Chava's Mexican Restaurant
Latin Spanish · Mexican · St. Louis, MO
About
The dining room at Chava's has a warm, worn-in feel, with the kind of low buzz that says regulars. This gay-owned Mexican spot in Soulard opened in 2006, replacing the old Mike and Min's music bar. Owner Chris Ybarra brought family recipes from his grandfather Salvador — 'Chava' for short — and built a place that feels like a neighborhood staple. The menu leans Mexican and Latin-Spanish, with tapas-style small plates alongside full entrees. Yelp confirms a 4.2 rating from 563 reviews, and the Yelp data confirms outdoor seating, a full bar, and dog-friendly patios.
Happy hour draws a mixed crowd, and the vibe stays casual. Warm chips come free, portions are generous, and prices sit at standard mid-range. Sundays open at 1pm instead of 11am. If you're in Soulard and want something beyond bar pizza, Chava's is the spot.
Chava's is in Soulard, one of St. Louis's oldest neighborhoods, known for its historic brick architecture and lively bar scene. It's located near S. 9th St, offering easy access to the area's nightlife and weekend farmers market.
Features
- ✓Gay-owned and operated since 2006
- ✓Family recipes from Guadalajara
- ✓Outdoor seating with dog-friendly patio
- ✓Full bar with happy hour specials
- ✓Tapas-style small plates and entrees
Cuisine
Practical
What people say
Rated from 563 reviews. 7 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
“Great Place”
This place is both gay-owned and very welcoming to LGBTQ patrons. It has the feel of a local hangout. The chips are served warm, the meals are tasty and generous, and the prices are reasonable. The atmosphere is also lovely. Honestly, there's nothing more you could want.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cuisine does Chava's serve? +
Chava's serves Mexican cuisine with Latin-Spanish influences, including tapas-style small plates and full entrees. Yelp also lists it as tex-mex.
Does Chava's have outdoor seating? +
Yes, Chava's offers outdoor seating, and the patio is dog friendly.
What are Chava's hours? +
Chava's is open Mon-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, and Sun 1pm-9pm.
Is Chava's good for a date night? +
Yes, the casual atmosphere, full bar, and tapas-style menu make it a solid choice for a relaxed date night in Soulard.
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