Taqueria Durango

With its no-frills menu and the Mexican grocery next door, Taqueria Durango is like a little piece of Mexico in Overland, MO. While the atmosphere is better suited for a guys’ night out than to impress on a first date, this family restaurant caters to St. Louisans from all walks of life. Whether it’s business men carrying briefcases, workmen in paint-splattered coveralls, or parents with young children, the friendly and attentive staff makes sure everyone is equally comfortable sitting in the dining room of Durango.

Photo by Patrick Mannon

Photo by Patrick Mannon

The laid-back atmosphere sets the tone, but the food really steals the show. Our favorite authentic dishes include the tacos on house-made corn tortillas, sopes (thick tortillas topped with meat, beans, and cheese), and chiles rellenos (cheese-stuffed poblano peppers). Some other selections include gorditas (thick tortillas split in half and stuffed like a sandwich), burritos smothered in either red or green sauce and flautas (deep-fried tacos).

Photo by Patrick Mannon

The best part? Every dish is made to order with your choice of meat. Chorizo? You got it. Pollo? Carnitas? Shrimp? No problem. What’s that, you’re feeling extra adventurous? Go ahead and try lengua (tongue) or mondongo (tripe), both available on almost any menu item.  And if you’re thirsty, grab a cold Corona or order a cocktail from the wide array of tequilas and whiskeys.

Photo by Patrick Mannon

This small establishment is a well-kept secret to most WashU students, but the bottom line is you can’t go wrong at Taqueria Durango. The next time you get a craving for Mexican, take a break from Mi Ranch and Mission Taco to make the trip out to Durango. It’s well worth the extra effort.