From savory street tacos to sizzling fajitas to succulent slow-cooked birria and more, the St. Louis area has many options when it comes to Mexican food.
Whether you want to scarf down a giant combo platter or just pop in for a dessert and a margarita, take some time to identify the perfect spot for you to pull up a chair and dream of Tulum.
From Valley Park all the way to East St. Louis, these are the local hot spots that you don't want to miss. (Unless you're on a diet, of course. But this is the Midwest. Get real with yourself and what you truly value and go ahead and place that extra order of guacamole.)
Where to Find the Best Mexican Food in the St. Louis Area
By Riverfront Times on Fri, May 3, 2024 at 2:39 pm
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Andy Paulissen
Diana's Bakery
(2843 Cherokee Street, 314-771-6959)
This Mexican bakery on Cherokee Street sells the best churros in town. The neighborhood focal point also offers cake, flan, turnovers and all other manner of dough-filled treats like sweet and savory empanadas. (For a heavenly experience, don't skip the lemon empanada.)
(2843 Cherokee Street, 314-771-6959)
This Mexican bakery on Cherokee Street sells the best churros in town. The neighborhood focal point also offers cake, flan, turnovers and all other manner of dough-filled treats like sweet and savory empanadas. (For a heavenly experience, don't skip the lemon empanada.)
Mabel Suen
Dos Reyes Mexican Restaurant
(5912 Hampton Avenue, 314-833-5550)
Formerly known as the One Way Cafe, this place is fantastic no matter what you call it. RFT food critic Cheryl Baehr flipped out over the beef torta. She described it as “like the best pot roast you’ve ever had”, with beef so tender that it falls apart at the mere suggestion of a fork.
(5912 Hampton Avenue, 314-833-5550)
Formerly known as the One Way Cafe, this place is fantastic no matter what you call it. RFT food critic Cheryl Baehr flipped out over the beef torta. She described it as “like the best pot roast you’ve ever had”, with beef so tender that it falls apart at the mere suggestion of a fork.
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Mabel Suen
Arzola's Fajitas + Margaritas
(2730 McNair Avenue, eatarzolas.com)
The steak fajitas at Arzola's Fajitas + Margaritas are less a dish and more of a religious experience. The quesadillas, too, set the standard of the form. And don’t skip the burritos. OK, you’re actually going to have to go to Arzola’s multiple times.
(2730 McNair Avenue, eatarzolas.com)
The steak fajitas at Arzola's Fajitas + Margaritas are less a dish and more of a religious experience. The quesadillas, too, set the standard of the form. And don’t skip the burritos. OK, you’re actually going to have to go to Arzola’s multiple times.
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Chelsea Neuling
Fonda la Poblanita
(3830 Morgan Ford Road, orderfondalapoblanita.com)
Fonda la Poblanita offers authentic Mexican dishes that can be difficult to find elsewhere in St. Louis. Make sure to try their huaraches (open-faced sandwiches named for their resemblance to sandals) and their machetes (basically two-foot-long treats akin to a quesadilla).
(3830 Morgan Ford Road, orderfondalapoblanita.com)
Fonda la Poblanita offers authentic Mexican dishes that can be difficult to find elsewhere in St. Louis. Make sure to try their huaraches (open-faced sandwiches named for their resemblance to sandals) and their machetes (basically two-foot-long treats akin to a quesadilla).
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Jennifer Silverberg
La Tejana Taqueria
(3149 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Ann; latejanastl.com)
Everybody knows that the best tacos come from strip malls and we’ve been saying for years that La Tejana Taqueria has some of the best tacos in St. Louis. From steak, carnitas and chicken to tongue, pork skin or goat, owners Antonio and Brenda Garcia serve up dazzling dishes in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
(3149 North Lindbergh Boulevard, St. Ann; latejanastl.com)
Everybody knows that the best tacos come from strip malls and we’ve been saying for years that La Tejana Taqueria has some of the best tacos in St. Louis. From steak, carnitas and chicken to tongue, pork skin or goat, owners Antonio and Brenda Garcia serve up dazzling dishes in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
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Madelaine Azar
Chava’s Mexican Restaurant
(Two locations including 925 Geyer Ave, chavasmexican.com)
If you’re in Soulard but you wish you were on Cherokee Street, Chava’s Mexican Restaurant will hook you up with some spice. Serving up Tex-Mex flavors next to Soulard-style margaritas (read: strong ones), Chava’s is the perfect placed for a drink and some fried tacos.
(Two locations including 925 Geyer Ave, chavasmexican.com)
If you’re in Soulard but you wish you were on Cherokee Street, Chava’s Mexican Restaurant will hook you up with some spice. Serving up Tex-Mex flavors next to Soulard-style margaritas (read: strong ones), Chava’s is the perfect placed for a drink and some fried tacos.
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Braden McMakin
Mission Taco Joint
(multiple location including 105 East Jefferson Avenue, Kirkwood; missiontacojoint.com)
These Mexi-Cali restaurants have been winning over St. Louis stomaches for a decade. Originally conceived of as a dinner and late-night spot equally focused on bar and food, the people demanded access to this fab food for more hours per day. Now there are four Mission Taco locations throughout the St. Louis area that are open during lunch hours, too.
(multiple location including 105 East Jefferson Avenue, Kirkwood; missiontacojoint.com)
These Mexi-Cali restaurants have been winning over St. Louis stomaches for a decade. Originally conceived of as a dinner and late-night spot equally focused on bar and food, the people demanded access to this fab food for more hours per day. Now there are four Mission Taco locations throughout the St. Louis area that are open during lunch hours, too.
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Courtesy photo
El Milagro Azteca
(4940 Southwest Avenue, 314-664-9955)
El Milagro Azteca takes inspiration from Baja to Michoacana, aiming for a mix of traditional and modern fare. The Southwest Avenue joint has one thing on the menu that you’d be a fool to miss. Succulent and flavorful, the Quesabirria Tacos are stuffed with melted cheese, slow-braised beef, cilantro and other delights.
(4940 Southwest Avenue, 314-664-9955)
El Milagro Azteca takes inspiration from Baja to Michoacana, aiming for a mix of traditional and modern fare. The Southwest Avenue joint has one thing on the menu that you’d be a fool to miss. Succulent and flavorful, the Quesabirria Tacos are stuffed with melted cheese, slow-braised beef, cilantro and other delights.
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Kavahn Mansouri
Kalbi Taco Shack
(3730 Foundry Way, kalbitacoshack.com)
For Mexican food with a major twist, Kalbi Taco Shack in City Foundry is churning out Asian versions of Mexican favorites. For example, they make burritos but with Korean-spiced pork and tofu. It will take just one taste and this Korean/Mexican fusion will become your new favorite hybrid.
(3730 Foundry Way, kalbitacoshack.com)
For Mexican food with a major twist, Kalbi Taco Shack in City Foundry is churning out Asian versions of Mexican favorites. For example, they make burritos but with Korean-spiced pork and tofu. It will take just one taste and this Korean/Mexican fusion will become your new favorite hybrid.
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Ian Froeb
Amigo Joe's
(5901 Southwest Avenue, amigojoesstl.com)
Located on the edge of the Hill neighborhood, this festive spot is known for its huge portions and large selection of nachos. From regular cheese nachos to chips covered in fajita steak, shrimp, chicken, pork and more, Amigo Joe’s is the place to go.
(5901 Southwest Avenue, amigojoesstl.com)
Located on the edge of the Hill neighborhood, this festive spot is known for its huge portions and large selection of nachos. From regular cheese nachos to chips covered in fajita steak, shrimp, chicken, pork and more, Amigo Joe’s is the place to go.
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Scout Hudson
La Calle Mexican Restaurant
(4121 Manchester Avenue, lacallestl.com)
La Calle’s Northern California Mexican dishes is a “different kind of Mexican restaurant … more for free spirits.” This sunny spot in the Grove has a large brick patio on which you can enjoy their chunky guacamole, burritos and street tacos.
(4121 Manchester Avenue, lacallestl.com)
La Calle’s Northern California Mexican dishes is a “different kind of Mexican restaurant … more for free spirits.” This sunny spot in the Grove has a large brick patio on which you can enjoy their chunky guacamole, burritos and street tacos.
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El Maguey
(multiple locations including 3710 South Kingshighway Boulevard, elmagueystl.com)
This local favorite isn’t winning any awards for gourmet food, but you can’t beat the huge portions and party atmosphere. If you’re looking for a lively spot where strong margaritas are more important than high-end grub, this is your spot.
(multiple locations including 3710 South Kingshighway Boulevard, elmagueystl.com)
This local favorite isn’t winning any awards for gourmet food, but you can’t beat the huge portions and party atmosphere. If you’re looking for a lively spot where strong margaritas are more important than high-end grub, this is your spot.
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Cheryl Baehr
La Catrina
(5220 Hampton Avenue, lacatrinastl.com)
This popular joint on Hampton Avenue offers two levels of outdoor patios on which to party and stuff Tex-Mex specialties into your face. It’s more than just a hedonistic haven, though. The food is all made from scratch and regulars say you can’t miss the parrillada, a “massive platter of shrimp, chicken, chorizo, carne asada and outstanding carnitas.”
(5220 Hampton Avenue, lacatrinastl.com)
This popular joint on Hampton Avenue offers two levels of outdoor patios on which to party and stuff Tex-Mex specialties into your face. It’s more than just a hedonistic haven, though. The food is all made from scratch and regulars say you can’t miss the parrillada, a “massive platter of shrimp, chicken, chorizo, carne asada and outstanding carnitas.”
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Jessica Rogen
La Crazy Margarita
(3131 South Grand Boulevard, 314-256-1404)
Located in that prime corner South Grand spot that previously housed Alta Calle and Mekong, La Crazy Margarita has become a destination in the South Grand business district. La Crazy Margarita is unique in that it serves mostly Tex-Mex during the week and then “real Mexican food” on the weekends.
(3131 South Grand Boulevard, 314-256-1404)
Located in that prime corner South Grand spot that previously housed Alta Calle and Mekong, La Crazy Margarita has become a destination in the South Grand business district. La Crazy Margarita is unique in that it serves mostly Tex-Mex during the week and then “real Mexican food” on the weekends.
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Mabel Suen
Padrino’s
(3143 South Grand Boulevard, padrinosstl.com)
Padrino’s does the former Mangia space proud, and has the customer base to prove it. Our critic Cheryl Baehr visited and found burritos that were described as both “ridiculously large” and “jaw-droppingly massive.” They’re good, too, as are the margaritas.
(3143 South Grand Boulevard, padrinosstl.com)
Padrino’s does the former Mangia space proud, and has the customer base to prove it. Our critic Cheryl Baehr visited and found burritos that were described as both “ridiculously large” and “jaw-droppingly massive.” They’re good, too, as are the margaritas.
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Mabel Suen
Locoz Tacos
(7374 Manchester Road, Maplewood; locoztacoz.com)
This delightful food truck-turned-restaurant opened in the heart of Maplewood's bustling business district earlier this year and it's still serving the same street tacos, burritos, tortas (and more!) that earned the place a huge following in its food truck days. Only now you can sit down!
(7374 Manchester Road, Maplewood; locoztacoz.com)
This delightful food truck-turned-restaurant opened in the heart of Maplewood's bustling business district earlier this year and it's still serving the same street tacos, burritos, tortas (and more!) that earned the place a huge following in its food truck days. Only now you can sit down!
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Ian Froeb
Mariachis II
(4625 Gravois Avenue, 314-353-1571)
Do not go to Mariachis II unless you’re seriously hungry. It’s impossible to order a small portion of anything at this place. Like, we’re not complaining, but dang. The other cool thing about Mariachis II is that the people who work there are just the best. If you want a ton of food and a ton of good vibes, head to Mariachis II.
(4625 Gravois Avenue, 314-353-1571)
Do not go to Mariachis II unless you’re seriously hungry. It’s impossible to order a small portion of anything at this place. Like, we’re not complaining, but dang. The other cool thing about Mariachis II is that the people who work there are just the best. If you want a ton of food and a ton of good vibes, head to Mariachis II.
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Pueblo Solis
(5127 Hampton Avenue, pueblosolisstl.com)
It seems like generations of St. Louisans have been obsessed with this classic Hampton Avenue spot. They have everything you want (stellar guacamole, huge platters, a breezy patio) and even better than that: they have great specials, too. Stop by on a Taco and Tequila Tuesday for $5 tequila shots and cheap taco entrees ($12.99). (That price includes carryout items, too.)
(5127 Hampton Avenue, pueblosolisstl.com)
It seems like generations of St. Louisans have been obsessed with this classic Hampton Avenue spot. They have everything you want (stellar guacamole, huge platters, a breezy patio) and even better than that: they have great specials, too. Stop by on a Taco and Tequila Tuesday for $5 tequila shots and cheap taco entrees ($12.99). (That price includes carryout items, too.)
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Mabel Suen
Sabroso Cocina Mexicana
(11146 Old Saint Charles Road, St. Ann; 314-918-5037)
Sabroso Cocina Mexicana is anything but a standard Tex-Mex restaurant. This food is brought to you by Chef Miguel Pintor, who is serving the same dishes you’d get if you visited his family in Mexico City and Tabasco. His cochinita pibil is particularly impressive. The drool-worthy dish consists of stunning, slow-roasted pulled-pork that is so tender and juicy you could spread it on a cracker.
(11146 Old Saint Charles Road, St. Ann; 314-918-5037)
Sabroso Cocina Mexicana is anything but a standard Tex-Mex restaurant. This food is brought to you by Chef Miguel Pintor, who is serving the same dishes you’d get if you visited his family in Mexico City and Tabasco. His cochinita pibil is particularly impressive. The drool-worthy dish consists of stunning, slow-roasted pulled-pork that is so tender and juicy you could spread it on a cracker.
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Mabel Suen
Sureste Mexican
(211 South Spring Avenue, 314-760-4957)
RFT food critic Cheryl Baehr says that if there is one dish you must try at this magnificent restaurant, it's the colado-style tamale. Forget your tamale preconceptions. This style is wetter, plumper and fattier — and presents less like corn than a silky custard that jiggles when you move the plate. It’s one of the best dishes in St. Louis.
(211 South Spring Avenue, 314-760-4957)
RFT food critic Cheryl Baehr says that if there is one dish you must try at this magnificent restaurant, it's the colado-style tamale. Forget your tamale preconceptions. This style is wetter, plumper and fattier — and presents less like corn than a silky custard that jiggles when you move the plate. It’s one of the best dishes in St. Louis.
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