“A small kitchen with big dreams” – That’s El Sazon. And owner Cristian De Leon and his family are making those big dreams come true. Opening back in 2022 in a quaint gas station, El Sazon started serving up delicious braised meats, birria ramen, pizza and tacos to Eagan locals and word spread fast that the menu items were far more elevated than ordinary convenience store food. While the location is unassuming, the big flavors De Leon creates are a mix between traditional Mexican and his culinary background cooking at different restaurants in the Twin Cities. Tacos are of course a favorite but with a spin including frying the shrimp in tempura batter and adding a tamarind glaze. Brunch is also offered with a unique twist featuring French toast made with conchas, a Mexican sweet bread.

Not only does El Sazon have a fixed menu for patrons to enjoy daily, it also hosts pop-ups and events including a “Night at the Gas Station” which has been an opportunity for De Leon to showcase more of his fine dining skills and present a special tasting menu to attendees. The Eagan location has been so successful that De Leon and his family are opening a full-service restaurant in Minneapolis this fall but will of course continue dominating the food scene in Eagan.