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    Canyon Cafe

    3.5 (355 reviews)
    ModerateTex-Mex, Mexican

    Canyon Cafe Photos

    CANYON CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Canyon Cafe

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    Adovo Shrimp Pasta
    Stacey C.

    I came to Canyon Cafe to meet with a friend and thoroughly enjoyed my experience. This restaurant is located inside Frontenac Mall but can also be accessed outside. This restaurant is a Tex-Mex southwest inspired restaurant with both Tex-Mex options and southwest inspired dishes. We were seated immediately and served the tri color chips and salsa. I ordered the Avodo Shrimp Pasta. It came in a rich and creamy sauce and was serviced with thinly sliced vegetables and broccoli. Overall the dish was very filling and is a perfect restaurant to go to, especially after a long day of shopping!

    Chicken and Steak Fajitas
    Mai L.

    Our server was very nice but it was pretty slow going. We ordered drinks and it took awhile but our server did apologize for the wait. We started with queso dip which was tasty. There was salsa and chips dropped off and different chips were in the basket - not just tortilla. I got the Red Rock Lemonade which was a strawberry lemonade. (I did ask my server why it was a red rock lemonade and he said it was just regular lemonade). I shared fajitas with the someone and we asked to do both steak and chicken. It came with 3 tortillas and lots of fillings to use so you may want to ask for more tortillas if you want to keep eating it. The steak was good. The chicken was pretty dried out. Food wasn't too bad but when you have a slower service - that took away from the experience for me.

    Kayla P.

    Good spot for a quick dinner! This location is closing at the end of the month unfortunately. Located in the mall, small menu, quick service. Taco flight you can choose from with inside seating, bar seating, and half in the mall seating. Service was super friendly.

    Skinny margarita shaken
    John K.

    Good food and Excellent service from our server, Terry! We started with drinks and Terry recommended the skinny margaritas because it's not made with the sour mix. My girlfriend doesn't like ice in her drink so Terry said that's shaken, no ice. Terry was spot on with both margaritas. Margaritas were smooth and tasty. Then we shared the chicken fajitas. The chicken was tender and the fixings were fresh. The chicken needed more garlic and onion seasoning. I would have liked a little more bell peppers with the meal.

    Carnitas platter
    Lindsay W.

    I hadn't been to Canyon Café in over 20 years, but walking through the doors felt like stepping back in time. The food still has that same great taste I remember from mother-daughter lunches growing up -- it brought back so many sweet memories. I ordered the tortilla soup, which was perfect -- thick, cheesy, and with just the right amount of spice. I also tried the carnitas platter, which had great flavor but was a bit disappointing since it came out cold. Still, the warm Southwestern atmosphere and nostalgia made the visit worthwhile. My waiter was very friendly and attentive. So glad I stopped back after all these years!

    An amazing set of Quesabirria tacos served with beans and rice.
    Autumn W.

    I was intimidated at first by the location of this spot, but I am glad I didn't get scared away because of that. The food is priced for the location, but the taste of the food made that reasonable. I had the Quesabirria and it was SO AMAZINGLY good! For real, possibly the best Quesabirria I have had in, well, ever! But especially specifically St Louis. The unfortunate thing is that it's a limited offering, so... if you like Quesabirria maybe call before you go to see if they currently have it on their rotating menu. Simon, my server this first visit, was kind and very helpful--I need to ask lots of questions about menu items because of a wheat allergy. His answers weren't always what I wanted, haha, but that isn't his fault. It's a calm, relaxing space with nice decor. I don't think I would take kids here (it's expensive and too quiet) but I mean, if your kids are bougie enough, I don't think they would stop you. I would visit this spot again, just probably as a special treat. The birria? My gods... the service? fantastic. The prices? A bit high but not outrageous by any means. If you're thinking of going here, I say DO IT!

    The worst table in the restaurant. You literally feel like you're sitting in the middle of the mall.
    Sherry H.

    Stopped in to take part of their happy hour specials. On Fridays happy hour is from 3 to 6 PM. We enjoyed a margarita and we split some chicken nachos. Everything was very good and tasty. The only thing that we did notice that the restaurant just wasn't as clean as it usually is. The restrooms were not very clean. We sat up at the bar and the counter at the bar was just absolutely disgusting. It look like it had not been wiped down good in months. There was caked on salsa in the trim. It definitely needs a real good cleaning.

    Krystal R.

    Drinks were so delicious! The mojito was perfect! Loved the pasta and rice dishes, forgot the name but they were so flavorful and saucy! Will come back again! Btw their chips and salsa were amazing, love the sweet potato chips!!!! Service was great and they have a patio area for outside dining, very nice for a sunny weather!

    Grilled Chicken Quesadilla
    Andrea R.

    Always reliable! We visited here as a last minute girls night, needing a drink after a long week at work. Our server matched our vibe and got our drinks to us right away! We will be back soon!

    Shalaunte W.

    Mexican !!!! Walking through Frontenac Plaza my sister and I decided to stop for Mexican . Got seated quickly , not busy at all. Matt was our server. Very friendly and helpful. We ordered for drinks Raspberry Rita and a Peach Margarita frozen . Strong and great consistency. Food we both ordered chicken fajitas. Rice was delicious and food came out hot and fresh. Prices reasonable. Restroom clean.

    Verde Chicken Enchiladas
    Renee I.

    It's been years since I had the chance to eat here so was happy to return. We had no wait for a table and once seated our waitress came by in a reasonable time. I enjoyed the coyote margarita while my friend had sangria. She also ordered 3 fish tacos and said that they were delicious. I had the chicken enchiladas. There were 3 enchiladas in the order. They were very good but the sauce on top was a bit spicy for me. I must say their chips and salsa did live up to their reputation. I really liked the mix of 2 types chips and the salsa was tasty without being overly spicy.

    Salsa cups
    Chrissy E.

    This place is always a delight! While I've eaten here many a time, rarely do I get it to go except for today. I was craving something on the healthier side and decided this would do. Ordering was incredibly simple, as you can place it online and even customize it if need be. I chose the grilled lemon salmon, which comes with lemon butter sauce, fruit salsa, chef's vegetables and southwest rice. This dish is easily one of my favorites, as the salmon always tastes so fresh, and while the vegetables aren't really seasoned, they taste great with the butter sauce. The rice is good, too. As I got home, I opened the box and was welcomed to an aroma of butter sauce. I literally couldn't wait to dig in and once I did, it tasted just like I remembered. The salmon had a perfect char and was also cooked just right (medium), while the vegetables were crispy and the rice was spot on. One thing I haven't yet mentioned that's usually the main attraction are the complimentary chips and salsa. They're some of the best I've had and I'd choose those over any chips from the store. They have a nice assortment from white, red, dark, sweet potato, and the ever so favorite, won ton. The salsa that goes with it has no spices, and even tastes a little on the sweet side. As I sit here, full, I can't help but think what a great choice this was. Until next time....

    Bar view, chips and salsa
    Jennifer C.

    Last review here from 2016 and now in 2024, I'm still a regular of this place. Every so often I get a craving for the Panchos Enchiladas and/or the Poblano Chicken Chowder. Most times, I can be seen having the Enchiladas on site with a to go of the soup. I really want to try other menu items, but it's super hard to sway from my classics. I have no clue how to make that sauce on the Enchiladas, but as long as they have it, you can find me at this restaurant at least once per quarter. Luv it, luv it! Seating at the bar is always met with friendly service and on a weekend or after work, you can count me in for a Limit 2 Top Shelf Margarita, no Salt.

    Orange Beso on the left and the Top Shelf Traditional (subbed mezcal instead of tequila) on the right

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    8 months ago

    It's a good place to eat they good food I recommend go there with your family and friends

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    9 months ago

    The food is mid and service is very poor. Go to one of the restaurants in the mall parking lot instead.

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    The BEST food. Prepared perfectly and a very attentive staff. Highly recommended. And don't forget the margaritas!

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    Ask the Community - Canyon Cafe

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    Carreta's Mexican Restaurant - Kids meal

    Carreta's Mexican Restaurant

    4.4(320 reviews)
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    Carreta's is the closest thing I have to a "local"--the place where I go after my shift at the post…read moreoffice to drink watery, domestic beer and make slightly inappropriate remarks to the waitstaff. My parents eat there on the reg, though not so much the past couple of years, after they implemented their controversial policy of shrinking portion sizes and increasing prices at the same time. Uh, whose idea was that? I have an idea. Let's just say he's not very good at riding a bicycle. I've eaten there literally a million times since it opened up 10 or 15 years ago. Before that, we used to eat at the place in Olivette that was once a Ponderosa, El Paisano or whatever. I don't think they're related, but when that place closed, a handful of employees came over to Carreta's. That was years ago, and they're now long gone. Hopefully, they weren't shipped off to El Salvador. I hear it's not safe there. More recently, we've been eating at a place a bit further west on Olive that was once a Houlihan's. Noticing a trend? Carreta's must be feeling the effects, because they've remodeled and added a few new menu items, some of which will be familiar to Barrel House patrons. The remodel seems to mostly have been a matter of applying a fresh coat of paint and turning the dim switch up to its absolute brightest. It used to be dark in there, like at a fancy restaurant. Now it's like Kmart circa 1986. I didn't check to see if a blue light had been installed in the ceiling, nor did I make it back to near the restrooms to see if they've still got that influencer wall. The menu has been reprinted, and I'm sure they took advantage of the opportunity to jack up prices even further. Many of the old favorites remain, and I'm not sure what, if anything, they removed to make room for the small handful of new items. I saw that they still have the carnitas, my old go-to. It's the only pork item on the menu. If you're familiar with the area, you can probably do the math on that one. Most importantly, they've added Birria, only about 10 years after it became trendy. What's next, a smashburger? A pumpkin spice latte? I've had Birria at a number of places, here in the STL and elsewhere, and in a few different preparations, and it's never not been good. It kinda is the Mexican food equivalent of the smashburger, in that regard. An order of three will run you $16, and it doesn't come with anything other than the consommé and a ramekin of tomatillo salsa. Just the three tacos wasn't the most filling meal I've ever had, but it wasn't half bad, for there not being any sides or anything. They stuff those tacos full with mostly just meat (along with cheese, onions and cilantro), and I'd imagine it's roughly as caloric as eating half the produce aisle at the grocery store. It's so good. I figured it would be kinda mediocre but nevertheless enjoyable, because I thought I had this place pegged, but credit where credit is due. They've exceeded expectations. This was one of the best things I've ever had in a Mexican restaurant. If they don't let the quality slip or try to charge literally $1,000 for it, I could honestly see it becoming a huge hit. What do you know? This place might manage to stay in business just yet, despite the newer, fancier place down the street.

    Very clean, well appointed and great Mexican vibe. Would easily work for large groups and the…read moreservice is OUTSTANDING!! Excellent margs and big draft beers! Super FAST!! Had the California Burrito and wifey had the "Pick 2" Combo (Tostada/Tamale). I'd rate the food a 3.5 (at least for what for we had, it wasn't an off the hook 5 or above average at a 4...just pretty average). Chips and salsa are average as well. In all fairness, need to give some other items a try....so I'm going to come back for sure & see if this place can get to a solid 5!

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    Arzola’s Fajitas & Margaritas - Steak Fajitas

    Arzola’s Fajitas & Margaritas

    4.6(353 reviews)
    10.3 miBenton Park
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    We still love this place! I'm not sure how many times we've been here over the past few years, but…read morewe've never had a negative experience here. My husband and I have been here a number of times, we've brought our (adult) daughters and their partners, out of town visitors, and we've recommended it to friends. Some of our friends went on our recommendation and enjoyed it. Again, I have to say that we love the vibe, the staff, and the food - probably equally! We sat out on the covered patio last night. It was pretty hot out, but the cover and the fans made it feel okay out there. We ran into neighbors as we were leaving. It's about 35 minutes from our house and we have never seen anyone we know there. They were enjoying it as well! The only negative I can think of is the restroom situation. There is one restroom with one toilet - plan ahead! There's usually a line. We'll definitely be back!

    This is a hard review because in my party of 4, my meal was horrible but everyone else had a…read moretasty-gratifying meal. To start, we ordered the guac. It's not authentic guac with chunks of guac, instead it was creamy and didn't have a clumps of avocado or flavor. It was more of a blended consistency with just a smashed avocado flavor. The chips were awesome! I ordered the mahi-mahi tacos. The first one that was brought to the table was fried so well done the fish inside was rubbery and dry, and the outer coating was black. My waiter apologized, visually confirmed that the dish was not right, took the dish and 5-10 minutes later brought out the same dish, assuming this one would be better. It wasn't. The fish was overwhelmingly fishy smelling, dry and overall, I felt like I would've had a better meal at McDonalds ordering their Filet o' fish. Ugh! The waiter took the one bite eaten from the taco dish and removed it from the ticket. He asked if he could bring me something else, but so much time had passed between the last 2 mix-ups that for me to order anything to replace the meal, my party would've left me at the table so I just had chips for dinner. Where I see an issue, is one would think a manager would've come over apologizing, or something. Yet, I felt like the bad guy sent to her room with no dinner. When the bill came, the waiter, what I feel like intentionally put the bill directly in front of another person from our party rather than in the center of the table. Probably because that person loved his meal... A person in my party got the 3 taco dinner- only ate one taco. Packaged up the other two tacos. I paid, tipped 20% assuming it wasn't the waiter's fault. And we walked out. We got to the front door, the person in my party that had boxed up the 2 tacos realized she left her box at the table, turned around 1-2 minutes after leaving, went back to the table and our waiter said he threw away the box! It wasn't busy ... I understand wanting to clean a table, but there should be some protocol of if this happens, maybe the bussers have x number of minutes before they throw away a meal that someone intentionally boxed up to take home. So -2 stars- I won't go back but if you try this place you might get something delish. My hope is you fall on the positive side of these reviews.

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    El Milagro Azteca - Veggie Quesadillas

    El Milagro Azteca

    4.4(343 reviews)
    7.6 miSouthwest Garden
    $$

    First visit, wow!!! how did I not know about this place. Incredible food, incredible atmosphere and…read moreincredible service. We made reservations since it was Father's Day. Seated upon arrival. Finally, a restaurant that doesn't try to shove 5 people at a table for 4, they put 2 tables together. We so appreciated that. Waited on immediately. Love the atmosphere of this restaurant, beautiful, quiet, and very colourful design style. The food is another level. Chips warm and tasty, 2 salsas both flavourful and with a kick! Everyone ordered something different. 3 of us took food home the portions are so large. Every plate was beautiful in preparation and as we sampled each other's we discovered amazing and unique flavours. I can't wait to return here, this is an absolute dining pleasure.

    We ordered our food and picked it and the restaurant was packed! Really nicely laid out and seemed…read morelike a popular place. We ordered the chicharron tacos on corn tortillas (this was my favorite), carne asada tacos on flour tortillas, carne asada salad, Azteca Quesadilla - Chicken and the tress leches. We loved the chicharron tacos with cheese and avocado and pickled onion to cut the fattiness. The portion size of everything was great. We enjoyed everything else but only really loved the chicharron tacos. The tres leches was on the sweeter end as well. Overall, a solid option close by!

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    Mezcaleria Las Chupacabras - Exterior

    Mezcaleria Las Chupacabras

    3.4(192 reviews)
    3.3 mi
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    From the inside and out, every inch of this place was covered in vibrant, bold, colors. The mexican…read morePapel Picado decorations and designs created such a festive, lively, celebratory feel. The music in the background and terracotta designs highlighted the threads of Mexican culture but made the Homer statue appear to be a little out of place! Definitely a fun dining experience. The outdoor seating felt super spacious. It was a beautiful day and temperate weather to be able eat outside. It did have numerous umbrellas and a covered portion which kept most of the seating shaded. The service was friendly and attentive. The food was good. I was a little disappointed with the bread used for the Torta. I was expecting a bolillo type bread where it the outside is a crisp crust but the inside is airy, chewy and sweet. Instead it was a Telera Bread that was like a very crumbly messy french roll. The pieces of chicken were very thin and cut into strips instead of one patty. It was very dry and not much flavor. The fries were potato-y but not seasoned or salty. Very bland. The aroma of all the food was phenomenal. But tasting the flavors and eating the dishes didn't quite live up to the hype of my super smeller.

    I came here for a late dinner after a play and I was happy their hrs kept them open late on a…read moreSunday evening. Parking garage available . Upon walking in, well lit , spacious and plenty of colors . Very cosmic theme and alot of conversation pieces . I really enjoyed browsing around and taking in the designs. Kudos to my friend for recommending this hidden gem . Seating was plentiful. Staff were friendly and service was speedy and hot. I ordered a banana /papaya margarita on the rocks. Strong and delicious! I ordered the arroz con with shrimp. My mom ordered the parilada and my sister a steak fajita. All dishes were hot , plentiful and fulfilling. Prices were reasonable.

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    Chilanguita Mexican Kitchen - Shrimp Tacos Fish Tacos

    Chilanguita Mexican Kitchen

    4.2(139 reviews)
    5.9 miLindenwood Park
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    I like this place a lot! I hope it finds success here. We were sat very quickly, they have indoor…read moreand outdoor seating. The staff was very kind and attentive. The menu was vast and they had a large drink menu and full bar. We got a margarita pitcher, peach flavored, which was very good. We got tacos, a chicken quesadilla, and fajitas. All were excellent, we will definitely be coming back!

    I have been here twice but this is about my most recent visit (08/2026). I am not the margarita…read moreimbibing guy I used to be, so I'm not the best authority on that part. My friend and I stopped here for a last minute drinks and dinner. We each had the house special, I think it was called the Cadillac margarita with salted rim, iced not frozen, and we got the jumbo. OMG I couldn't even finish the jumbo. It was very strong and big, had to take it home to try and finish it. A wait staff dropped off chips and salsa and the chips were just not that good. I asked my friend what she thought and she said the same thing I did. The salsa did help but if I opened my own Mexican place I would serve the best chips I could find. I know they're free but many places offer some kind of free snack (Helen's has popcorn, some places still offer salted peanuts...) and I think it should make one think the chips are good the food will be better. As I was drinking I wanted some food and we got two chicken burritos, they were large and very good!! They were 2 for $14 if that gives an idea on cost. While I live just a few minutes from here, I haven't seen enough in 2 visits to say I'll keep coming here for Mexican, there are many other places in South St Louis to try. Oh and I swear the bar "stools" are big enough for two people. I probably look comical on one as my friend and I may have been able to fit into one stool.

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    Canyon Cafe - tex-mex - Updated September 2026

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