#98: Carne Asada Tacos at El Paisano (Watson Road)

The carne asada tacos at El Paisano are good, though not extraordinary -- nothing more than seasoned, grilled steak inside warm flour tortillas. You can certainly find better tacos at one of the Cherokee Street or north county taquerias. The pico de gallo helps punch up the flavor, but the true secret weapon -- and the real reason these tacos make the list -- is the salsa verde on the right of the picture.

Thick, spicy, with a piquant, fruity kick, it takes these simple tacos (or tortilla chips or most anything, really) to the next level.

El Paisano
3315 Watson Road
314-645-7455
$7.95

I'm counting down -- in no particular order -- 100 of my favorite dishes in St. Louis. Some are well-known, others obscure. Some are expensive, others dirt cheap. All of them, I guarantee, are delicious. Please do not hesitate to share your own favorites via the comments thread.

Previously:

#99: Pretzel bites at Joey B's on the Hill
#100: Hot and sour soup at Shu Feng Restaurant