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

We still love this place! I'm not sure how many times we've been here over the past few years, but…read morewe've never had a negative experience here. My husband and I have been here a number of times, we've brought our (adult) daughters and their partners, out of town visitors, and we've recommended it to friends. Some of our friends went on our recommendation and enjoyed it. Again, I have to say that we love the vibe, the staff, and the food - probably equally! We sat out on the covered patio last night. It was pretty hot out, but the cover and the fans made it feel okay out there. We ran into neighbors as we were leaving. It's about 35 minutes from our house and we have never seen anyone we know there. They were enjoying it as well! The only negative I can think of is the restroom situation. There is one restroom with one toilet - plan ahead! There's usually a line. We'll definitely be back!

This is a hard review because in my party of 4, my meal was horrible but everyone else had a…read moretasty-gratifying meal. To start, we ordered the guac. It's not authentic guac with chunks of guac, instead it was creamy and didn't have a clumps of avocado or flavor. It was more of a blended consistency with just a smashed avocado flavor. The chips were awesome! I ordered the mahi-mahi tacos. The first one that was brought to the table was fried so well done the fish inside was rubbery and dry, and the outer coating was black. My waiter apologized, visually confirmed that the dish was not right, took the dish and 5-10 minutes later brought out the same dish, assuming this one would be better. It wasn't. The fish was overwhelmingly fishy smelling, dry and overall, I felt like I would've had a better meal at McDonalds ordering their Filet o' fish. Ugh! The waiter took the one bite eaten from the taco dish and removed it from the ticket. He asked if he could bring me something else, but so much time had passed between the last 2 mix-ups that for me to order anything to replace the meal, my party would've left me at the table so I just had chips for dinner. Where I see an issue, is one would think a manager would've come over apologizing, or something. Yet, I felt like the bad guy sent to her room with no dinner. When the bill came, the waiter, what I feel like intentionally put the bill directly in front of another person from our party rather than in the center of the table. Probably because that person loved his meal... A person in my party got the 3 taco dinner- only ate one taco. Packaged up the other two tacos. I paid, tipped 20% assuming it wasn't the waiter's fault. And we walked out. We got to the front door, the person in my party that had boxed up the 2 tacos realized she left her box at the table, turned around 1-2 minutes after leaving, went back to the table and our waiter said he threw away the box! It wasn't busy ... I understand wanting to clean a table, but there should be some protocol of if this happens, maybe the bussers have x number of minutes before they throw away a meal that someone intentionally boxed up to take home. So -2 stars- I won't go back but if you try this place you might get something delish. My hope is you fall on the positive side of these reviews.

Wonderful good, atmosphere, waiters, and pricing!…read more Wait till you try their chips and salsa

First visit, wow!!! how did I not know about this place. Incredible food, incredible atmosphere and…read moreincredible service. We made reservations since it was Father's Day. Seated upon arrival. Finally, a restaurant that doesn't try to shove 5 people at a table for 4, they put 2 tables together. We so appreciated that. Waited on immediately. Love the atmosphere of this restaurant, beautiful, quiet, and very colourful design style. The food is another level. Chips warm and tasty, 2 salsas both flavourful and with a kick! Everyone ordered something different. 3 of us took food home the portions are so large. Every plate was beautiful in preparation and as we sampled each other's we discovered amazing and unique flavours. I can't wait to return here, this is an absolute dining pleasure.

I like this place a lot! I hope it finds success here. We were sat very quickly, they have indoor…read moreand outdoor seating. The staff was very kind and attentive. The menu was vast and they had a large drink menu and full bar. We got a margarita pitcher, peach flavored, which was very good. We got tacos, a chicken quesadilla, and fajitas. All were excellent, we will definitely be coming back!

I have been here twice but this is about my most recent visit (08/2026). I am not the margarita…read moreimbibing guy I used to be, so I'm not the best authority on that part. My friend and I stopped here for a last minute drinks and dinner. We each had the house special, I think it was called the Cadillac margarita with salted rim, iced not frozen, and we got the jumbo. OMG I couldn't even finish the jumbo. It was very strong and big, had to take it home to try and finish it. A wait staff dropped off chips and salsa and the chips were just not that good. I asked my friend what she thought and she said the same thing I did. The salsa did help but if I opened my own Mexican place I would serve the best chips I could find. I know they're free but many places offer some kind of free snack (Helen's has popcorn, some places still offer salted peanuts...) and I think it should make one think the chips are good the food will be better. As I was drinking I wanted some food and we got two chicken burritos, they were large and very good!! They were 2 for $14 if that gives an idea on cost. While I live just a few minutes from here, I haven't seen enough in 2 visits to say I'll keep coming here for Mexican, there are many other places in South St Louis to try. Oh and I swear the bar "stools" are big enough for two people. I probably look comical on one as my friend and I may have been able to fit into one stool.

The tacos look fresh and full of flavor! I love places that offer creative dishes with a casual and…read morewelcoming atmosphere. This looks like a fun spot to try.

Place rocks. Great selection of tacos, good margaritas, quick and friendly service. Recommend the…read moreBiloxi taco. Will continue to return until the day I die.

The food was good. The margarita was very good. Customer service was on point and the dining room…read morewas clean. I'll visit again!

First I'll start off by saying the service was great. I'm not sure what our servers name was, I…read morethink he was owner or manager but he was very friendly. But this is a review for the food and we were definitely let down. Now it is I guess traditional "Tex mex" but it just did not taste great! I don't know why, the rice and beans were just not good! They taste like reheated and beans tasted canned. I got enchiladas mexicanas and I did not like it. Like I really don't know what It is about the food. But it just taste like microwaved. All of it. My daughter got a "Mexican pizza" from the kids menu and it horrible but what can you expect from a kids pizza from a Mexican restaurant. It was just a microwavable tiny pizza. They literally had a hot pocket on the menu too. Everything just taste microwaved. And I know a lot of people really rave about this place but personally I just can't get behind it. This is also my second chance I've given them, I came about 2 years ago and didn't like it. Mi ranchito will continue to be my go to Mexican spot. They are also solid and consistent.

I was in town with friends and this restaurant did not disappoint. The food was so amazing I had…read morethe quesadillas. The chicken flavor was delicious, the chips were good and fresh when they came out, the salsa was good a little spicy but as we know salsa at any restaurant is hit or miss on spice but my other friends thought it wasn't. The drinks did not disappoint had a watermelon mixed w/pineapple margarita. Perry, was very nice and attentive to our table and his other tables while I observed. This is a small restaurant but they check all the marks we were greeted when we arrived at the door with smiles and kindness which is always a great start so I didn't expect anything less. Five stars lol no, 10 is appropriate EAT HERE DO NOT PASS THEM BY! *Perry was an awesome waitress* Thank you for taking care of us!!

Very good visit that was highlighted by our server, Maricela. She was so friendly and knowledgeable…read moreof the menu. My vegetarian wife had the Bean Tostada and I had the Chicken Fajitas. My wife loved her tostada and my fajitas were good...not great. The chicken seemed to not have a lot of flavor. The Margarita's on the ricks were good...again, not great. What is odd it that I was charged for Vegetarian Fajitas as well. I did not look at my receipt until I was 2,000 miles away. The Manager of Chavas credited my Visa was he informed of the issue. Again, Maricela was key in rectifying the issue. Chavas was very good and we would return if in the area.

Food was delicious! My husband and I both loved it. Will definitely be back to try more!read more

This has to be the most authentic Mexican restaurant I've ever been to in Missouri! All their local…read morespecialties are amazing and has been consistently a favorite between me and my partner. Very clean and friendly and definitely a lil hole in the wall but I love that! Have not had a single bad thing on the menu! Must try!

It's been a few weeks since I had any pocket cash to go out to eat... so I decided to pick a food…read moresource at random for a Saturday afternoon, and I'm SO GLAD I did... You know how they say one of the best things about Mexico is the food? I have to admit, I would honestly wouldn't know and just have to trust the stories I've heard, as I've never been lucky enough to go to Mexico.... But all my life I've heard stories about people who go and basically remind you.. NEVER hit a restaurant for _authentic_ Mexican food. You want to hit the street vendors. Well, St. Louis has a fantastic surprise.. Now you can do that right here in the city! Part of a three-restaurant set up, Amigo Sole is the "street vendor" restaurant that's not on the street. (And having met the owner of the full set-up, I'm REALLY hoping i get invited to the grand opening of Jekyll & Hyde) As it was middle of the day Saturday, I didn't ask for anything alcoholic (so i don't know if the reviewer that asked for alcoholic beverages and was told they didn't have any was just unlucky or if it was true.) But I'll take a Mexican Coke over American Coke any day of the week (NO, get your minds out of the gutter.. not that powdered one!). Anyway, I went simple for a quick stop, and went with the Chicken Bomb. at the recommendation of the cashier and he was quick to name this one off.. (and always remember cashiers, have a favorite READY, so thumbs up to the cashier on this one!) . And then to my amazement.. no more than 5 minutes later, HOT, tasty, cheesy, chicken quesadilla style BOMB-diggity! (Ironically this one is not listed on the website menu, only the instore menu? Come on Sole, online is everything today :) ) Absolutely delicious food.. and absolutely messy too, as it literally would fall apart in my hands.. (HEY, that's a good thing!) As for the decor.. 100% true, as Amigo Sole definitely has SOUL! (and lots of soles!). Again Amigo Sole isn't designed to be a 'great sit down' restaurant, it's designed to be street-vendor FUN!!!! and with what decoration they have, it pulls it off fantastically in my opinion. So just based on my meal, what the owner told me about the Amigo Sole, you're getting EXACTLY what you're promised a Mexican street vendor serving fantastic Mexican street vendor food, only with a roof over your head the entire time. During the meal, met again (Who i believe to be) the owner of the store and talked with him about Amigo Sole and how amazing it was to me... and he told me about the three-restaurant combination. (And I apologize sir, but I completely forgot your name when we talked!). even mentioning they share three kitchens when it gets busy (so I was kinda lucky as i think the rain scared everyone out for the day), but I'm still hoping for the Jeckyll & Hyde invitation! (I'll even pretend to find a date if I have to for the upscale part!)

Wow! Definitely what we were looking for and hoping it would be! You know how you see a dish and…read morethen go try it out and it is nothing like what you thought it would be??? NOT HERE!! Everything was hot, fresh, cheesy, spicy! Not one disappointing experience. Service was quick. We dined in, its small but big enough and Soo cute with a fun laid back vibe. Can't wait til return!

This is probably the best Mexican food I've ever had. The serving sizes were HUGE and the food was…read moreabsolutely delicious. Everything was cooked to perfection and seasoned perfectly. I wasn't a huge fan of the salsa but it filled me up and was tasty enough. The ambiance is absolutely beautiful! You can see there is so much culture in this place and the staff was super friendly. I saw some other people having issues with staff but that wasn't my experience. DOWNSIDE they don't currently have their liquor license . I don't know what the issue is and quite frankly it was a bummer. That's the only reason I gave them a 4 . The food was so good I honestly didn't mind too much though. Had an amazing time. 100% recommend.

This was the most mid Mexican food I have ever had. The dining room didn't have air conditioning on…read morewhen we first came in on a Sunday afternoon, but I guess they decided to switch it on while there were people pulling out hand held fans and wiping their sweat off. I am assuming the heat inside was why there were grease/sweat patches on the edge of the table I was seated on. The birria tacos were very average, the rice that came with it was absolutely bland and the pastor enchiladas were alright but the meat was mostly charred. The horchata was so dilute, I couldn't taste anything. The only saving grace were the chips and salsa - especially the salsa. Overall, this is a pretty overpriced place for below average food.