Ian Froeb's STL 100 (2018 archive)

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)

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