First photo by Christian Gooden (Post-Dispatch); add'l photos sponsored by restaurant
Mission Taco Joint
Brothers Adam and Jason Tilford have closed their original Mexican restaurant Tortillaria, and as this goes to press, its more ambitious successor, Milagro Modern Mexican, will soon close its Webster Groves location without a new home lined up. Mission Taco Joint is thriving, though, with new locations in St. Charles and Kansas City, Mo. Here the Tilfords have infused the respectful approach to traditional Mexican cuisine that defined Milagro (the torta ahogada, the Yucatán-influenced habanero chicken) with a laid-back California vibe (the IPA-battered shrimp taco, the amusingly named Brah’rito).
Hours: Lunch and dinner daily
Last year's ranking: Rest of the Best
Opened: 2013
Must order: Queso con chorizo ($7)