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Council approves conditional-use permit for Don Carlos Taqueria; liquor license hearing set for Sept. 2
Summary
The South Saint Paul City Council approved a conditional-use permit allowing on-sale liquor at Don Carlos Taqueria in the Asian Mart building and directed staff to notice a separate liquor license hearing on Sept. 2 for final licensing details.
The South Saint Paul City Council voted 7–0 on Aug. 18 to approve Resolution 2025-88, granting a conditional-use permit (CUP) that allows on-sale liquor at Don Carlos Taqueria, a new restaurant in the Asian Mart building on Concord Exchange South.
Michael Healy, city planning staff, told the council the restaurant will occupy a combined suite in a recently constructed building. He said the operation would be family-run, with an initial staff of three to five employees and a building capacity of 77 customers. Healy said the CUP is a zoning approval required before the applicant may complete the separate liquor-license application process.
Healy said the Planning Commission recommended approval by a 6–0 vote and that the application met the city’s CUP criteria. The council approved standard conditions requiring compliance with building and fire codes, adherence to the city’s noise ordinance, and any required entertainment or liquor licenses.
Council members discussed proposed closing hours. Council member Seberg asked whether approving the CUP obligates the city to permit 2 a.m. service; Healy and the council responded that the CUP does not set specific hours. The owners told the council they plan to stop serving alcohol by 1 a.m., and Council member Thompson encouraged that approach for a new operator.
City staff will publish a public hearing notice for the separate liquor license application; the council directed the clerk to post notice for the Sept. 2 meeting. The liquor license application (including any request for 2 a.m. service) will be decided at that subsequent hearing.
