Another beloved Twin Cities restaurant has quietly shuttered, leaving regulars wondering what happened. The unexpected closure is the latest sign of mounting pressure on even well-established dining spots, and comes after closing during the ICE raid earlier this year.
A sudden closure in St. Paul
Pajarito, a well-known Mexican bistro in St. Paul, has closed (effective March 2026), marking another loss in the local dining scene. The restaurant, located along West Seventh Street, had built a loyal following for its tacos, tequila selection, and wood-fired dishes.
The closure follows a pause in operations that began in mid-January 2026, when the restaurant announced it would temporarily shut down. While initially described as a temporary move, the St. Paul location ultimately did not reopen.
Slower business since COVID
Like many restaurants, Pajarito faced a slower recovery in the years following the pandemic. Reports indicate business levels never fully rebounded to pre-2020 norms, with fewer consistent crowds at the West Seventh location.
At the same time, the brand’s other location in Edina has remained open and continues to operate, highlighting how performance can vary significantly even within the same concept.
“It’s been slower since COVID, and especially the past 4-5 months. So we moved our staff over to Edina, which is still busy,” the owner said in January.
A neighborhood favorite
Since opening, Pajarito had become a staple in St. Paul’s dining scene. Known as a refined Mexican bistro, it offered a menu centered on shareable plates, craft cocktails, and a lively yet approachable atmosphere.
Its West Seventh location made it a go-to spot for both locals and visitors, blending casual dining with elevated flavors. Over the years, it earned strong reviews and a reputation as one of the area’s standout Mexican restaurants.
Part of a wider trend
The closure underscores ongoing challenges for restaurants across Minnesota. Rising costs, staffing shortages, and shifting consumer habits have forced many establishments to scale back or shut down entirely.
For St. Paul, the loss is especially felt in neighborhood corridors like West Seventh, where independent restaurants help define the city’s food culture.
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