Mission Taco Joint has been hit hard by the pandemic, and at one point battled state bureaucracy in an effort to sell to-go cocktails.
One government action has helped it though: the city of St. Louis’ closure of Euclid Avenue in stretches of the Central West End.
Launched in July by the neighborhood’s community improvement district, the “Streatery” program allowed restaurants to put tables in the street during weekend evenings, freeing up more dining space amid government occupancy restrictions and some customers’ hesitancy to eat inside.
With favorable weather and residents seeking something to do, the Central West End scene has been that of a large outdoor party.