Margaritas on a Friday!!! YES!! El Potro is a hidden gem. The Cadillac margarita is my favorite, they blend the drink... I always choose on the rocks, but you can do frozen if you like. The food has always been delicious and if you are looking for authentic... There is a secret menu. Family owned and they aim to please. read more

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We had a great experience here. The food was delicious, the service was friendly, and it was an easy place to recommend. We would definitely come back again. read more

This is my absolute favorite Mexican restaurant. The parking lot is frequently full but don't be scared - just park on a side street nearby, you can usually still find a table!Everyone who works here is so fun and friendly. The Cadillac marg is my fav but I don't think any of the margs are bad. It's one of my favorites in St. Louis! I've had a few different entrees but love the carne asada and chorizo tacos. Recently had the choriqueso too which was insanely good. Plus, free chips and salsa (in individual serving dishes!) which not everyone does anymore and the salsa is fantastic! Do NOT skip this tiny gem!!! read more

El Potro Restaurant - Chorizo tacos!! Soooo good! - Mexican Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

Great food best food I've had in a while great service and good margaritas! Very good and great atmosphere. Ambiance is very Bonita.

just tried El Potro for lunch - the food was delicious and plentiful! Tried the torta which is like a sandwich with the roasted pork. Will return! read more

The food and margaritas were delicious. The choriqueso was made with real cheese instead of cheese sauce which was delicious. The tacos were cooked perfectly and were the perfect size. read more

I arrived at this little Mexican restaurant on the night of my lovely friend Red"s birthday. We were celebrating with some tasty food and she had a fantastic margarita and a couple of birthday tequila shots, the restaurants staff a really attentive and friendly staff sang happy birthday to her it was a lot of fun. The food at this establishment located on Manchester rd was quite good, I had a tasty chicken chimichanga and Red had a very nicely sized portion or steak fajitas that arrived sizzling and full of flavor. If you are looking for a good meal with a great staff and fun atmosphere then take yourself to El Porto. read more

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Wowowowow so so good! So yummy! Some of the best cheese dip I've ever had. Our service was wonderful, I didn't catch our servers name but he did a fantastic job. Pacifico wasn't on their menu, but we were pleasantly surprised to see that they had it anyways! Will 1000% be back. read more

Service is incredible--quick and attentive. Food is good, what you would expect out of a standard Mexican restaurant. A lot of variety and great value for what you get. Bottomless chips and salsa upon being seated! Cups are really big so easy to stay hydrated and a lot of soda if you order soda. The interior is adequately decorated but pretty basic, same for the tables and chairs nothing fancy but gets the job done. read more

El Potro Restaurant - Quesadilla Fajita Mix - Mexican Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

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Wow!!! Do not hesitate - go here! So happy to have a new neighborhood staple. What can I say besides excellent food, wonderful people. The margaritas are potentially Huge so be warned. Such incredible bang for buck with the lovely grocery store right next door. The operation here is tight, the service is wicked fast, and everyone here is obviously a pro. Excellent for large or small parties. Dogtown/Maplewood is so very lucky to have this spot! read more

Hello ! Food was lit. Easily 10/10. Drinks was amazing stiff n good. Services was nothing short than great. They have some of the best salsa I've had in a very long time. I love this place it was my first time there but won't be my last !! read more

We went to El Potro for Cinco De Mayo, a wholly unoriginal thought, and had a delicious meal. That said, they were clearly unprepared for a full house and the parking lot situation (tight, very few spaces) is difficult at best. We waited an hour and ten minutes to receive our food. This was understandable when you realize that there were only two servers for the whole room. Chaotic would be an understatement. They kept the chips and salsa flowing while we waited, so I can confidently say that the salsa was one of the best I've had AND I was full by the time our food came out. My fiancé enjoyed his Chile Rellano and I ate my "side salad" of sour cream, avocado, and lettuce and we left. The food here is great and I am looking forward to eating my Burrito Fajitas con Pollo today for lunch. read more

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HIDDEN MEXICAN GEM IN STL Ascetically speaking, this place will not blow you away with the decorations, but the food will!! They have plenty of TVs to watch local sporting events, and a full bar. Don't let the outside appearance of used car dealerships deter you. The service is fantastic, the food is fresh and comes out quick, the chips and salsa has a unique and great flavor. The pastor tacos are fresh and tasty, as is the quesadillas. Get a margarita and they'll top it off for you once you finish the first round. This is a hidden spot where you have to know where to turn on Manchester. There's an adjacent Hispanic grocery store. Parking can sometimes be hard to find, but just be patient. If you go when they're busy, finding a parking spot will be the longest wait you have....if you even have to wait. Check this place out, they're local and awesome. read more

They were understaffed and slammed on Cinco de Mayo but the wait was well worth it! I couldn't give this restaurant and its workers higher praise. They were so kind and accommodating under pressure. Food was great and the drinks were amazing as well. read more

This place is an absolute hidden gem! We started with the complimentary chips and added guacamole. The Guacamole is super creamy and has amazing flavor. The Cadillac margs were blended and poured over ice, which gave them an amazing frothy texture. I'm super picky with margaritas, and find these to be perfect- not overly sweet or sour. We split the Molcajete, which was full of amazing delights and super authentic. Inside it has veggies (cactus, peppers, onions, etc) avocado, shrimp, Pork, steak, chicken, chorizo and more all exploding with flavor. It comes with tortillas, rice, small sour cream, and more guacamole. Service was excellent and checked in frequently. The place has lots of seating, so would be good for large groups. Great parking. Overall, this place serves up some pretty impressive food and drinks with great service. read more

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This is perhaps the best Mexican food in STL, if not the state. Friendly, helpful staff who helped one another out and had positive attitudes, even when a large family with multiple small children came in shortly before close. We sat at the bar and had the pleasure of talking with the employees. First off, the margarita was the best my husband and I have ever had. It was even frothy! Full of flavor and the perfect accompaniment to the free chips and salsa. Super fresh salsa. For the food, I got the mixed enchiladas (mole,Verde and a white cheese sauce) and my husband got the el pastor burrito covered in cheese. It comes with a "simple salad" of fresh guacamole, Pico de Gallo (jalepeno was much appreciated! ), sour cream and lettuce, along with a choice of rice or beans. We both got the beans and we were so glad we did. They were almost smokey and so flavorful. Everything was delicious, down to the salad. I can't wait to go back. They also Door Dash. Check them out! read more

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I'd heard good things about El Potro from several people on my Facebook neighborhood page. I wish that I had decided to check it out sooner! After just one visit, this is absolutely going to be my go to spot for Mexican food nearby. Awesome its actually walking distance from home. And walking maybe the play, as I couldn't stop myself from finishing my plate despite how full I was! We popped in late on a Saturday, around 9pm. Nice that they stay open until 10:30p on Fridays and Saturdays. As you could imagine, the place wasn't packed but there were a few people at the bar and a couple tables of people in the dining room. The space isn't anything to write home about, other than a pretty cool mural of a colt on the wall per their namesake. The bar area was actually pretty neat. Would be cool to expand that decor to the rest of the restaurant. We were seated promptly, and offered drinks. The next thing that grabbed my attention was the menu. While they had a LOT of options, it wasn't too much like you see at most traditional Mexican spots. It was here that I almost made the mistake of missing the Quesadilla Al Pastor, which thankfully caught my eye the 2nd time going through the menu. My girlfriend ended up going with the Carnitas, which she saw on the specials board. Lets start with the chips and salsa. To me, the chips and salsa really tells you a LOT about a Mexican restaurant and that was no different at El Potro. The chips were fresh, and still warm. The salsa absolutely fantastic! I love heat, and would venture a guess their salsa is a bit too hot for people who don't/ We both agreed we'd love to take a container to go! The rest of the food was just as on point. The Quesadilla Al Pastor, absolutely incredible. One of if not THE best Al Pastor dishes I've ever had. The Carnitas was amazing as well. Tender, juicy and full of flavor. We raved the entire time was sat and ate, and both continued past the point our stomachs wanting to, not leaving a single thing on the plate. I'm in love El Potro. And you will absolutely see us again soon! read more

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I had been out all day and needed to grab a quick meal to eat in the car before rushing to the dentist. Ordered the spiced guacamole salad served with onion and tomato on a bed of lettuce and came with a bag of warm chips. I also had their delicious chicken tamale served with a subtly sweet mole and melted queso. What a double treat, and the service was quick and kind. I ordered through the YELP app and sometimes I've waited for the provider to contact me and I never hear from them and by the time I go into to get my food it's cold. Sometimes the provider never got the order because they no longer take orders from the third party transaction center associated with Yelp. So that's why I went in early to make sure El Portro got my order and had no problem waiting a few minutes (at 5:00 pm on a Thursday in January) they were not yet serving many people yet) once I knew they had my order going. The food was just what I needed and it was very well prepared and presented so I will return again and encourage others to patronize this wonderful establishment. By the way they probably run the small Mexican grocery right next door. I'll also stop in there next time. read more

This place is an under-rated gem. The food is REALLY fresh and delicious. I also recommend the skinny margaritas and the PINA COLADA

would recommend this place! staff is 10/10 and very observant. we did not eat, only chips and queso and drinks. But other table's food looked very good. staff was one of the best. i never had to wait or look around for their attention, someone immediately noticed and checked on us. not sure if he is the owner or the main guy but he is very friendly and funny. with how great the service was, we will definitely return back for food. read more

The food was good as were the prices. The chicken quesadillas were generously sized and my friend already wants to go back! I had the Carne Asada burrito which was great, and the chips were fresh, salsa was good. A little disappointed in the Margarita which tastes like a powdered base - but I did not confirm that and I drank it all anyway lol. Service was good. Not much ambiance, it's in a storefront just east of McCausland on Manchester. Will definitely be going back to try several other favorites like Chili Verde and the Rellenos. read more

El Potro is the perfect Mexican restaurant for me. It is located in a strip mall in a working class area, has free chips, great margaritas, and authentic Mexican food. It has plenty of seating, a couple of big TVs on sports channels, offers free chips and spicy salsa, and has lively Texana music playing in the background. The chips were great, my Mole Chicken was fantastic, and my wife loved the steak quesadilla. It is worth mentioning that the quesadilla was grilled so that it was crispy, which is our favorite. I ordered a margarita and since the owner/host/manager made too much he kept refilling my glass with the surplus. I wouldn't expect this normally but it just goes to show the nice touch a locally owned and operated restaurant can give some extras vs the corporate places. My wife and I were staying at a downtown hotel, travelling for business. We drove out to El Potro to have this awesome food and experience. It was well worth the drive. In addition to my margarita, they had a full bar so they could probably mix you anything you want. One of the tables was having tequila shots, so if you're in the mood to celebrate, they've got you covered : ) El Potro is now saved in my bookmarks for every time I'm back in St Louis. read more

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Torta alert, Torta alert, Torta alert!! El Porto Restaurant is the next hidden gem. Located in a small strip mall El Potro provides simple options loaded portions and plenty of flavor. First thing we noticed was how clean and service was quick to great you. Chips and sals were also served and was made fresh with warm chips. Wife went with the Torta Milanesa (Chicken) a massively delicious sandwich with all the trimmings. I went with the enchiladas verdes (Chicken with green salsa) and from the looks of the dish I immediately asked for a Togo box the portion was so big. Heapings of perfectly seasoned chicken complimented the salsa as well and the rice and fresh salad that come with the dish. El Porto does have TVs to watch Latin Soccer as well as traditional great Mexican music. Very reasonable prices and definitely made to we're coming back to the list. El Porto can accommodate large groups and well as a full bar just in time for the holidays. We're looking towards another visit soon when family visits. Definitely check this place out, and enjoy a great meal! read more

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The service was okay. The food was okay but they did get my order wrong. The place was a little dirty. Glad I went and tried it but I wouldn't come again. Overall 3/5 read more

El Potro Restaurant - Chips,salsa and cheese - Mexican Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

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Ordered the whole fish, so delicious. Everything was perfect and we'll be back to dine in. tacos were packed full and flavorful. Watch out for the salsa, both were legit spicy and I love spice. Everyone inside was so kind to me and my rambunctious daughter while we waited. The margs also looked really good. The grocery store next door sold paletas too. read more

El Potro Restaurant - Shrimp taco , chorizo, Mexican rice - Mexican Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

Generous portions of flavorful food! We had the enchiladas verde - the chicken was tender and the sauce was delicious. The carne asada tacos were well done with fresh cilantro, onions and lime. Friendly service that was so quick! read more

Great food & great service. Food is always on point and quick, and the staff is attentive and caring. Incredible choriqueso!

This place is awesome. Our waiter was super nice. The ambiance was chill. The jalapeño margarita is the margarita of my dreams. My carne asada burrito was great, too. read more

Really great staff the owners are really friendly and do their best to make you feel comfortable and welcome when you get your food. It comes out to you. Hot not lukewarm. Hot margaritas are fantastic. Highly recommend and will be going back very soon. read more

We came on a Friday and it wasn't too busy. The restaurant is next to a small Mexican market. The server came quickly and brought waters and chip and salsa. If you want spicer salsa thought here is a small extra charge. The horchata was tasty and tasted like they made it in house. The shrimp cocktail could have been better... I like my shrimp chopped up more so and I felt like it was mostly sauce. The fajitas however were great! I had so much food I had to take over half of it home! This is a nice place for some quick authentic Mexican food! read more

El Potro Restaurant - Steak fajitas with free chips and salsa - Mexican Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

If you enjoy Mexican food at all, you will love this spot. Chips--fresh, hot, crunchy. Salsa--homemade, scrumptious. Horchata--mildly sweet, perfectly compliments whatever you order. Entrees--loaded with both flavor and quality ingredients, cooked just right every time. Genuinely some of the best Mexican food I've ever eaten, all 4 times I've been. Service is super quick and polite enough. Prices are good for St. Louis haha. read more

Best Mexican in St Louis!! Very authentic Mexican. Not Tex-Mex!! The fajita's were so flavorful and the flautos superb. Oh, and don't forget the Cadillac Margaritas!!! read more

Best Mexican food we've found in STL! We moved here from Texas and were missing good Mexican food here until we found this place! Salsa is spicy and delicious and all the food we've tried is great. read more

The food looks fine, and I believe those here who praise the flavor, but keep in mind that you will pay a Maplewood premium, even though it's not in downtown Maplewood, or even in Maplewood at all. Same for the store. This evening I ran up there because we were low on tortillas. A 10 pack of El Milagro corn tortillas was $1.75 (including tax). I pay $1+ tax at Durango (Overland), and $1.09+tax at Torito (on Cherokee), but I appreciated the convenience. A couple of months ago, they wanted to charge $3 for an avocado. I left without the avocado. read more

Best Mexican food we've found in STL. Jumbo margaritas and sangria. Quesadilla, Carne Asada, Fajita Quesadilla, Quesadilla Tacos - all great. The owner is so hospitable. Service was a little inconsistent. Oh, and the chips and salsa were outstanding. Also the Queso con Chorizo appetizer. Large portions. read more

Such a great spot! Fast service and the food was delicious! The salsa was full of flavor and had a nice kick to it. Mad we haven't been here sooner! read more

It was ok...priced higher for online order than in person. To be fair Mexican doesn't seem to travel well so may be better in person.

Don't judge a book by it's cover. You'll never know how remarkable it is!! Just a store front looking restaurant in a strip mall on Manchester with the most authentic food. From the chips and salsa (spicy like I love) to the portions and price. Highly recommend! read more

El Potro Restaurant - My left over portion. I will say I did consume a ton of chips with their chorizo dip. - Mexican Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

Orders: Quesadilla Al Pastor w/ Pork, Pineapple & Onion | Chicken Chimichanga Our neighbors have raved about this hidden gem forever & finally on a grocery-less evening, we ordered this loveliness to go and OMFG what an outstanding quesadilla!!!! I neverrrr order quesadillas, but felt compelled when I saw this one featured pork + pineapple. Too interesting not to roll with and I'm so glad I did. Generously sized and a normal person would probably have leftovers, but mama ate the whole thing and felt nourished and amazing going into my yoga evening. YUMMMMM!!!! Check this place out for takeout or just a delicious, casual night with super nice service! P.s. I love that our to go meals didn't come in styrofoam!!!! Thank you guys!!!! read more

El Potro Restaurant - Quesadilla Al Pastor w/ pork, pineapple & onion to go! So amazing!!!! - Mexican Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

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I asked a friend where to go around the area I work for real Mexican food, he said El Potro. That said, this place completely caters to the Midwest. I had a carnitas burrito. I think there was one ounce of carnitas in my burrito, and it was covered in the white cheese sauce (fyi for some reason an American midwestern awful mess). It honestly lacked anything I would consider authentic. Also, the price was wrong, I could hit any other real taqueria in the city and pay 1/3 the price for a better meal. read more