Mission Taco - Kirkwood
MISSION TACO JOINT
We became familiar with Mission Taco Joint way back with the first one opened in the Delmar Loop back in 2013. The space was fun, the taco choices were interesting and the margaritas were freshly made and fantastic. They now have 5 locations in St. Louis and 2 in Kansas City. We decided to try their newest location in Kirkwood which is their largest space in the old Kirkwood Station Brewing location. We went twice so we could try more options and also wanted to see how it was progressing with the reopening after COVID.
The space is rather large and has some great artwork on the walls to keep with the eclecticness of their other locations. Unfortunately there was no bar seating - which is always our first option - but both times we were sat at well spaced tables and the service, as usual, was friendly and swift.
On our first trip we tried the empanadas, which we had not had before. These are filled with their shredded beef, Chihuahua cheese and pico. They are served with a mango-hop-anero aioli (which is used on some of their other dishes and is very good). We found these extremely tasty with the meat tender and spicy with just enough additional heat from the aioli. We also on this trip got the Brah’rito and had smothered with queso. If you have never had Mission Taco’s burritos, they should be on your list to try. We usually get the South Beach with chicken but decided to try this beef one this time. The combination of the shredded beef, pork carnitas, chili crusted potato fries (yes fries!), black beans and Chihuahua cheese are tremendous and filling. Any burrito here can EASILY be shared - which we did and enjoyed every bite.
On our second visit we started with the Mexican Street Corn Fritters which are fried and topped with a garlic lime aioli. We also had not had these before but one thing we did know is that Mission’s street corn is the best around so we knew we wouldn’t be disappointed. And we were not!!! These were moist, flavorful and will be ordered again the next time we go. The tacos are street-sized and we tend to share them so we can try more flavors but I would say 3-4 would make a healthy meal. We tried 5 - BLT, Chicken Guisado, Spicy Chorizo, Mango-Hop-Anero Shrimp and Carna Asada. These were all new ones for us and all were great. Our favorite two though were the Shrimp and the Chicken with BLT coming in third. (Although anything with bacon on it is one of T’s favorites.)
On both occasions we had their Mission Margarita and a Paloma and maybe a cerveza or two. The restaurant is fun and on our second visit the arcade area was open which gives an option for some entertainment before or after dinner. As this location is fairly close to us, we look forward to many more visits here.
