Comments (0) Best Mexican Restaurant - 2003
Arcelia's Comida Authentica
1928 S. 12th St.
St Louis, MO 63104
314-241-1378
Readers' Choice: El Maguey
Arcelia's has a few quirks. For instance, they charge for separate checks and for that second basket of chips. But that's not a bad tradeoff for the casual feel, the Lafayette Square ambiance and the food. We do love the food. Arcelia's serves superb Mexican food, not the Tex-Mex variety (well, okay, they cave in with the fajitas). Try pozole, a soup made with chunks of simmered pork, hominy, fresh shredded cabbage and onions. Fish tacos, a rarity in St. Louis, are a sure bet here. On weekends, when it's really busy, they offer birría, a spicy beef soup. Entrées are all reasonably priced (from $6.95 to $13.95). The house specialty, enchiladas de crema, feature a subtle meatless filling of grilled poblano peppers, cheese, and onion, topped with Arcelia's own sour cream-based sauce. Breakfast items such as huevos rancheros and chilaquiles are served daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- perfect for the late riser. Arcelia Sanchez passed away this year, thirteen years after she opened her restaurant. Now, her dream lives through the many family members who keep Arcelia's number one.
