My qualifications: first generation immigrant from a border town where tacos are a standard fare…read moreand a special treat. As a college student, I spent some time in Mexico City and developed a real appreciation for Mexican diners and street foods. I am a snob about taquerias, tortas, salsa, beans, rice, queso fresco, etc. I have been disappointed by every "Mexican food" place in St. Louis, except Malintzi's. The staff are genuinely nice people and the chef, Martin, is a humble but gracious man... who also happens to make the best Mexican food in town.
I did not want people to know about this place because I don't want it overrun by people who can't really appreciate it. But after reading the other review, I had to set the record straight.
If you like St. Louis style food, don't go to Malintzi's; this is not for you--there are no hard shell tacos, chicken fajitas, or other American inventions (travesties). If you have a love of good (amazing, really), flavor-rich (sumptuous), perfectly cooked veggies (and cactus) and meat, real (glorious) Mexican cheese (NOT that yellow, shredded, melting plastic that is passed off as cheese in the US; and, thankfully, NO sour cream), ripe avocados and tomatoes, and fresh made salsa that will change your life forever, this is the place you've been searching for. The menu is in Spanish but you can order in English; the staff will be patient with you. The only folks who go there are Hispanic, mostly Spanish-speaking folks and a few non-Hispanics with an educated palate.
Things you need to know: (1) this is primarily a grocery store so don't expect a restaurant ambiance, wi-fi, an extensive menu or any children's menu items, or even a restroom; (2) the food can be a little on the salty side so drink lots of water after you eat here; and (3) if the usual chef is out and a lady is cooking, order one taco (no need to be rude) and get a soda from the cooler (no soda fountain drinks here; get an horchata, tamarind or hibiscus punch, or a Mexican soda like Jarritos for your trouble) and come back another day when the Martin usual is in. (No offense intended for the ladies who step in when Martin takes a day off, but really the quality of the food drops off a cliff when he is out.)
If you are new to real Mexican food, start simply: asada (chargrilled steak) tacos or asada on a torta; then try a torta or tacos al pastor (pork with adovado like spices, which is mildly spicy) and chicken adovado (a little more heat, more salt than the pork/al pastor). While you are there, get a Gansito and eat it after you let it sit in your freezer for a couple of hours or so.