Malinche
Date Visited: May 10, 2025
Game: STL City SC vs. San Diego – 2-1 Loss
Location: Malinche: Section 140, Energizer Park
Reviewed by: Benjamin Massmann, Pitchside Plates
Introduction
There’s no shortage of exciting food vendors at Energizer Park. From messy burgers to local-favorite barbecue and global street food, you can usually find something worth trying, even if it’s not always a hit on the scoreboard. So when I saw a vendor promising authentic Mexican street-style tacos and nachos under the name Malinche, I had to give it a shot.
I’m a sucker for bold flavors and quality street food. But what I experienced here was a blend of hype and hesitation, some decent spice, nice presentation, but way too many missed opportunities. Let’s dive in and break down why Malinche left me full of questions… but not food.
Location Overview: Malinche at Section 140
Malinche is tucked away in Section 140, it might not be easy to find, but it is next to Farm Truk. The big draw here is the open griddle setup. You can see tortillas being heated and trays being assembled in full view, which instantly adds a sense of freshness. But don’t let that griddle fool you; what looks like a made-to-order experience quickly unravels once you’re in line.
The Ordering Experience: Long Lines and Miscommunication
Let’s talk about the wait. This wasn’t just slow, it was embarrassing. Even though Malinche’s menu is limited (just tacos and nachos), they prepare each dish as it's ordered, and the line barely moved. I’ve waited less time to get through TSA.
I tried to beat the rush by placing a mobile order, but here’s the catch: Malinche doesn’t start preparing your food until you show up and ask them to. So yes, you can order in advance… but unless you tell them you’re there and ready, you’ll be waiting forever.
It’s a messy system; confusing, frustrating, and not ideal for a busy stadium. If you're planning to eat here, don’t come with high expectations for speed. Or service.
Dish 1: Steak Tacos – Beautiful Presentation, Bland Results
Price: $19.49
Shareability Rating: 3/3
Budget-Friendliness: 1/3
Flavor Score: 1/3
The steak tacos arrived in a slick-looking tray; three tacos, neatly lined up, topped with pickled onions, queso fresco, and salsa. Visually, it was impressive. Each taco felt hand-built, which I respect. This was not fast-food assembly; someone took their time. But the looks were better than the taste.
The Good:
Presentation was top-notch.
Easily shareable — three tacos means you can split with a friend or hoard them all for yourself.
The Not-So-Good:
Tortillas fell apart. They were barely warmed on the griddle and lacked structure.
Steak was dry. Flavorful but overcooked and missing that juicy punch.
Queso fresco was almost nonexistent. If you’re going to list it, let it be a part of the dish, not an empty promise.
Bottom Line:
At $20 for three small tacos, the taste didn’t justify the spend. Outside the stadium, I’ve had 3 tacos and a drink for $10. Inside, I expect to pay more, but I also expect something worth the money. These weren’t.
Dish 2: Chicken Nachos – Spicy, Saucy, and Still a Letdown
Price: $19.49
Shareability Rating: 3/3
Budget-Friendliness: 1/3
Flavor Score: 2/3
When the chicken nachos hit the counter, my first thought was: “That’s it?” The portion was underwhelming. A small tray, a modest amount of chips, and toppings that looked decent, but not nearly enough for the price tag.
The Good:
Flavor delivery was excellent. The pickled onions and salsa verde were great.
Spicy kick hit just right. If you like a little heat, this is for you.
The chicken was surprisingly good. Maybe the best item they serve; moist, spicy, and soaked in flavor.
The Not-So-Good:
Portion size felt stingy. Other nacho options in the stadium give you much more food.
Messy layout. Have napkins on standby because it’s a sauce bomb (which can be fun or frustrating).
Bottom Line:
This was the better of the two dishes, no doubt. But at the same price as the tacos, I still felt like the value wasn’t there. It might be worth trying once, especially if you like spicy chicken, but don’t expect it to fill you up.
Vibe and Atmosphere: Griddle Glamour, Kitchen Confusion
There’s something special about seeing your food made right in front of you, the sizzle, the smell, the anticipation. Malinche almost delivers that. The griddle is a nice touch, but it’s underutilized.
The tortillas weren’t grilled long enough. The meat? Pulled from bins. And the overall prep seemed more about keeping the line moving than showcasing quality. If you’re going to have a show kitchen setup, lean into it. Let fans experience the heat, the noise, the authenticity.
Budget Breakdown: Are You Really Getting What You Pay For?
Let’s call it what it is: $20 for tacos or nachos is a tough sell unless the food is exceptional. Here’s the breakdown:
The tacos: too expensive for the quantity of food, and the steak tasted like it was cooked hours ago.
The nachos: tasted great, but why so little topping? If it were a kid’s size portion and pricing I could understand, but this was not cheap.
In both cases, the quantity didn’t match the price. You could double up at another stadium spot and get more food with similar or better quality.
Tips for First-Timers
Use the mobile app – but don’t assume that means fast service. You still have to show up and ask for your food.
Skip if you’re short on time. The line moves slowly, and there’s no real urgency behind the counter.
Plan to supplement your meal. The portions won’t satisfy two people. We had to make a second stop at Wally’s after this one.
Spicy alert: The chicken nachos bring heat. Sensitive stomachs beware.
Final Verdict: Will We Be Back?
No. While the chicken on the nachos was worth a nod, the tacos fell flat, the portions were weak, and the service was a headache. Malinche feels like a vendor that’s halfway to greatness but unwilling to close the gap.
The potential is there — the concept is solid, the visuals are strong, the flavor base is real, but execution is everything. And right now, Malinche just doesn’t deliver on the promise.
Rating Summary (Out of 3)
Overall Impression:
Presentation: 10/10
Flavor: 5/10
Value: 3/10
Return Likelihood: 0/10
Fan Perspective
We asked a nearby fan who ordered the same chicken nachos what they thought. Their verdict?
“The flavor’s great, but I wouldn’t wait that long again. And this isn’t enough food for two. It’s an snack, not a meal.”
Fair take. And consistent with our experience.
Closing Thoughts
Malinche is one of those places that makes you believe in potential. It could be special. With some operational tweaks, bigger portions, and better use of their kitchen setup, this could be a fan favorite. But for now? It’s all style, limited substance.
If you're craving tacos or nachos at Energizer Park, I’d point you somewhere else, unless you're going for their spicy margarita and don’t mind the wait.
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