A Burst of Authenticity in the Heart of St. Louis - Chava's Mexican Restaurant
Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you're looking for a vibrant splash of Mexican culture in the heart of St. Louis, Chava's Mexican Restaurant in Soulard is the place to be. The decor here is a festive homage to Mexico, with bright colors and art that set an inviting tone, bringing an authentic feel to your dining experience.
But what truly stands out is the food. With a lack of genuinely authentic Mexican cuisine in the area, Chava's serves as a beacon for those seeking a taste of the real deal. This isn't your run-of-the-mill, Americanized Mexican food that you might find elsewhere. Chava's offers a menu brimming with traditional dishes that reflect the rich culinary heritage of Mexico. I was unable to find specific dishes during my research, but the overall sentiment from many patrons is that Chava's offers a more faithful representation of Mexican cuisine.
As for service, it's just what you'd expect - efficient and straightforward. Nothing over the top, but certainly nothing to complain about either. They serve your food, refill your drinks, and let the dishes speak for themselves.
In conclusion, Chava's is a spot I'd happily revisit. If you're in downtown or metro St. Louis and have a hankering for some authentic Mexican food, this is your go-to place. It's a dining experience that's colorful, culturally-rich, and...
Read moreWe planned a date to come here and eat because everyone we know raves about it. They have dedicated parking across the street that we were lucky enough to find a spot. You go in and check in with the host and then they have you wait outside to follow Covid Guidelines. Wait time on a Saturday around 7pm was 35 minutes which we felt like was pretty good. We got seated but our tables was dirty and there was a whole quesdilla on the floor under the table that my poor boyfriend stepped in as soon as we sat down. We told one of the bus boys and he said he would come back to clean it up but we were in a tight corner with multiple other tables and he didn't come back while we were there. Our waiter had a lot of tables to tend too and was very quick and quiet when he came to take our drink and food order. He had so many people calling on him we felt bad asking any questions or taking up a lot of time. So we just navigated the menu by ourselves. The chips and salsa was great and we ordered strawberry margs that came out perfect too. We ordered the Chicken Fajitas and Fish Tacos. The fajitas were amazing and tasted so good. The fish tacos were a let down in comparison (chewy and not hot) but the serving sizes are good and it's not super expensive. It was a let down for me but I know we will return eventually and give it...
Read moreRating: 5/5 Stars
Update 3/19/2021: I ordered the Build A Bean Burrito with Fried White Fish Fillets, Mexican Rice, and Guacamole. The burrito was fantastic, and it had great flavor. The aforementioned components complemented each other perfectly! The actual thickness of the fish was not particularly robust, and the fried breading was actually thicker than the fish itself. Nevertheless, I was very satisfied, and price is quite reasonable for the size of the burrito.
Update 1/23/2021: So tasty and efficient as always!
Update 12/11/2020 and 12/16/2020: Literally amazing every time. Best Mexican restaurant in St. Louis! I love the Ranchero Chicken Tacos, the rice, and the beans!!! It continues to be awesome for dine-in and takeout. Please give them the business!
This is my favorite Mexican restaurant in St. Louis. The chips and salsa are excellent, and the salsa is the best in St. Louis and quite addicting. The staff is very attentive and efficient. The menu is very reasonably priced. I am a big fan of the Beef Tacos and Ranchero Chicken Tacos. Both pack a lot of flavor and are quite filling with the rice and beans. Their COVID-19 takeout service is easy to use with...
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