Photo by J.B. Forbes (Post-Dispatch)
El Toluco Taqueria & Grocery
When I talk about Fausto and Maggie Pizarro’s El Toluco Taqueria & Grocery — after I try to explain its strange location, tucked back from and sideways to the Manchester Road-Highway 141 intersection — I usually mention the oversize tortas, which, whatever meat you order, come garnished with two pork cuts. I love those tortas, but I don’t want to ignore El Toluco’s tacos. Fausto Pizarro, working with recipes from his native Toluca, Mexico, and help from his married assistants Marcelo and Cruz Salazar from Tlaxcala, Mexico, serves stellar tacos, too. My favorite vacillates between the citrusy, garlicky and chile-laced al pastor and the barbacoa, lamb wrapped in maguey leaves and roasted four hours. Order one of each, and save room for half of a torta.
Hours: 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday (closed Monday)
Last year's ranking: Rest of the Best
Opened: 2016