There’s something special about tracking down the perfect taco. St. Louis might not be the first city that comes to mind for this search, yet every corner seems to hide a new culinary gem. I once wandered into a taco joint on a whim after a rainy afternoon and found myself face-to-face with a tortilla stacked with flavors I still think about. Turns out, in St. Louis, tacos are a city-wide obsession, and the thrill is in discovering your own favorite spot.
Finding the best tacos in St. Louis isn’t about chasing fads; it’s about savoring every layer of experience. Whether you’re a local with a favorite or new in town, there’s a taco here with your name on it. This guide goes beyond the basics. Get ready for unbiased recommendations, plenty of insider details, and a list only the hungriest food lovers will appreciate. Satisfy your curiosity and maybe even your cravings—there’s a taco for every taste on this list.
Where to find the best tacos in St. Louis, MO
Here are some of the top spots to find the best tacos in St. Louis, MO:
- Fitz’s
- Hendel’s
- Broadway Oyster Bar
- Schlafly Tap Room
- Bridge Tap House and Wine Bar
- Three Sixty
- Chava’s Mexican Restaurant
- Session Taco – Delmar Loop
- Egg
- Seoul Taco
1. Fitz’s
Set on the lively Delmar Loop, Fitz’s blends vintage charm with serious food quality. I still remember my first visit, drawn in by the sound of soda bottling. The festive energy here is contagious, whether you’re sipping a root beer or waiting for your meal.
The taco menu reflects Fitz’s playful twist on classics. Their vegetarian taco platter feels both fresh and filling—think grilled veggies, tangy salsa, and just the right crunch from house tortilla chips. Pairing tacos with a handcrafted soda, especially their famous root beer, gives your meal extra flair.
Fitz’s excels at making you feel at home. If you’re after inventive, family-friendly tacos in St. Louis, this spot should be on your list.
2. Hendel’s
Hidden in Florissant’s historic district, Hendel’s feels like a cozy hideaway for the taco-inclined. My last visit came after a morning stroll, and the relaxed patio had me lingering long after lunch. It’s the type of place where you ease into the afternoon, fork in hand.
Their fish tacos are a must-try, served with crisp slaw and house-made salsa that brightens up each bite. For vegetarians, the black bean tacos offer robust flavor and satisfying texture. Both options capture Hendel’s balance of freshness and comfort.
Hendel’s stands out for its atmosphere and care in every dish. When you want tacos with a side of charm, you’ll find yourself coming back for more.
3. Broadway Oyster Bar
You can hear the buzz before you spot Broadway Oyster Bar—live music spills onto the street, drawing you closer. My first time here was on a humid evening, and the soulful tunes set the tone for a meal with plenty of local flair.
The tacos here reflect the bar’s Cajun roots. The grilled shrimp tacos come tucked in warm tortillas, layered with crunchy cabbage and finished with a spicy remoulade. Each bite delivers that signature New Orleans kick. For vegetarian diners, there are garden-fresh options too, full of flavor and zest.
Broadway Oyster Bar brings the French Quarter to downtown St. Louis—and their tacos nod to that effortlessly cool, flavorful heritage.
4. Schlafly Tap Room
Stepping into Schlafly Tap Room feels like finding the heart of St. Louis’ craft scene. My favorite way to let a week go is lunch on their patio, with the city’s hum in the background and a pint cold in hand. The vibe is relaxed, but the details matter here—from the decor to what’s on your plate.
The black bean tacos are a stand-out, packed with seasoned beans, bright salsa, and a hint of lime. The flavors are simple yet vibrant, showing the kitchen’s knack for letting good ingredients shine. These tacos pair perfectly with any of Schlafly’s house brews.
Schlafly Tap Room shines for its welcoming spirit and confident, honest flavors. The menu proves great beer and tacos go hand in hand.
5. Bridge Tap House and Wine Bar
At Bridge Tap House and Wine Bar, bold flavors meet downtown energy. My first visit was a spontaneous dinner after a long workday, and the low-key vibe was a welcome change of pace. Their polished yet unpretentious style keeps regulars and newcomers coming back.
The standout: crispy cauliflower tacos. Wrapped in warm tortillas, the roasted cauliflower gets a jolt from house-made sauce and crunchy slaw. It’s a clever spin for vegetarians and flavor seekers alike. These tacos feel both inventive and comforting, neatly reflecting Bridge’s knack for surprising you.
Bridge Tap House sets itself apart with a thoughtful menu that pairs as well with wine as it does with their beer selection. Tacos here prove you don’t have to settle for ordinary in the city.
6. Three Sixty
Three Sixty offers the kind of rooftop view that can turn a meal into an event. I went for sunset and the panorama was breathtaking—Cardinals fans gathering below, the Gateway Arch glowing on the horizon. With every turn, there’s something to see, and the city feels at your feet.
The tacos here come with a modern twist, thanks to Chef Rex Hale’s global approach. Vegetarian tacos, loaded with local produce and crafted sauces, are especially bright and colorful. Fresh flavors meet clever seasoning, all wrapped up in soft tortillas, making each bite lively and memorable.
If you’re drawn to atmosphere and inventive bites, Three Sixty makes a strong case. The combination of skyline views and standout tacos means you get a taste of St. Louis from every angle.
7. Chava’s Mexican Restaurant
If you’re after traditional tacos with real spirit, Chava’s Mexican Restaurant is a Soulard favorite for a reason. On my last visit, the vibrant patio and quick, friendly service made lunch linger into the afternoon. It’s a place where regulars mingle with newcomers, and everyone leaves satisfied.
The veggie tacos steal the show, overflowing with seasoned vegetables, crisp lettuce, pico, and creamy avocado. Each tortilla tastes handmade, giving every bite an authentic feel. Sides like rice and beans round out the experience with comfort and flavor.
Chava’s stands out for its warm atmosphere and honest, flavorful food. If you want tacos that taste like home, this is a spot to remember in St. Louis.
8. Session Taco – Delmar Loop
Session Taco on the Delmar Loop feels like a sun-soaked, west-coast afternoon, no matter the weather outside. I remember ducking in during a rainy stretch and instantly shaking off the gloom. The breezy, coastal vibe is as much a draw as the menu.
The cauliflower tacos here are pure genius. Roasted florets mingle with vibrant slaw, pickled onion, and punchy sauces, piled into a soft tortilla. Even die-hard meat lovers end up craving these. Ingredients are crisp, flavors always pop, and the tacos are sized so you can try more than one variety.
Session Taco stands out for its blend of relaxed energy and bold food. For creative tacos and a bright mood, this Loop staple delivers every time.
9. Egg
Egg redefines breakfast with style, and you’ll know it the moment you step inside. My first trip was on a lazy Sunday, chasing something different for brunch. The light-filled space and friendly welcome invite you to relax and linger a bit longer.
The breakfast tacos are the real showstopper. Fluffy eggs, sautéed vegetables, and a kick of salsa all get tucked into warm tortillas. Vegetarian or vegan? There are hearty options packed with black beans and avocado, with gluten-free choices too. You’ll taste the freshness in every ingredient, a welcome break from the usual breakfast routine.
Egg proves you can start your day with both comfort and creativity. Their tacos turn a simple morning into a reason to smile.
10. Seoul Taco
Seoul Taco flips the script on traditional tacos by blending Korean flavors with street food style. My first bite was pure curiosity, and ended with me planning my next visit before I’d even left. This spot feels spontaneous, energetic, and a little bit rebellious.
The tofu tacos are a prime pick, stuffed with marinated tofu, crisp veggies, and a drizzle of spicy gochujang sauce. The flavor balance is sharp—sweet, tangy, and savory in every bite. These tacos aren’t just filling, they’re genuinely memorable.
Seoul Taco stands out for making bold fusion food approachable. If you want your taco experience with a twist, it’s hard to beat what they’re serving up on Delmar.
More Things to Try in St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some must-try vegetarian tacos in St. Louis?
You’ll find standout vegetarian tacos at spots like Chava’s, Bridge Tap House, and Seoul Taco. Grilled veggie fillings, cauliflower, and savory tofu are all local favorites.
Which areas in St. Louis have the best taco restaurants?
The Delmar Loop, Soulard, and downtown have a high concentration of top taco destinations. These neighborhoods offer everything from creative fusion to authentic classics.
Do taco spots in St. Louis offer gluten-free options?
Many restaurants on this list do—just look for spots like Egg, Session Taco, and Fitz’s, which clearly mark gluten-free choices on their menus.
Can I find vegan tacos at restaurants in St. Louis?
Definitely. Most modern taco places—such as Session Taco and Seoul Taco—serve up hearty vegan tacos with bold sauces and plenty of fresh produce.
Is St. Louis known for any signature taco styles?
St. Louis doesn’t have a single signature style, but expect fresh Midwest twists, global fusion, and lots of locally-sourced ingredients featured in its tacos.
