La Tejana Taqueria (3149 North Lindbergh Boulevard, Maryland Heights; 314-291-8500)
If you've ever dreamed of a liquor store that serves tacos, you're in luck. The menu at Le Tejana is handwritten and taped to the wall: tacos, tortas and a few platters with meat, rice and refried beans, all made to perfection. Try the tacos campechanos, a mixture of steak and chorizo, or the simple but classic tacos al pastor. On the weekends, La Tejana prepares heavenly carnitas: crisp on the outside, tender inside and outrageously flavorful. Goat soup is another staple -- the flavor is rich and unmistakably, well, goaty as well as spicy, even a spoonful of the broth, minus any of the tender meat that swims in it, has quite the punch. Plus, as mentioned, you're in a liquor store...doesn't get much more convenient than that.
See also: - La Tejana Taqueria's Goat Soup: One of 100 St. Louis Dishes You Must Eat Right Now
Taqueria El Bronco (2817 Cherokee Street; 314-762-0691)
When you walk into Taqueria El Bronco, two TVs playing telenovelas will greet you, so prepare for some drama to go along with your amazing meal. Start with a bowl of chunky guacamole to accompany the basket of complimentary tortilla chips. The menu features standard taqueria food, though a few larger entrées are available. It needs to be said and emphasized that the tacos are very, very good, especially with a dash of red or green salsa. Of course, burritos, tortas and quesadillas are all satisfying and go well with the plot twists going down on the TVs.
