SURESTE Mexican

If you’ve been searching for a place where “gluten-free” isn’t an afterthought but the entire foundation of the menu, SURESTE Mexican at City Foundry STL might just be your new favorite taco spot. Now operating as Taqueria del Sureste, this fast-casual counter inside St. Louis’ City Foundry Food Hall serves regional Yucatan cuisine that is naturally, completely, and gloriously gluten-free — not because of a trend, but because that’s simply how this food has always been made.

Chef Alex Henry, who hails from Merida on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, brings the flavors of his grandmother’s kitchen to every dish. The corn is sourced from Ernst Family Farms in Illinois and ground into fresh masa daily using the commissary kitchen at El Molino del Sureste — the acclaimed sit-down sibling restaurant in Southampton where Henry earned a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist nod for Best Chef: Midwest. The taqueria format is streamlined for speed and consistency, but don’t mistake casual for careless — critics have noted the kitchen produces work of impressive caliber despite the counter-service setting.

For anyone navigating food allergies, this is a rare find: a dedicated gluten-free kitchen that doesn’t compromise on flavor, authenticity, or creativity. There’s no wheat or barley anywhere in the operation, which means cross-contamination from gluten simply isn’t a concern. Celiac diners can exhale and order with confidence.

Dietary and Allergy Accommodations

Gluten-Free

This is where SURESTE truly shines. The entire kitchen is dedicated gluten-free — there is no wheat, barley, or gluten-containing ingredient anywhere in the operation. Tortillas are made from freshly milled heirloom corn masa. Every taco, tamale, side, and special is gluten-free by default. Multiple celiac reviewers on FindMeGlutenFree and Happy Celiac have reported feeling completely safe dining here, calling it “some of the best tacos I’ve had in the U.S., and 100% gluten free.” This is one of the most celiac-friendly restaurants in the entire St. Louis metro.

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Dairy-Free

Several menu items are naturally dairy-free or can work for dairy-free diners. The cochinita pibil tacos (achiote-citrus roasted pork with pickled onions and habanero) contain no dairy. The tacos al pastor, suadero tacos, and castacan pork belly tacos are also dairy-free as listed. The guacamole, frijoles colados (black bean dip), and salsa with chips are all dairy-free sides. However, some items do include queso fresco, cotija cheese, or crema — so check descriptions carefully or ask staff to hold the cheese.

Nut-Free

The menu does not prominently feature nuts. The one item to be aware of is the sikil pak (a traditional Yucatan pumpkin seed dip), which contains seeds. Coconut appears in the camarones al coco (coconut-battered shrimp) and the horchata de coco. For those with tree nut allergies, most of the taco menu should be safe, but always confirm with staff regarding preparation and cross-contact.

Pescatarian

Pescatarians have solid options here. The camarones al coco tacos (corn masa-coconut battered shrimp with peach-tamarind salsa) are a standout, and the shrimp ceviche marinated in citrus with tomato, onion, cilantro, and habanero is a bright, refreshing choice. Pair either with the calabacitas (vegetarian squash) tacos and a side of guacamole for a full meal.

Vegan

Vegan options are limited but present. The guacamole, frijoles colados (refried black bean dip), and salsa are all vegan sides. The calabacitas tacos (tomato-braised squash with onion and herbs) would need the queso fresco removed to be vegan — worth asking about. This isn’t a vegan destination, but you won’t leave hungry.

Unmet Diets or Allergies

Keto and Paleo: The menu is built around corn tortillas, rice, and beans — all carb-forward staples. While the proteins themselves (pork, beef, chicken, shrimp) are high quality, there’s no easy way to order without the tortilla in this taqueria format. Keto and paleo diners would struggle here.

Whole 30: Similar challenges to keto/paleo, with the added complication of corn not being Whole30-compliant.

Kosher: No kosher certification. Pork is central to the menu (cochinita pibil, pork belly, tacos al pastor).

Halal: No halal certification. The menu is heavily pork-focused.

Reviewers Rave About

• Cochinita Pibil Tacos — The signature dish and the one that put SURESTE on the map. Slow-roasted, achiote-citrus marinated pork with pickled red onions and habanero on fresh corn tortillas. Reviewers consistently call these “some of the best tacos in the U.S.” and return for them again and again.
• Castacan (Pork Belly) Tacos — Crispy, crunchy skin-on pork belly with salsa de cilantro, radish, pickled tomatillos, achiote oil, and lime on handmade blue corn tortillas. The textural contrast between the crispy belly and the fresh toppings is a showstopper.
• Shrimp Ceviche — Bright, citrus-marinated shrimp with tomato, onion, cilantro, and just the right touch of habanero heat. A refreshing counterpoint to the richer taco options.
• Tamal Colado — A tender heirloom corn masa tamale filled with cochinita pibil, tomato, onion, and herbs. The masa is silky smooth thanks to the fresh-ground corn, and at $9 it’s one of the best values on the menu.
• House-Made Salsas — Across the board, reviewers praise the salsas as exceptional — vibrant, layered, and authentically Yucatecan with just the right habanero kick.

Location

3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110 — inside City Foundry STL Food Hall