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Best of St. Louis

Authentic tamales

Tamales that taste like a family recipe, not a mass-produced version of the real thing.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
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Updated April 2026
01
La Oaxaqueña image 1
La Oaxaqueña image 2
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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.

Tamales come wrapped in banana leaf instead of corn husk, giving them a unique touch. The mole tamales stand out as authentic and flavorful, reminiscent of traditional family recipes.

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.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the tamales were authentic and reminded me of grandma's cooking."

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.

02
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.

Homemade tamales come with authentic flavors and pair well with rich enchilada sauce. They evoke a strong sense of tradition and comfort, reminding some of family recipes.

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

People are saying

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

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

"I loved the authentic, homemade tamales here."

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.

03
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.

Mole and verde sauces bring bold flavor to the tamales. Chicken tamales and the dinner special offer well-balanced taste with a side of guacamole.

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.

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."

"The chicken tamales were very good with flavorful mole sauce."

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.

04
Diana's Bakery image 1

Wall-to-wall desserts fill the space with an intense sugary fragrance. Self-serve setup includes gloves and bags, encouraging a hands-on experience. The bakery offers a huge selection of authentic Mexican pastries and breads, known for affordable prices and exceptional quality.

Tamales come in mole, chicken, and pork varieties and are consistently delicious and satisfying. They sell tamales by the pound and pair well with churros and sweet rolls.

Offers authentic Mexican sweets and pastries with a genuine taste. Treats consistently reflect traditional flavors.

People are saying

"You have to try the authentic Mexican pastries at this bakery."

"I found the tamales here to be the best I ever had."

"I found authentic Mexican pastries with a huge selection."

Good to know

1

The bakery has an impressive array of over 100 traditional Mexican treats.

2

Arrive early as they run out of tamales later in the day.

3

Prices are very affordable for all baked goods.

05
Pueblo Solis image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with an eclectic atmosphere and a lively vibe created by owner interaction. Outdoor seating includes a patio with tent for pleasant weather. Known for authentic cuisine and top-notch margaritas that draw many to the spot.

Cheese and jalapeño tamale stands out as good, while other tamales tend to be dry and bland. Opinions on tamales vary, with some finding them enjoyable and others less impressed.

Offers authentic Mexican fare based on family recipes. The atmosphere and music reflect Mexican culture for a genuine experience.

People are saying

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

"I loved the tacos and salsas here."

"I enjoyed the tamales; they were to die for."

Good to know

1

Burritos start at $16, with most entrees priced between $18 and $25.

2

The restaurant offers free chips and three types of salsa with meals.

3

The outdoor patio is available for dining on pleasant evenings.

06
Nixta image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers cozy, inviting atmosphere with charming, simple decor and indoor and outdoor seating. Live mariachi band adds authentic musical energy. Space feels neat and transports guests to a Mexican beach cantina vibe.

Shrimp and chicken tamales stand out with seafood flavors and a generous size. The chicken tamale comes as a single item priced at $19.95, highlighting its premium portion.

Menu features authentic Mexican and South American dishes with items like chicharron de queso. The food offers a deep dive into Mexican culinary arts.

People are saying

"I was impressed they didn't rush me out, even after closing."

"I loved the authentic Mexican food, it was so vibrant and flavorful."

"The tamales here are a la carte and surprisingly small."

Good to know

1

Nixta charges $30 for a Cadillac margarita, which is smaller than a classic margarita.

2

All menu items are a la carte, which is uncommon for Mexican restaurants.

3

A 15% gratuity is automatically added to the bill.

07
Chava's Mexican Restaurant image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Tex-Mex restaurant with vibrant decor and bright colors creates an authentic Mexican atmosphere. Outdoor seating includes a lively patio and sidewalk tables. The space is loud and crowded, offering a fun and energetic vibe.

Tamales stand out as delicious and highly praised, with some calling them the best ever had at a restaurant.

Bright colors and art create a vibrant decor that feels truly Mexican. Burritos and other dishes deliver authentic Mexican flavors that stand out in the Midwest.

People are saying

"The chicken fajitas here are so tender and tasty."

"I enjoyed the authentic Mexican food; it felt like the real deal."

"I thought the tamales here were the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 PM with drink specials.

2

Parking is available in a lot near the restaurant.

3

The restaurant does not have a kids menu, despite being labeled as 'kid friendly'.

08
Abelardo's Mexican Fresh St. Louis image 1

Drive-thru and walk-up setup offers quick access to authentic Mexican food without dine-in. Atmosphere feels casual and unpretentious with a busy drive-thru during peak times. Known for large portions and highly rated tacos and breakfast burritos.

Tamales come as soft shell versions and sometimes arrive without requested cheese sauce. They taste okay but often lack cheese inside.

Offers authentic Mexican street tacos with a genuine west coast style flavor. Serves authentic Mexican cuisine through a convenient drive-thru without sacrificing quality or taste.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and flavorful."

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

"I found the tamale and enchilada to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features a 5 for 5 taco deal.

2

Special fried tacos are available on Wednesdays.

3

The restaurant operates as a drive-thru only.

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