Doña Gloria is serving exceptional Mexican food in the Carondelet neighborhood of St. Louis

Served with a spicy green salsa and a particularly delicious red salsa, the complimentary chips that welcome your arrival at Doña Gloria are an early indicator that this will prove a rewarding trip to Carondelet. At present, the restaurant doesn’t serve alcohol – instead, order the horchata, full of spices, lightly creamy and as sure to lift your mood as the restaurant’s colorful interior. The menu is long and varied, but the a la carte section allows you to sample more dishes by ordering items like chile rellenos, tostadas and flautas in single pieces. We had a carnitas tostada, piled high with pork, shredded lettuce, onion, cheese, sour cream and tomato, as well as some very fine tacos: barbacoa and lengua were two favorites. The mole Mexicano is a standout: Use a couple of forks to pull apart strips of chicken, mix in some extra mole sauce, and serve it on a tortilla if you like. Next time, we’ll bring enough friends to share the molcajete: chicken, steak, shrimp, chorizo, cheese, cactus and onion served with green salsa in the eponymous stone bowl.

5200 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, 314.448.1424, Facebook: Dona Gloria Authentic Mexican Restaurant