I’ve never been a fan of «modern» or «upscale» Mexican dining. The essence of good Mexican food is simple affordably priced ingredients. And while there’s nothing«wrong» with Cantina Laredo, I feel like they’re offering needlessly overpriced dishes. Overall, this is the type of place I don’t mind eating at, but nothing stands out. You’ll never hear me say, «OH! I have a major craving for Cantina Laredo.»
Caprice F.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Saint Louis, MO
I had my first experience here on Friday for lunch. The ambiance of this establishment was top-notch, very clean, chic, and modern. The service from our waiter was also excellent. I ordered the lunch portion of enchiladas, one beef and one cheese. It was not bad but far from the best I’ve had. It came with beans and rice. The beans were dry and the dish really needed sour cream, tomatoes, lettuce, and guacamole, none of which came with the dish. I do like the concept that the restaurant makes table-side guacamole. A colleague that I had lunch with who had been here before said that it is no joke, with a cart being wheeled out to the table with a variety of extra add-ins that you normally don’t find in basic guac. I’d like to return and order a different dish and get that table-side guac for sure.
Paul Z.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Saint Louis, MO
The service and food were excellent. We had the sea bass and Laredo queso. The sea bass was charred to perfection. Great drinks as well. It was kind of funny that one of the specials of the day was already on the menu which confused us. But we will be back and soon.
Mark G.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Iowa City, IA
This place misses the mark for modern Mexican. It’s suppose to cost more for a little better food and a nicer atmosphere. It looks nice, but the food is just okay. The guacamole isn’t that good, not much else I can say. It’s table side, that’s about all that’s unique about it. The ceviche was bland and fishy to a degree. The salsa are pretty good though. I think most would agree on this. The tacos have some good and bad elements. The meat is pretty good, the toppings are okay, and the tortilla is all bad. They don’t seem to go together. Not the best of modern Mexican places, doesn’t hit consistently on all menu items.
ANgie Y.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Saint Louis, MO
Please don’t eat here it’s terrible. I got some stuffed pepper thing and the sauce tasted like burnt soap. I hardly ever return food but this was just inedible. Clearly people arent’t tasting the food that cook it or don’t know what good food tastes like and rely on the boozy drinks and show of guac(overpriced dazzling fot also those who dont know how to cook). Word of advice put your dishwasher behind the stove and let them make a true mexican meal.
Kim G.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Springfield, IL
The guac is awesome, they make it table side! Javier is a great waiter, very knowledgeable and respectful! Blood orange sangria, YUM! Fish tacos are great too! Pretty much love everything we have tried!
Brooke L.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Saint Louis, MO
More like Cantina Lare-BRO. If your ears can handle the piercing sounds of douchey young professionals… I recommend the bacon wrapped shrimp.
Allie O.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Saint Louis, MO
My husband and I tried this new restaurant out only because we had a coupon. We showed up and we’re hoping for something slightly more intimate, but instead got seated at a very wide table that put a lot of space between us. The food was fairly good, but it didn’t seem to be enough. My husband and I were hungry again shortly after. We were glad we had a coupon too, because it was quite pricey for even upscale Mexican, and especially pricey for the amount of food we received. All in all, even though the food tasted pretty good, the price and the amount of food left us wanting something more.
Macy H.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Chicago, IL
Went there for lunch. My mom ordered the tuna tacos and the tuna was not eatable. It was like eating string with an extremely awful taste. She took a bite out of it and had to spit it out, it was that bad. When telling the server he took it away. When we got our check the tacos were not taken off… so they served her something uneatable and possibly poisoned and still charged us for it.
Amy B.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Saint Louis, MO
Cantina Laredo is bro-y, loud, and one of those annoying places that only does happy hour«at the bar». Literally, AT the bar, not at any of the booths surrounding said bar. It feels so deceptive and chintzy when restaurants do that; it’s an immediate turnoff. Service is incredibly slow. The maragritas and food are both just okay(but unsurprisingly, over-priced). Looks trendy and there are huge TVs playing the game, if you’re into that. Clearly caters to the Clayton business crowd. MEH. I wouldn’t come back unless I was dragged by someone else. Not my worst experience but there are much better places to get drinks and tacos.
Payton M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Saint Louis, MO
Have been here several times and have never been disappointed! The margaritas are top notch, service is excellent, food is great — and I have tried several dishes and appetizers. Some of my favorites are the bacon-wrapped shrimp, table-side prepared guac, and carne asada. I used Cantina for a work event, we had 18 people seated on the patio and everything went very smoothly. I even forgot to take the receipt so that I could be reimbursed by my company and the GM, Josh, was able to find it and email me a copy which was much appreciated! My co-workers were very impressed and have even asked that we do another dinner there! Beyond the restaurant, the location is very convenient, there is valet out front and Cantina will validate your parking for the garage that is over the restaurant. Will definitely keep coming here :)
Christina E.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Saint Louis, MO
A newer restaurant in the Clayton area, Cantina Laredo offers an upscale take on mexican cuisine. They offer classic mexican dishes with a modern twist and higher quality product than you find in your traditional mexican restaurant. The margaritas are AMAZING; they do not taste like they have a lot of mix but they are on the strong side. The atmosphere and service was just as great as the food! We will definitely be back.
Frank C.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Germantown Hills, IL
Great food, excellent service, average attention to detail. Let’s start by saying the Guac is killer. Ceviche is really good too. Oh, then there’s the drink menu… be careful how much you order. Drinks are very tasty and very strong. Attention to detail lacking. Ordered the Tacos de Barbacoa, they were amazing but cold. Wife’s dish was not assembled well. Cheese was haphazardly put on the meat and most of it was next to the meat, not actually on it. Restaurant is a tad noisy. Bonus for having a kids menu.
Laura H.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Saint Louis, MO
Hell yes, upscale Mexican. A great demonstration of Mexican cuisine that one doesn’t order using a number. Nice, if loud, atmosphere, great service. Generous happy hour specials. They make their own salsa and it’s entirely unique and delicious. I had the Camarones Escondidos, which was so delicious I was furious that I’m just now getting to shrimp stuffed in a chicken breast topped with sautéed spinach and chipotle-wine sauce. I’ve wasted so much time! My companion had the Tortas de Carnitas: a dazzling, hearty sandwich of slow-roasted pork, fried egg, apricot spread, and goat cheese. Outstanding. We took a Mexican apple pie home because we were powerless against words like«Mexican brandy butter» and«cinnamon ice cream.» Glorious.
Lee V.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Saint Louis, MO
Here now granted it’s an hour before they close but damn they might as well lock the door now sitting at the bar the guy is so busy doing his closing work hasn’t greeted me yet servers are sitting in booths laughing no one has greeted me yet… to be continued Ok honestly this was a White Castle night and Netflix only if they had margaritas I could’ve had my ass at home!!! So sad
Alyssa M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Bridgeton, MO
Went here on a date night, and loved it! The crab enchiladas were out of this world good. Hubby got the slow roasted pork sandwich and loved it. Found the margaritas to be overpriced and just okay, but we aren’t experts by any means. Oh, and the Mexican brownie is a must try! Once we saw the neighboring table get it, we had to try it, and it did not disappoint! We will definitely go back, but we just won’t get drinks again!
Paul K.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Saint Louis, MO
Business lunch surprise. Came to this beautiful location for an informal business lunch and it really was outstanding. One of the people I was with ordered the guacamole as an appetizer. They came out with a tray full of ingredients for you to choose and make the guacamole tableside. I don’t think you can get guacamole dip any fresher. For a starter I had their soup and it was in the upper half of all soup I have had since I turned 60 and the government made me eat soup. The Carne Asada was very flavorful and seasoned to perfection. I do believe this is the first time I have ever eaten Carne Asada. I am a total fan. For the location, Clayton, the prices were well within line of an upper tier Mexican place.
Christy A.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Saint Louis, MO
This was my second visit to Cantina Laredo; I hadn’t had a chance to review my first visit before returning so I’ll clump them together. This may be bitter sweet but I enjoyed my first Sunday Brunch visit a lot more than my Monday lunch return. Winners: 1. Décor is super nice 2. The complimentary salsa and chips are delicious 3. Outdoor seating with flat screen TV 4. Great space for groups I won’t display a list of «Losers» because I don’t want anyone to misinterpret my experience with total dissatisfaction. What I did not particularly care for during my second visit was the service. The server wasn’t very personable or helpful in describing menu items. She often disappeared and took an extended period of time to return with drinks(we were 1 of 2 tables in the entire restaurant during this time) while she swept the floor and congregated with co-workers. The food was served hot and with a nice presentation. My Mahi Mahi tacos were tasty; only 2 in a lunch order. I could have had 2 more; they should consider expanding the dish. 2 tacos is a joke, My guest had the chicken fajitas and stated they were also good. The mimosa was very good($ 7.50) and the Patron Margarita was poured proper($ 12.50) If I return it will be to enjoy drinks and conversation in the chic establishment versus to have the dining experience of a lifetime. Cantina Laredo has a purpose…
Lydia L.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Saint Louis, MO
Usually I prefer going to the taco places on Cherokee to get some simple, but good quality tacos. This wouldn’t be a Mexican restaurant I would pick for everyday taco cravings, but this is definitely a place I would bring a group to for happy hour. The building itself is open, clean, and modern. It has convenient parking in the deck right next to niche/pastaria. I came here specifically for happy hour, so I will have to return for a full meal, but the pricing is a great value. Small Margarita for $ 3 and large for $ 5, snacks were pretty affordable and good for sharing. We tried the: ahi fish tacos(3) — fresh, clean cuts of ahi, red onion, guac, and a crispy taco shell crab cakes(3) — why did I order crab cakes at a mexican restaurant? The cakes themselves were good, but the sauce underneath was flavorless. Clientele? People from the Clayton area that just got off work, avg age probably late 30s-early 40s. There is plenty of bar space, so I’ll be back for a margarita and perhaps a dinner or lunch.
Leslie S.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Saint Louis, MO
Too pricy for what you get. Top Shelf Guacamole $ 10.29, serves 2 – 4, but I’m sure I’m paying for it to be done tableside, which is not necessary, but there are no other guac options listed. Enchilada Veracruz(lunch) $ 10.79, very tasty but way overpriced for such a small serving! One small enchilada and side of fresh squash. It’ll take some rave reviews for me to pay $ 20 for fajitas at dinner with so many other good Mexican options in the area.