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New Yorkers 1st Choice
St. Louis' best

Authentic spots

You prefer to find your own way to places that don't rely on a crowd to prove their worth.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Mestiza image 1
Mestiza image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic tacos served on home-like dishware and a fast food, order-at-the-counter setup. Atmosphere feels calm and inviting with quiet Mexican music and videos of Latin performances playing. A family-friendly game at the table adds a unique touch to the experience.

Tacos here deliver authentic Mexican flavors that stand out from Tex-Mex or Midwest styles. The Birria is tasty and true to tradition, even without consumรฉ.

Offers a quiet spot that many overlook. Holds a unique charm that stands out quietly in the area.

People are saying

"I loved trying their many unique and special tacos."

"I found the tacos to be so authentic and delicious."

"These tacos are divine, I can't wait to come back for more."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required for parties of up to 13 people.

2

Mestiza has a small menu focused solely on tacos.

3

Handicap parking is available on-site.

02
Afghan Kabob House image 1

Restaurant offers a covered patio with cultural decor and traditional Afghan music creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Indoor space is clean and spacious with Afghan heritage accents. Patio welcomes dogs and provides a pleasant breeze with shade and fans.

Flavors stay true to traditional Afghan recipes with authentic kabobs and a fresh buffet. The food consistently tastes delicious and genuine to South-Asian cuisine.

Offers a hidden gem experience with authentic Afghan flavors. Stands out as a lesser-known spot with solid reputation among locals.

People are saying

"The Afghan food here is flavorful and soulful."

"The food here is so authentic and flavorful."

"I found this place to be one of the best hidden gems."

Good to know

1

They serve a buffet on Sundays with a variety of dishes.

2

Breakfast items are available alongside lunch options.

3

Reservations are recommended for larger groups on weekends.

03
Who Dat Southern Food Bar and Grill image 1
Southern restaurant (US)

Southern restaurant with authentic New Orleans decor and vibrant live music creates a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. The atmosphere reflects true southern hospitality with friendly people and a welcoming environment. Outdoor seating on a two-tiered patio adds to the inviting experience.

Gumbo here tastes like it does in New Orleans with authentic Cajun flavors. The spot feels like a true Southern food bar serving classic dishes.

Offers a true NOLA vibe with authentic Southern flavors. Stands out as a hidden gem delivering genuine Southern food experiences.

People are saying

"The gumbo here has that authentic Cajun Creole flavor."

"The shrimp po'boy and etouffee were delicious and seasoned perfectly."

"I thought the gumbo here tasted the most authentic in the city."

Good to know

1

Food prices are reasonable and portion sizes are generous.

2

The restaurant is black-owned and family-friendly.

3

Expect a casual atmosphere suitable for lunch or dinner.

04
Fonda La Poblanita image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy space with a relaxed vibe and authentic Mexican atmosphere. Menu offers large portions and wide variety, including daily specials on a chalkboard. Many choose takeout, and no alcohol is served here.

Authentic Mexican food shines with poblano dishes and tacos made from two corn tortillas topped simply with onions and cilantro. The spot offers a hole in the wall vibe that matches its genuine atmosphere and daily specials.

Offers a quiet spot away from crowds with authentic flavors that surprise many. Stays under the radar despite its consistent quality.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and has great flavor."

"I found the Mexican food here to be truly authentic."

"I found this place to be a hidden gem."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers large portions at reasonable prices.

2

Daily specials feature authentic Mexican dishes not found elsewhere.

3

Takeout is popular, but there is space for dining in.

05
La Oaxaqueรฑa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Colorful space with vibrant music and a lively atmosphere creates a festive vibe. It offers authentic Oaxacan cuisine with many uncommon dishes and handmade tamales. The setting feels cozy and casual, blending traditional Mexican elements with a strip mall backdrop.

Authentic Oaxacan dishes stand out with mole varieties and traditional flavors. The menu offers a range of genuine Mexican foods rarely found outside Oaxaca, delivering a true taste experience.

A little hidden spot that's easy to miss if you don't know where to look. It sits off the beaten path and offers a quiet charm away from the usual crowds.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's tamales are amazing and perfectly spicy."

"I found the Mexican cuisine here to be truly authentic."

"I found La Oaxaqueรฑa to be a hidden gem worth checking out."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays feature 0.99-cent tacos, grilled or fried.

2

$3 margaritas are available during lunch hours.

3

Drink specials are offered nightly.

06
E61 Cafe image 1
Coffee shop

Spacious coffee shop with quiet atmosphere and natural light from east-facing windows creates a welcoming vibe. Plenty of seating and outlets support studying or working, with a separate outdoor area to limit distractions. Board games and local art add unique touches to the simple, cozy space.

Coffee here offers authentic Greek flavors with a rich, flavorful profile. Drinks like the freddo cappuccino and coffee frappe stand out for their genuine taste and quality.

Located by Forest Park, this spot stands out as a quiet study haven with a cozy vibe. It earns recognition as a hidden gem that deserves more attention.

People are saying

"This cafe has incredible coffee and unique drink flavors."

"The coffee here is so authentic, just like in Greece."

"It's a hidden gem, perfect for studying with cozy seats."

Good to know

1

E61 Cafe offers a 25% discount for all students, all the time.

2

The cafe is dog friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

3

E61 Cafe has long hours that fit into any schedule.

07
Ehsani's Hot Kabob image 1
Persian restaurant

Large dining room with nautical mythological wall paintings and subdued lighting creates a cozy yet modern atmosphere. Live guitar music and tranquil scenes on a large screen add to a warm and inviting vibe. Well-spaced tables support relaxed conversations in a family-oriented setting.

Persian and Afghan dishes deliver authentic taste with perfectly seasoned and grilled koobideh and joojeh kabob. Portions come generous and flavors stay true, including a tasty authentic yogurt drink.

A spot known for its hidden gem status offers flavorful dishes that stand out in the area. It provides a unique dining experience that many overlook but is worth checking out.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"The food here is authentic, fresh, and flavorful."

"You have to try these hidden gem kabobs, they're so flavorful and juicy."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $70 for two entrees and a single serving of ice cream.

2

The restaurant charges for bottled water; no tap water is served.

3

Portions are large; one platter can feed more than two people.

08
El Potro Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with an unassuming storefront offers a cozy, authentic vibe and friendly atmosphere. Plenty of TVs show local sports, sometimes with live entertainment, creating a casual energy. Known for great margaritas and fresh, flavorful food like campechano tacos and homemade salsa.

Food tastes authentic Mexican and Honduran with dishes that feel like a secret family recipe. The place stays clean and fresh, delivering genuine flavors consistently.

This spot stands out as a hidden gem with a unique charm that surprises many. It offers a distinct experience not found in typical places around here.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and flavorful, especially the mole."

"The food here tastes so authentic, with just the right spice."

"I found this place to be a hidden gem in STL."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers authentic Mexican and Honduran cuisine.

2

Parking can sometimes be difficult to find, especially during busy times.

3

The menu features Tex-Mex dishes with a home-cooked quality.

09
Los Arcos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with Mexican-style theme designs and oversized booths creates a homey atmosphere with mellow guitar music. It offers outdoor seating and a small bar area, including a separate room for large parties. The vibe is friendly and affordable, with free chips and salsa served before meals.

Food offers an authentic taste with a focus on tamales that stand out. The overall atmosphere feels very genuine and true to tradition.

This spot stands out as a hidden gem with a quiet charm that surprises many. It offers a unique experience away from the usual crowds.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and tasty."

"I loved their authentic tamales; they reminded me of grandma."

"The steak fajita quesadilla is an incredible Hidden Gem."

Good to know

1

During Cinco de Mayo, live music is featured at the restaurant.

2

Parking is available and generally not a problem.

3

The restaurant does not have a liquor license, so no alcohol is served.

10
Taste of Persia image 1
Persian restaurant

Small and comfortable space offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with classic Persian music playing softly. The vibe is cozy and relaxed, reflecting pride in authentic cuisine. The setting feels like a hidden gem with a nostalgic touch.

Persian dishes here have authentic flavors and come in generous portions. The cuisine stays true to traditional Iranian recipes and offers affordable, delicious options.

A beautiful hidden gem on South Grand, this spot stands out for its unique charm and appeal. It consistently earns recognition as a hidden gem worth seeking out in the area.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the tender lamb."

"The Persian food here is so authentic and delicious."

"You have to try these hidden gems, the food is rich with flavor and made with care."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during peak dining hours.

2

The menu offers a variety of authentic Persian dishes.

3

The restaurant has gluten-free options available upon request.

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