble beginnings on wheels to a welcoming brick-and-mortar spot, the heart of what they do has always been about sharing great food with a warm, inviting spirit, making every visit feel like a little getaway.

This establishment has earned quite a reputation for its flavorful offerings and the distinct feeling it gives you when you step inside. It's a place where the food tells a story, and the setting helps you forget the outside world, even if just for a short while. So, whether you are curious about its origins or what makes its food so special, there is quite a bit to discover about this beloved Minneapolis eatery.

Who are the people behind Hola Arepa?
Christina Nguyen and Birk Grudem - A Partnership Story
What kind of food does Hola Arepa offer?
How does Hola Arepa create its signature dishes?
Is dining at Hola Arepa a unique experience?
What are the hours for Hola Arepa?
Where can you find Hola Arepa?
How convenient is parking at Hola Arepa?

Who are the people behind Hola Arepa?

The story of Hola Arepa truly begins with two individuals who brought their vision to life. Chef Christina Nguyen and her partner, Birk Grudem, are the creative forces who started this whole adventure. They began with a food truck way back in 2011, which is that, quite a while ago now, bringing their unique take on Latin street food to the streets of Minneapolis. It was from these humble beginnings, serving food from a truck, that the concept for the restaurant we know today really took shape.

Christina, as a chef, has a particular way of looking at flavors and ingredients, making sure each dish has its own special touch. Birk, her partner, worked alongside her to build this dream from the ground up. Their collaboration, in a way, has been key to making Hola Arepa what it is now, a place that feels welcoming and offers food that truly stands out. They had a goal to share their own spin on Latin American tastes, and they certainly achieved that, starting with their mobile kitchen and growing into a beloved local spot.

Christina Nguyen and Birk Grudem - A Partnership Story

When you consider the people who make a place special, Christina Nguyen and Birk Grudem are certainly at the heart of Hola Arepa. Their partnership has been the driving force behind the restaurant's creation and its continued success. They started this venture together, bringing their different skills and ideas to the table, literally, to create something quite memorable for the community.

It's interesting to think about how they took their shared passion for food and turned it into a business that has delighted so many. From a food truck that served delicious Latin street food, they grew their operation into a full-fledged restaurant. Their dedication to serving their version of Latin cuisine has been a consistent thread throughout their journey with Hola Arepa, making it a place where you can always expect something good.

Christina Nguyen and Birk Grudem have put a lot of themselves into Hola Arepa, making it a spot where people feel comfortable and enjoy truly flavorful meals. Their work together has shaped the menu, the atmosphere, and the overall feeling of the place. It's clear that their collaboration has been a big part of why so many people have a soft spot for this particular restaurant.

What kind of food does Hola Arepa offer?

When you visit Hola Arepa, you are stepping into a place that serves up a wide variety of dishes, all rooted in Latin American flavors. They have a menu that truly offers something for many different preferences, which is that, pretty good for a local spot. Whether you are looking for something to start your day, a midday meal, or a satisfying dinner, they have choices that aim to please. It is a restaurant that prides itself on having options that cater to different tastes, making sure there is a dish for almost everyone who walks through their doors.

The menu at Hola Arepa includes things like breakfast items, which can be a wonderful way to begin your morning with a Latin American twist. They also offer brunch selections, perfect for those weekend mornings when you want something a little special. For lighter fare, there are salads available, giving you a fresh choice. And for those who prefer plant-based meals, they have vegan choices too, showing a good understanding of various dietary needs. This broad selection means you can visit multiple times and always find something new to try, which is pretty neat.

Beyond the main meal categories, Hola Arepa also specializes in Venezuelan style arepas, which are a real highlight. These arepas are served alongside Latin small plates, which are perfect for sharing or trying a few different things. To go with your meal, they also craft tropical cocktails, adding a refreshing element to the dining experience. You might find yourself enjoying a boozy slushie, which sounds like a fun way to cool down, or a classic cocktail like an Old Fashioned or a Cosmopolitan, which they seem to do well. They even feature craft cocktails and rum cocktails, suggesting a focus on interesting drink creations.

How does Hola Arepa create its signature dishes?

The way Hola Arepa makes its signature dishes, especially their arepas, is quite something. These arepas are not just thrown together; they are made by hand every single day, which really speaks to the care they put into their food. They start with cornmeal dough, which is then shaped into patties. These patties are then cooked on a griddle until they are just right, getting that perfect texture and warmth. It is a process that sounds pretty simple, but it is the daily, fresh preparation that makes a difference.

Once the arepa patties are ready, they are then filled with a variety of good things. You can find them stuffed with different meats, plenty of fresh veggies, and a selection of cheeses. To top it all off, they add homemade salsas, which really bring all the flavors together. This layering of ingredients, from the fresh dough to the fillings and the special salsas, is what gives their arepas that distinct, delicious taste. It is, in some respects, a very thoughtful approach to making a staple dish.

Beyond the arepas, the restaurant also serves Latin small plates, which are designed to offer a taste of various flavors. These small plates, along with the arepas, showcase their take on Latin cuisine. They focus on fresh ingredients and flavors that are truly "out of this world," as some people have described them. It is clear that the kitchen at Hola Arepa puts a lot of effort into making sure each dish, whether it is an arepa or a small plate, delivers a memorable experience for your taste buds.

Is dining at Hola Arepa a unique experience?

Dining at Hola Arepa certainly offers a feeling that is quite special and, you know, a bit different from your usual restaurant visit. Many people have said that the patio, in particular, makes you feel as though you are far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, even though the restaurant is located right on a very busy corner where 35 and Nicollet meet. It is almost like a little escape, a quiet spot where you can truly relax and enjoy your meal without feeling the rush of the outside world. This ability to create such a peaceful setting in a busy area is a remarkable thing, making the outdoor seating a popular choice.

The atmosphere inside the restaurant itself is described as bright and fresh, which helps to create a pleasant dining environment. It is a place that feels lively and welcoming. The presence of a "jungle of plants" adds to this unique feeling, especially during brunch. It is said that brunch at Hola Arepa feels like you are "partying in a rainforest treehouse," which paints a very vivid picture of a fun and vibrant setting. This kind of decor and ambiance really sets the mood for a joyful meal, making the experience more than just about the food, but about the whole feeling of being there.

Many folks have expressed having a "soft spot" for Hola Arepa, calling it "one of my favorite restaurants ever," which is a pretty strong endorsement. The flavors in the food are often described as "out of this world," suggesting a truly exceptional taste experience. People who have visited multiple times say they have tried something new on each visit and found everything to be "so tasty." This consistency in flavor and the comforting, casual dining experience, complete with outdoor seating, contribute to why so many people feel a real connection to this place.

What are the hours for Hola Arepa?

Knowing when you can pop over to Hola Arepa for a bite is pretty straightforward. They have specific times they are open, making it easy to plan your visit. On Fridays, for instance, you can swing by from 4 in the afternoon until 10 at night. So, that gives you a good window for an evening meal or some late-night eats to kick off the weekend.

Then, when Saturday rolls around, the hours extend just a little bit longer. On Saturdays, Hola Arepa welcomes guests from 4 in the afternoon until 11 at night. This extra hour on a Saturday evening gives you a bit more flexibility if you are out and about enjoying the weekend. It is good to keep these times in mind, especially if you are thinking about grabbing some of their delicious food.

For those who prefer to order ahead and pick up, Hola Arepa also offers online ordering. You can click a button to order from a limited menu of their favorites. This allows you to pay in advance and then simply pick up your food at the restaurant. They even make it super convenient by bringing your food right to your car if you wait there, which is a very thoughtful service. Just a little heads-up, sometimes their online ordering system can get temporarily busy during regular hours, so if it seems off, they suggest checking back shortly, as it usually sorts itself out pretty quickly.

Where can you find Hola Arepa?

Hola Arepa has a clear home base, which is in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Specifically, it is located in South Minneapolis, making it a familiar spot for many who live or spend time in that part of the city. The restaurant itself is situated on a corner that is quite active, at 35 and Nicollet, which is that, a pretty well-known intersection. Even though it is on a busy corner, the restaurant has managed to create a feeling that is surprisingly calm and separate from the outside activity, especially on its patio.

Originally, Hola Arepa started out as a food truck in 2011, bringing its Latin street food directly to people wherever the truck happened to be. This means that for a while, its location was, in a way, always changing, moving around the streets of Minneapolis. But over time, it established its permanent spot as a restaurant, allowing people to know exactly where to go to find their favorite dishes. This transition from a mobile kitchen to a fixed location shows its growth and popularity within the Minneapolis food scene.

So, if you are looking for this Latin American restaurant that offers a variety of dishes, you will head to Minneapolis, MN. It is a place that has become a real fixture in the community, known for its comfortable and casual dining experience. Whether you are seeking Venezuelan style arepas, Latin small plates, or tropical cocktails, knowing its specific address in South Minneapolis helps you get right to the heart of their delicious offerings.

How convenient is parking at Hola Arepa?

When you are planning a visit to Hola Arepa, thinking about where to park is, you know, something that often comes up. The restaurant does have a small parking lot, which is helpful, but it is also located on a very busy corner. This means that sometimes, finding a spot right in their lot can be a bit of a challenge, especially during peak hours when many people are trying to visit. It is a situation that can be a little frustrating for some guests, and it is something to keep in mind before you head over.

Despite the small size of their own lot and the general activity of the area, many people report that finding street parking is actually pretty easy. So, even if the lot seems full, there is a good chance you can find a spot nearby on the street without too much trouble. This is, in some respects, a nice alternative that helps make up for the limited on-site parking. It means you might have to walk just a little bit, but you are usually able to get settled without a major hassle.

However, it is worth noting that for some folks, the parking situation has been a source of concern. One person even mentioned that the parking was "horrible" and was the only reason they gave Hola Arepa a 4-star rating instead of a perfect 5. This suggests that while street parking can be found, the crowded nature of the area and the small lot can, on occasion, make it a bit of a tricky situation. So, while it is generally manageable, it is something to be aware of when you are planning your trip to enjoy the food and atmosphere at Hola Arepa.

Hola Arepa also offers a few other items that make for nice gifts or ways to show your support. They have a super cozy knit beanie, which features an embroidered "Hola" patch with a gorgeous beach sunset design. This design was created locally by Nancy McCabe of Design Ahoy. The beanie comes in four great colors, and it is available for curbside pick up only. Additionally, you can purchase a gift card, which is delivered using USPS first-class mail. These are ways to support the restaurant and share a piece of its charm with others.

The restaurant has received quite a bit of good feedback from visitors. For example, it has 246 unbiased reviews on TripAdvisor, where it has earned a rating of 4.4 out of 5. This places it quite high, ranking it as the #51 restaurant out of 1,133 in Minneapolis. This kind of recognition really shows how well-regarded Hola Arepa is among people who dine out in the city. It is a place that consistently gets good marks for its food and the experience it offers.

Many people have a real affection for Hola Arepa. It is a bright, fresh restaurant that also offers a gluten-free menu, which is packed with flavor. The food itself is often described with phrases like "flavors in this food is out of this world," which truly captures the excitement people feel about their meals. Some have visited multiple times, about four times in one instance, and have tried something new each time, finding everything to be "so tasty." This consistent quality and the delightful tastes are a big part of why people keep coming back to Hola Arepa.

When it comes to appetizers, a popular choice is the chips and four salsa appetizers. You can even add queso to this, making it an even more indulgent start to your meal. Among the four salsas, the middle two green ones were a particular favorite for one group, suggesting that each salsa has its own distinct appeal. This kind of detail shows that even the appetizers at Hola Arepa are designed to be a memorable part of your dining experience, offering a range of tastes to explore.

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Hola Arepa- A Minneapolis Food Adventure

Table of Contents

Who are the people behind Hola Arepa?

Christina Nguyen and Birk Grudem - A Partnership Story

What kind of food does Hola Arepa offer?

How does Hola Arepa create its signature dishes?

Is dining at Hola Arepa a unique experience?

What are the hours for Hola Arepa?

Where can you find Hola Arepa?

How convenient is parking at Hola Arepa?

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