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.

In my search for the best birria I stumbled upon Carrera's…read more Fried corn tortilla, juicy but can't say my #1 Very beautiful space in small shopping center off Olive. Could be hard to locate. Best for a quiet date night

best tacos in STL. so authentic and the service is great. also I'm pretty sure they know my order…read morecompletely already. Best mexican food ive ever had

We had dinner here the other night. LOVED the birria tacos. Best we've had anywhere! We will be…read moreback for sure. Staff is so friendly and service is great. Well done!

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!!

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.

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.

The service overall was good. Plenty of servers. We opted for outside dining because of the…read morebeautiful weather. The biggest turnoff was the loud techno music blasting both inside and out. It completely ruined and dining ambiance expectations. We asked them to turn the volume down twice. It was brutal. Now for the food. We were a party of four. The chips arrived quickly. They were the thicker chips that were served warm. The salsa was pretty good but I would say it had way too much black pepper. It did scream authentic Mexican. I had the Fajitas Texans combing beef, chicken and shrimp. It was a generous portion served on a hot platter. The beef and chicken was bland but the shrimp had been grilled and has a nice flavor. The guacamole was tasty, beets were ordinary and the rice was blah. My wife had the chicken taco salad. It looked small served in a tortilla bowl but it was loaded with chicken. She said it was very good. Our dining partners had beef fajitas and the beef quesadillas. The fajitas were were unremarkable but the quesadilla was large, hot and very nicely done. It even looked nice. We didn't stay for dessert and we had plenty of leftovers to bring home. So overall, the food was average to above average and pricing was reasonable for what you get. They also have a decent happy hour menu that runs to 7:00 pm. We will go again, but if the crazy music is playing we'll move one. It isn't worth a headache.

NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! I…read moreloved this place. Street tacos were awesome and it was right around the corner. This was truly a hidden gem. I will miss you greatly!

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

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.

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!

I have a new favorite Mexican restaurant in the St Louis metro area! Exceptional food, well…read morepresented, and unique...not the run of the mill Mexican food menu. Service is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, fast, and proud of what they are delivering (and they should be)! It's a small casual place with booths, tables and a small bar. They are closed on St Louis City soccer game days because they have a booth at the stadium so check that before you go. Got lucky as a walk-in but I'm betting a reservation will be useful on a weekend evening. Will definitely be returning...often.

My wife, our two adult children and their spouses get together for a lunch or dinner every few…read moremonths. Our GO-TO place for the past three occasional, has been at Rosalita's Cantina (Des Peres). It is centrally located between us. Every time we go, we have great food, wonderful drinks and great conversations in a very pleasant environment. That is why we return. Also every time we've gone, we've had Gonzo as our waiter (now we ask for him). He is very attentive, and concerned with our enjoyment of our experience. The food was incredible, served hot, and prepared perfectly. This is our third visit to Rosalita's Cantina and there will definitely be more. Hopefully, Gonzo will be there on our next visit also.

The old Casa Gallardo I went to as a kid! (Because of the fried ice cream)…read more The place is breathtaking really. Absolutely huge with seating indoors and out. Outdoors has a few covered areas. Ok the food: I wasn't optimistic after reading a few reviews but lmma just tell you, it was AMAZING. The carne asada in the burrito I got was the BEST I've ever eaten and I'm not exaggerating. So tender, amazing flavor, and nice big strips of steak. Got the rancherito sauce (green) and it was a pablano-based sauce & very good. 11/10 on that Queso was thick and delicious. Service was good, and it was not too expensive either, very reasonable. Will definitely go back!

My family this past year felt the quality of the food declined while prices rose, leading us to…read morestep away from dining there for a while. Recently, we learned about the new menu items at the Town and Country location. Now along with the exciting news that Session Taco is now closing on Mondays to give your teams a well-deserved day to rest and recharge. That kind of investment in your people says a lot about your values and we believe it shows in the guest experience. We visited Session this week and Daniel at your Town and Country location is remarkable! He not only provided excellent service, but was also an outstanding ambassador for Session Taco and the enhancements that have been made. From Daniel's warm positivity to the improved quality of the food, reminded us why we loved coming there in the first place. Thank you for listening to guest feedback, making thoughtful changes, and creating a culture that supports both your team and your customers. What we experienced this week was exactly what we enjoy about Missio......Session Taco. Lol

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!

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.