Diego's Cantina

4.6

470 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Make a booking

2 people

27 Nov 2024

19:00

Booked 16 times today

Charming
Great for creative cocktails
Great for outdoor dining

Owned and operated by Natasha Kwan, St. Louis Post Dispatch's Best Chef in St. Louis, our elevated Mexican restaurant blends vibrant flavors with a tropical atmosphere that feels like a vacation, taking you far from St. Louis. We’re located in a charming University City neighborhood, just steps from Clayton.

Our menu features plates like queso flameado, costra and crunch tacos, enchiladas, nachos and a few Tex-Mex options. Cocktails and margaritas are crafted with fresh-squeezed juices and premium ingredients. 

We offer all-day happy hour Tuesday through Thursday. We also accommodate parties of 10 or more for special celebrations.

Other accolades:
Best New Restaurant, A-List Restaurant (St. Louis Magazine)
Best Queso (Ian Froeb of St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

To Note:
Gluten free friendly - our fryer is dedicated gluten free so eat all the chips you want!
Many vegan options
Dog friendly patio and sidewalk

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Tex-Mex, Tapas / Small Plates
Hours of Operation
Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Bar Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–11:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(314) 553-9906
Website
http://www.diegosstl.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Natasha Kwan

Location
630 North & South Road, University City, MO 63130
Area
University City
Cross Street
Delmar
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan

Popular dishes

Chips & SalsaUS$4.00
first one's on us
GuacamoleUS$7.00
served with vegetables
Queso BlancoUS$8.00
creamy white cheese & chiles, house chips
Shrimp Cocktail
jumbo shrimp, cucumbers, avocado, pineapple, serraño, cilantro, onion
- (5)US$14.00
Queso FlameadoUS$13.00
house blend, roasted chiles, tortillas, on fire
Sheet Pan NachosUS$15.00
loaded with cheese, salsa, crema, tomato, cilantro, radish
Queso ChicharronesUS$11.00
crispy rolled cheese with roasted chiles
Shrimp SkewerUS$12.00
5 shrimp, house rice

Salads & Sides

House SaladUS$9.00
romaine, tomato, radish, cucumber, charred corn, avocado, poblano, cotija, cumin-lime dressing
EscabecheUS$3.00
pickled vegetables, perfect alone or as an accompaniment to your meal
EsquitesUS$4.00
creamy charred corn, poblano, onion, cilantro, tomato, cotija
Pinto BeansUS$3.00
House RiceUS$3.00

Tacos & Tostadas

Diego's CarnitasUS$5.00
seasoned chicken, onion, cilantro, cotija, lime
Grilled FishUS$6.00
barramundi, onion, cilantro, tomato, lime, smoked crema
Costra de Chiles AsadosUS$6.00
roasted chilis, tomato, onion, cilantro, avocado, salsa roja in crispy cheese
Pollo GuisadoUS$5.00
braised chicken, onion, cilantro, salsa verde, lime
ShrimpUS$6.00
seasoned shrimp, onion, cilantro, salsa verde, lime
Costra de PolloUS$6.00
pickled onion, avocado, cilantro in crispy cheese
Shrimp TostadaUS$10.00
avocado mash, radish, pickled onion, tomato, crema
Vegan TostadaUS$8.00
avocado mash, cabbage, tomato, cilantro, onion, jalapeño crema

Desserts

Diego's Grilled BananaUS$7.00
strawberry, caramel, cinnamon, cayenne
Ice Cream & MarranitoUS$6.00
vanilla ice cream, ginger spiced cookie

Drinks

Mexican CokeUS$3.00
Jarritos TamarindUS$3.00

House Cocktails

Viva Los VerdeUS$11.00
herbaceous and savory; El Buho mezcal, lime, rosemary, basil, agave, himalayan salt
Right Hook FizzUS$10.00
farm fresh; Crown, black & blue berries, mint, lemon, foam, berry shrub, orange flower water
Tequila TonicUS$10.00
refreshing and light; House-made tonic, Espolon blanco, seasonal fruit and herbs

Classic Cocktails

El BurroUS$10.00
tequila mule, ginger syrup, lime, soda
PalomaUS$10.00
Espolon blanco, grapefruit, lime, soda
DaiquiriUS$10.00
overproof rum, agave, lime

Margaritas

House MargaritaUS$9.00
Espolon blanco, lime, orange, agave
Mezcal MargaritaUS$11.00
Montelobos mezcal, lime, orange, agave
Frida's Margarita
Espolon blanco, hibiscus, lime, orange, agave

Featured Flight

taste the difference of time

Espolon Blanco | Espolon Reposado | Espolon AñejoUS$30.00

What 470 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.8Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

St. Louis
Child-friendly
St. Louis
Innovative
St. Louis
Healthy
St. Louis
Neighbourhood gem
St. Louis
Great for outdoor dining
St. Louis
Lively
Midtown
Best Ambience
Midtown
Innovative
Midtown
Good for groups
Midtown
Healthy
Midtown
Neighbourhood gem
Midtown
Great for outdoor dining
Midtown
Romantic
Midtown
Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Diego's Cantina offers a "fresh and delicious" twist on Mexican cuisine. Guests rave about the "best queso," "fantastic mezcal margaritas," and a gluten-friendly menu. The vibrant atmosphere and "coolest decor in town" enhance the dining experience. Service is generally friendly, though experiences may vary.

470 Reviews

M
Marc
Kansas City
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on 2 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I have gone many times. The restaurant never disappoints. Servers are terrific. They are the perfect mix of friendly, professional, and helpful. The food taste really good always seems freshly prepared. The heat throughout the food seems very consistent so I doubt they use a microwave or other to reheat food—if I am wrong they are best reheaters there ever were! Atmosphere is just right. Enjoyable casual and prices in today’s world are pretty darn good! Highly recommend
Is this helpful?
L
Laurie
St. Louis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 2 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious and fresh twist on Mexican food in a lovely location. Recommend!
Is this helpful?
J
James
Dallas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 25 October 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food and drinks at really good prices. Lots of healthy and vegetarian options as well. Will definitely be going back.
Is this helpful?
M
Mayte
Memphis/West TN
35 reviews
vip
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on 25 October 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great space for a large party. Great service and good!
Is this helpful?
H
Haley
St. Louis
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on 24 October 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 5
The food is always delicious! There were seven of us and a 20% gratuity was automatically added to our check. which we all kind of were irritated about because we were not told ahead of time. She also could not split up our check. We waited about 40 minutes to order dessert and then another 30 minutes to actually get our checks. It seems like there was one person, seating tables, taking orders, and bringing the food out. Food is delicious. They need more staff
Is this helpful?
R
Robin
Raleigh
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on 28 September 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Truly delicious food! The margaritas were top notch!! Beautiful restaurant, tastefully decorated without being kitschy. Would definitely return!
Is this helpful?
B
Brendan
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 21 September 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food with lots of options. The service was good too.
Is this helpful?
E
Elin
St. Louis
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on 19 September 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Me and my friends come here once every couple months for a girls night and it never disappoints. The service is always great. The food is always great. The ambience is always great. Thank you!
Is this helpful?
A
Andrew
St. Louis
29 reviews
3.0
29 reviews
Dined on 6 September 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Disappointed. We’ve been before and it was great. But this time, the server had trouble entering the order in the machine. And the food was just…meh. Not worth the $40 per person - food/drinks.
Is this helpful?
E
Elin
St. Louis
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on 31 August 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and margaritas! The grilled cheese with chicken taco is my favorite!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Diego's Cantina offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (314) 553-9906.

Diego's Cantina is rated 4.6 stars by 470 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

27 Nov 2024

19:00

Booked 16 times today

Order delivery or takeout

630 North & South Road, University City, MO 63130

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
Delmar
Area
University City
Hours of Operation
Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–10:00 pm Bar Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–11:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Tex-Mex, Tapas / Small Plates
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Natasha Kwan
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan

Website
http://www.diegosstl.com/
Phone number
(314) 553-9906

Diego's Cantina

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Queso Blanco

Shrimp Tostada

Shrimp

Botanas

Chips & SalsaUS$4.00

GuacamoleUS$7.00

Queso BlancoUS$8.00

Shrimp Cocktail

Queso FlameadoUS$13.00

Sheet Pan NachosUS$15.00

Queso ChicharronesUS$11.00

Shrimp SkewerUS$12.00

Salads & Sides

House SaladUS$9.00

EscabecheUS$3.00

EsquitesUS$4.00

Pinto BeansUS$3.00

House RiceUS$3.00

Tacos & Tostadas

Diego's CarnitasUS$5.00

Grilled FishUS$6.00

Costra de Chiles AsadosUS$6.00

Pollo GuisadoUS$5.00

ShrimpUS$6.00

Costra de PolloUS$6.00

Shrimp TostadaUS$10.00

Vegan TostadaUS$8.00

Desserts

Diego's Grilled BananaUS$7.00

Ice Cream & MarranitoUS$6.00

Drinks

Mexican CokeUS$3.00

Jarritos TamarindUS$3.00

House Cocktails

Viva Los VerdeUS$11.00

Right Hook FizzUS$10.00

Tequila TonicUS$10.00

Classic Cocktails

El BurroUS$10.00

PalomaUS$10.00

DaiquiriUS$10.00

Margaritas

House MargaritaUS$9.00

Mezcal MargaritaUS$11.00

Frida's Margarita

Featured Flight

Espolon Blanco | Espolon Reposado | Espolon AñejoUS$30.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

FAQs

Does Diego's Cantina offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Diego's Cantina restaurant rated?

Is Diego's Cantina currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information