Given that the average annual temperature for the Twin Cities is in the 40-degree range, it's no wonder Chino Latino and its "hot zone" Latin American-global cuisine are so popular. Between the spicy food and the packed house, the place is downright steamy. And hot spots can be found everywhere: in the narrow, backlighted bar, the cozy bamboo lounge in the back, and especially at the congregation table, a big space where friends and strangers can eat-and-meet to their hearts' and stomachs' content. The convivial noise level is aided by a laundry list of cheekily named drinks (Kama Sutra Mama, anyone?) served in coconuts and pineapples and decorated with retro-cute plastic animals. There's also a generous selection of sake, house wines and beers on tap. Once you've plowed your way through the list of adult beverages, it's time to face the enormous menu. Tapas – more than 20 options. Plus sushi, satays, several entrées and desserts. One of the most popular tapas items is the Lamma Island Salty Squid, crisp-fried calamari with a spicy pepper salt. It's also hard to say no to the Popocatepe, a French fry concoction covered with black beans, guacamole, queso fresco, sour cream, chile de arbol and pico de gallo. It may be wise to just schedule a weekly pilgrimage to Chino Latino to work your way around the worldly menu – Philippine paella week one, Argentine rodizio tenderloin week two, "Tune In Tokyo" Sushi Sampler week three. Reservations suggested. Full bar. Serving dinner and late-night nightly.
Awards include Best Latin American Restaurant and Best Creative Cocktails in the 2007 Mpls.St.Paul Magazine readers poll, Best Cocktails in the 2007 City Pages readers poll, and Best Restaurant, Under 40 Crowd in the 2007 Minnesota Monthly readers poll. Reservations suggested. Full bar. Serving dinner and late-night nightly.