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!

Unsuspecting taco joint and Mexican grocery store hidden in a strip mall. Super sweet people…read moreworking here. Aside from the al pastor, tacos were honestly a little unremarkable given how tasty they looked. Carne asada was on the drier side, chorizo too salty, and I've definitely had more flavorful and tender lengua elsewhere. The star of the show was by far the quesabirria tho. Super cheesy and flavorful without being too oily. Actually so delicious. Cheap, casual spot definitely worth checking out. Favorite dishes: Quesabirria

Great breakfast burrito! Best red sauce I've had in St Louis. Very filling and good price - you…read morewon't go away hungry!

Loved the decor! Some really near artwork and just overall a fun vibe inside…read more Decent happy hour and food was really good! Enchilada suizas were delicious and some of the specialty items were really well done. BUT our server was terrible. I'm hopeful this server is new and just learning but overall gave off a rude vibe. We asked for a frozen margarita but she brought a Regular. When server was politely corrected she went and got the correct drink but slammed it on the table and walked away. I had one question about the menu and she seemed offended. Now, once our food arrived a different server took over. She was very kind and sweet. So I would give this restaurant another try but hopefully server training is ongoing.

Well, we finally tried Carretas in Twin Oaks, We've been eying it for months because of its close…read moreproximity to our house, and we finally decided to bite the bullet. First glances: The atmosphere is very modern and clean. The music is very loud and distracting, though. We couldn't help but hear a very loud bass-y/subwoofer noise that shook the whole restaurant. I'm not sure what vibe they're going for - laidback family restaurant or club? The service was very lackluster. Our waiter was polite but very inattentive, to the point where it seemed like he was intentionally avoiding us. They only had two other tables, and he never came back after dropping the food off. We had to flag him down for the bill as well... Finally, the food. The horchata was good: The Chips and Salsa were okay -- the salsa was flavorful but the chips needed a touch more salt. I got a Combo with a Chile Relleno and a Tamale, and it was decent but the sauce was overly salty. My Mom thought her Pollo Ranchero was similar - tasty but the sauce was a tad salty/one-note. Would we come back? Actually, probably in a year or two to see if they improved. Having a Mexican place 0.9 miles from your house and not loving it sucks, and I hope this place steps it up for next time!!

The service is always great and the food very delicious. Of…read morecourse, can't forget the margaritas. I'm actually a fan of the flight margaritas. The only one that I'm not a fan of is the jalapeño margarita, but they have no problem exchanging it out for me for one that I would like, so don't be shy if you need to do the same. I love the atmosphere as well. Oh, and yes, the bathrooms are clean.

We stopped in on a beautiful night for the patio…read more Service was excellent. Our server was attentive. I ordered the Sangria Margarita for Happy Hour. Yum! My meal was the Pollo Cancun. Enough for 2 meals and delicious.

I was looking up food places on manchester and this popped up. when you go in, it's a cute little…read moregrocery store rich with culture. concha's, mexican candies, drinks and more. workers were sweet too. i got a carne asada & lengua taco. it was my first time trying lengua and it's easily my new preference. both tacos were tender, flavorful, fresh and incredibly delicious. i will certainly make the drive out here to get these again

Sadly this very fine taqueria and grocery store is closing. I've been a fan of their tortas and…read moreMexican street tacos. Theyre known for their al pastor and their barbacoa lamb is unbelievably tender and full of flavor. You can also get some amazingly spicy homemade salsa on the side for dipping if you ask for it.

Best Mexican food in town, the queso is fantastic, the portions are filling and the food is fresh…read moreand flavorful, margaritas are well balanced, even the beans and rice are tasty. Service is friendly and reasonably fast, and the restaurant is clean and has a fun atmosphere.

The service was good, if a bit chaotic. The ambiance we great - staff were friendly and fun,…read moreclientele were the same. Food and drinks weren't the best. Definitely not as authentic as I was expecting. Cocktails were of the high sugar, vat style. Probably best to go and just have a tequila, chips and salsa with friends bookending going somewhere else for food. Didn't notice the recent ownership change which might account for some of this. Fun experiment but lots of other places to go. But it was really cheap. Actually if I was back to being a broke college student I'd probably give it a higher review. But given the number of only slightly pricier places in a 10 min drive that are properly 4.5+ stars I think this place might need a bit of a refresh.

The food and service was really good. Must try! Was just visiting the area but will be going back…read moreat my next visit.

Malinche is a hidden gem in West St. Louis County!…read more Stepping through the door, you'd think you've transported to a trendy city with bustling nightlife. The low lighting, neon signs, and colorful interior design create a vibrant and upscale dining environment. Their drinks are all served in fun glassware and mixed with intention. Choose from an array of classics like Margarita, Mojito, and Paloma; or try one of their original crafted cocktails. The service is always friendly and professional. Their servers are prepared to answer any questions you have. I've never had food like I've enjoyed at Malinche! Every menu item has so much traditional flavor with a modern spin. Not only is the food delicious but it is plated with culinary vision like art on a plate. Menu items are designed to be shared which we love we can try multiple things. Monday and Tuesday are the only days of the week they serve tacos but you will not be disappointed by their other menu items! The name choice Malinche pays homage to a historically significant and often misunderstood female figure in Mexican history who after being sold in slavery to the Spaniards acted as a key translator and advisor during the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire. By naming the restaurant Malinche, it is the family's ode to their mother and head chef Doña María Gutiérrez Molina. Once your dining experience is over and you step back outside, you'll have forgotten you were eating in Ellisville and not Mexico City!

This upscale Mexican restaurant gives an old Spain decor. It is beautifully decorated. The place is…read morehuge. You might not know it's a restaurant. But once you step inside and get blown away. Our server was top notch. She kept our table taken care of like it was the only table. Our drinks stayed full. She made we had everything we wanted. The food was excellent. Chips and Salsa are good. I got the carne aside Quesadilla. It was delicious. My coworkers enjoyed their food..

This place is hot garbage! I will never eat here again. The only good thing about the experience…read morewas the service. 1. The silverware was not clean. 2. The drinks were awful. 3. The food was absolutely disgusting. I honestly don't understand how this restaurant stays in business. Save your money and eat somewhere else--you'll be glad you did!

Welcome to Mission...I mean Session Taco! Some oldies on the menu and some newbies on the menu!…read moreThis visit for lunch, tried a few newbies and they did not disappoint! Crab taquitos are creamy and rich. The crisp outside provides a good contrast to the filling. Very tasty! The chicken fajita quesadilla is bit more fajita than chicken, but seasoned well and balanced with the cheese. The Big A** Nacho, I swapped chicken for the Chorizo. It reminds you of a thin and crispy crust pizza. It's quite good with the beans, cheese, sour cream drizzle. It's big enough for 2 to share or 1 person to eat 1/2 and take some home. Session does a good job turning the orders around quickly for the lunch hour, but you might need 1hr and 15 min to safe. Enjoy!

I visited with some coworkers who raved about the Mission/Session Taco experience. Sadly, I can't…read moresay I felt the same way when I left. We started with an assortment of chips and dip. The guacamole was the only decent option, in my opinion - the queso had no flavor and tasted like straight Velveeta, while the salsa was very watery and tasted of straight cilantro (and I normally like cilantro, but this was... a lot) Tacos came out and they were cold. The flavors themselves weren't bad, but it was nothing spectacular. The street corn was also decent, but not great. It was *very* charred. I didn't try any of the drinks, but those in our group agreed the margaritas weren't good. I'm not sure I'll be back. It's too bad, because it sounds like prior to the rebrand, this was a great place.

Bartender is awsome don't know her name but she kept everyone happy and great food and serviceread more

I was craving simple Mexican food and that is exactly what this is…read more The food is very simple and bland. The margarita taste like old sour mix with tequila. The server was nice although it took her a while to come to my table (and I'm a very patient person). Food was bland. Price was comparable to other places which is decent. The salsa is good but i don't like how thick the chips are. They have a nice dining area and outside seating which looks nice.