Welcome to Mayo Ketchup By Plantain Girl
Welcome to "Mayo Ketchup By Plantain Girl," a vibrant gem in St. Louis that celebrates the culinary traditions of Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba. Founded by a passionate woman entrepreneur, this eatery offers a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for families and groups alike. The menu features flavorful dishes like the beloved Ropa Vieja and the unique Jibarito sandwich—playful takes on classic Caribbean fare. With a commitment to vegan options and a focus on sustainability, including reusable tableware, Mayo Ketchup is a delightful destination for those seeking authentic Caribbean cuisine, warm service, and a welcoming ambiance.
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3135 Olive St St. Louis, MO 63104 United States Hotline: (314) 696-2699
Welcome to Mayo Ketchup By Plantain Girl, a vibrant culinary gem nestled in the heart of St. Louis's Lafayette Square. This restaurant uniquely blends the rich flavors of Puerto Rican, Dominican, and Cuban cuisine, offering a memorable dining experience that resonates with the warmth of the Caribbean. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot for dinner with friends, a casual lunch, or a fun outing with your kids, Mayo Ketchup caters to every culinary whim.
The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between casual and trendy, featuring both indoor and outdoor seating options. Here, the cheerful, welcoming decor echoes the restaurant’s lively spirit. Mayo Ketchup prides itself on its vegan options and inclusive features, such as gender-neutral restrooms and wheelchair accessibility, demonstrating a commitment to all its visitors.
The menu is a treasure trove of shareable delights and hearty bowls, each dish vividly representing Caribbean heritage:
- Sorullitos - These delightful cornmeal fritters are an absolute must-try at just $7.
- Ropa Vieja Bowl - A classic, this shredded flank steak served over rice and beans is both filling and flavorful, priced at $18.
- Jibarito Sandwich - This innovative take on a sandwich showcases your choice of steak, pork, or avocado layered between twice-fried plantains ($16) - a true crowd favorite.
Don't miss the chance to tantalize your taste buds with the signature Mayo Ketchup sauce, which elevates every dish it graces—perfect with the tender carne frita or even the creamy vegan options. The restaurant also offers a happy hour with tempting drink specials, making it an ideal place to unwind after a long day.
Customer reviews enthusiastically highlight the quality and authenticity of the food. Diners like Angela W. appreciate the robust flavors and sizable portions, making for great value. Meanwhile, Danielle P. praises the friendly service that greets you from the moment you arrive.
Whether you're a local or just passing through, Mayo Ketchup By Plantain Girl invites you to savor the true essence of Caribbean cuisine. With each bite, you'll find yourself transported to the sun-kissed shores of the tropics, wrapped in a warm embrace of flavors that linger long after the last morsel has been savored. So, come hungry and ready to explore; your next culinary adventure awaits!
For reservations or takeout, reach out at (314) 696-2699, and don’t forget to check out their website to explore the full menu and daily specials.
Love this little gem in the Lafayette square. Nice to have a Caribbean-rooted option so close by.
Fresh & authentic, happy tummy! Popular place, but great atmosphere, fast and friendly service.
For food, I got the Tostones con Aguacate and Ropa Vieja bowl. The bowl was so delicious. The meat was perfectly cooked and seasoned, the avocado was fresh and the pickled onions added some tanginess and crunch. The tostones were not my favorite. I expected the fried plantains to be crispy but they were too thick and soft. The guacamole needed some salt but was otherwise okay. Overall, I would eat here again and get the bowl but not the tostones. For ambiance, the inside was pretty basic with typical restaurant tables and chairs and some tropical decor. They have a few tables to sit outside as well. For service, the staff was nice and food came out pretty quick.
Great experience, fast service and super cool game decor. Food was really great and both their bowls and sandwiches are amazing.
Love the location right across from Lafayette Park. I stopped in for a quick lunch by myself. I love Caribbean cuisine. I got the sampler because I couldn't make a decision. Everything was delicious. It was a lot of food so I took some home. The mango smoothie was nice and refreshing. Service is always welcoming and friendly. It's a cute restaurant with more seating in the back when it gets busy.
We ordered lunch for the office from here and we couldn't be happier with the food and service. We had about ten ordered and the staff got everything right and labeled everything to make it super convenient. Inside the shop is super cute and retro, and really bright and cheery. I got the we all got a variety of things and everyone was happy with their dish. Don't sleep on the guava lemonade, it was fire.
I've been thrice since I last reviewed (let's just say thank goodness they have an awards program!) and clearly have some favorite items. The Jibarito, La Tripleta, and Yuca Fries are all incredible. In my honest opinion, the Jibarito is best when you choose steak. The only thing that keeps Mayo Ketchup from being a perfect 5/5 for me is consistency of details. We recently got a Jibarito and tripleta that were unspilt (cut in half) which makes them a bear to eat. Also, it is self service which really feels more appropriate for a take and go type restaurant when this is clearly a sit-down situation. This means you often end up sitting at a table with dirty dishes before leaving because they only clean up after a table has departed. Smart on their part to keep a leaner staff.
All the stars! You are greeted with kindness at Mayo Ketchup. There is plenty of tables and options for different group sizes. I enjoyed the steak sandwich and the fries pairs well with their mix of mayonnaise and ketchup. The ropa vieja is memorable. I look forward to exploring the menu at Mayo Ketchup because everything is delightful. There a signature cocktail menu. This place welcomes families by having a generous kids menu.