Nixta

With bright green and turquoise walls and a pink garage door, Nixta looks like it was designed by your grade school art teacher who dressed like Frida Kahlo (there’s a large portrait of her inside too). This Mexican spot in Tower Grove focuses on shared plates and cocktails, and between the colorful space and amount of mezcal being passed around, it feels like you’re at an indoor/outdoor dinner party at a friend’s place. Their seasonal menu changes frequently, but the ceviche, octopus, and guacamole are all excellent. If you only have one dinner in St. Louis, make sure it’s here.