Taqueria Morita's brick-and-mortar space in Central West End serves inventive tacos, cocktails and dessert

Take Root Hospitality’s Taqueria Morita launched in 2022 as a warm-weather pop-up concept on Vicia’s patio, then moved to Winslow’s Table for the colder months. Now, it finally has its own space in the Central West End – a casual spot offering walk-in seating only and ordering via QR code at your table.

The smoked carrot tacos are delicious, with smokiness to the fore and an herbaceous charred tomatillo and dill salsa. The spicy pork carnitas tacos are topped with a viscous smoked habanero-pineapple sauce that balances sweetness and heat, along with pickled red onion and crispy chicharron for textural counterpoint.

Margaritas may be the go-to choice here, but the La Fresa with gin, strawberry, guava, lime and club soda is a refreshing, lightly sweet sipper that complements the food well. For dessert, try the succulent coconut tres leches cake with mezcal-poached strawberry, toasted almonds and almond cremosa.

4239 Duncan Ave., St. Louis, 314.261.4551, taqueriamorita.com