Acero
Italian/Small Plates. Golden yolk spills from ravioli. Roasted porchetta glistens. Ricotta salata is sprinkled atop orechiette. Cucina povera is glorious at this trendsetting place, where lighter pasta portions and affordable wine quartinos contribute to memorable dinners. The four-course prix fixe is inevitably worthwhile. The place is lively, usually packed, and always rewarding. Dinner Mon–Sat. 7266 Manchester, 314-644-1790, fialafood.com. $$
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Basso
American/Italian. The draw here, one of the hippest bistro-type eateries in town, is upscale, small-portion Italian fare: roasted Brussels sprouts, seared pork belly, creamy burrata. Pizzas are topped with such ingredients as duck egg and shrimp sausage. The atmosphere is cool and sophisticated, with a classy bar, where happy hour doesn’t cease till 7 p.m., in the center of things. Dinner Mon–Sat. 7036 Clayton, 314-932-7820, basso-stl.com. $$
Blue Sky Tower Grill
American. Here, you’ll find a predictable menu: burgers, wraps, pizzas, nachos, and daily specials. But the real draw at this quirky, bright eatery: more than 60 martinis. (Insiders also come here for some fine breakfasts.) Breakfast Mon–Fri, lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. 1034 S. Brentwood, 314-726-2583, blueskystl.com. $–$$
Bonefish Grill
Seafood. It’s like a very nice, very big, very classy bar that also serves great food. Should you want a quiet tête-à-tête, hang in the adjacent bar, with full meal service. Fish and steaks get a wood-grilled treatment that highlights flavor and enhances texture. Lunch and dinner daily. 8780 Eager, 314-918-1649, bonefishgrill.com. $$–$$$
Boogaloo
Creole/Cuban/Caribbean/Small Plates. The tapas menu boasts several dishes that you’re not likely to find anywhere else in St. Louis, such as Brazil nut–encrusted manchego cheese and conch fritters. The sandwich menu features one of the best Cuban sandwiches in town, the Cubaniche, along with a vegetarian version. The Cuban paella brings the flavors of Cuba—shrimp, mussels, clams, market fish, andouille sausage, saffron, coconut milk, Valencia rice—to the heart of Maplewood. Try to finagle a seat at the bar (they’re swings!) or a seat on the hidden patio out back. Lunch Mon–Sat, dinner daily. 7344 Manchester, 314-645-4803, boogalooswings.com. $$
Boundary
American. Adding a more affordable small-plates menu, a raw bar, and several casual seating options at the former Restaurant at The Cheshire was a stroke of genius and the perfect complement to sister restaurants Basso and Fox & Hounds Tavern. Lunch Mon–Sat, dinner daily, brunch Sun. 7036 Clayton, 314-932-7818, boundary-stl.com. $$
Carl’s Drive In
Drive-in. Waiting for one of the 16 seats in this closet-size place is a St. Louis tradition. Crispy spatula-thin burgers sizzle, and golden onion rings crackle in hot oil. The aroma conjures pure, delicious nostalgia. Don’t even think about not ordering the root beer float. Lunch and dinner Tue–Sat. 9033 Manchester, 314-961-9652. $
The Crow’s Nest
American. This “gastrodive” offers upscale pub food with a vintage rock vibe. Iconic rock and pop concert posters line the walls, menus are presented in record albums, and old movies are projected onto one wall. Must-try house specialties include the truffle frites and deep-fried deviled eggs. A Metal Brunch on Sundays brings typical breakfast fare with a soundtrack of classic metal bands. Weekly events include “completely absurd” trivia on Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, and traditional trivia on Thursdays. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sun. 7336 Manchester, 314-781-0989, crowsnestbarstl.blogspot.com. $
Fox & Hounds Tavern
American. Cozy, retro-romantic, and chock-full of nooks, the Fox & Hounds is where you’ll stop for a cocktail and end up staying for more, such as the Liverpool wings, grilled salmon, or lamb sliders. The fireplace is a perfect place to gather and reminisce. Dinner nightly. 6300 Clayton, 314-647-7300, cheshirestl.com. $$
Fozzie’s Sandwich Emporium
Sandwiches/Deli. The sandwiches, burgers, salads, and gyros (pictured) here are big, fresh, and creative. A house original, the Big Bend Mafia consists of Italian beef, salsiccia, giardiniera, and Provolone on a garlic hoagie. The Cardiac Burger—not for the faint of heart—is a quarter-pound burger dressed with bacon, a hot dog, chili, slaw, tomato, and American cheese. The Richmond Heights location features an outdoor vegetable garden, and lettuce and herbs are grown in an indoor garden at the Des Peres location. Gluten-free bread is available. Lunch and dinner daily. 1170 S. Big Bend, 314-932-5414; 11656 Manchester, 314-909-4755; foodatfozzies.com. $
Frank Papa’s Ristorante
Italian. Linen tablecloths, sparkling tableware, and a splendid wall of wine are hints: This is classic—surprisingly affordable—Italian dining. It’s posh. Chocolate ravioli is the best dessert; before getting there, you’ll work your way through superior veal dishes, some grand pastas and risotto, and delightful primi offerings like mussels diavolo. Lunch Wed–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. 2241 S. Brentwood, 314-961-3344, frankpapas.com. $$–$$$
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
American. Some believe that Gus’s has the best fried chicken in the country. Little-known fact: There’s one style of breading for the pieces (rated 6 on a scale of 10) and one that’s less spicy for the tenders. The fried pickle spears are a must, and beer and wine are also available. Lunch and dinner daily. 7434 Manchester, 314-899-9899, gusfriedchicken.com. $$
Joy Luck Buffet
Chinese. The constantly replenished buffet includes both Americanized items and authentically exotic dishes. Seafood selections are particularly worthwhile. For those with a taste for spicy Szechuan, Joy Luck has a “secret” 42-page menu. Lunch and dinner daily. 8030 Manchester, 314-645-9982. $–$$
Mai Lee
Vietnamese/Asian. Mai Lee is St. Louis’ go-to for pho. The menu’s big and so is the space, which is always crowded. If you’re adventurous, ask the staff for suggestions, or try the canh chua ca, an addictive fish stew. The beefy, herby pho broth is unforgettable. Make this a Sunday-night dinner stop. Lunch and dinner Tue–Sun. 8396 Musick Memorial, 314-645-2835, maileestl.com. $$
Maya Café
Pan-Latin. Reopened in February 2015, this popular Maplewood haunt was closed for so long, we’d almost forgotten about the hand-shaken margaritas and pollo en pepián dulce, best enjoyed on the “shipwreck” patio out back. Lunch Tue–Sat, dinner daily. 2726 Sutton, 314-781-4774, mayacafestl.com. $$
Michael’s Bar and Grill
Greek/American. Traditional Greek flavors can be found in this neighborhood sports-bar setting. Toasted ravioli, burgers, gyros, and hot wings are served alongside expertly prepared entrées such as rack of lamb, pastitio, and traditional avgolemono soup. Fried zucchini with horseradish sauce is a refreshing twist on French fries. The 10-ounce Michael Burger is a sight to behold, especially when topped with a bright-orange ball of soft cheddar. Lunch and dinner daily. 7101 Manchester, 314-644-2240. $–$$
Mike Duffy’s Pub & Grill
Bar & Grill. Fifteen burgers are available on the “Burger Heaven” menu, including the usual suspects and specialty burgers like bison, a Cajun burger with jalapeños and pepper Jack cheese, and a Sunrise burger dressed with bacon and a fried egg. Also on the menu: slow-smoked barbecue, St. Louis–style pizza, wings, and a darn good cup of chili. There are trivia nights and occasional live music, and kids eat free on Monday and Tuesday nights. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. 6662 Clayton, 314-644-3700, mikeduffys.com. $
The Muddled Pig
American. As the name suggests, the emphasis is on craft cocktails and upscale pork-centric pub grub. (We recommend the fried pork shank wings). True to the gastro theme, meat is ground in house, fries are hand cut, and the beer list meanders from macro to micro. Lunch and dinner Tue–Sat, dinner Sun. 2733 Sutton, 314-781-4607, themuddledpig.com. $$
Nadoz Bakery and Café
American. Did you think life couldn’t get any better than sprinkle-topped doughnuts? Try the Nutella-slathered crêpes at this breakfast mecca. Or, if you’re looking for a healthier option, start the day with the salmon-bagel platter. Oh, and don’t forget about the pretzel rolls. Call for hours. 12 The Boulevard, 314-726-3100, nadozcafe.com. $
The Post Sports Bar and Grill
Bar & Grill. A haven for fantasy sports fans, The Post has an appetizer menu devoted to classic finger foods: chicken wings, pretzel and beer–coated cheese bites, toasted ravioli… “Post-Its” come in three varieties: garlic cheese-bread bites, bacon chicken ranch, and pepperoni pizza. The rest of the menu includes pub-friendly salads, soups, pizza, sandwiches, and wraps. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sun. 7372 Manchester, 314-645-1109; 763 Old Ballas, 314-736-1205; thepostsportsbar.com. $
Reeds American Table
American. Led by former Taste chef Matt Daughaday and the city’s most credentialed sommelier, Andrey Ivanov, a crackerjack team of culinarians serves amped-up “neighborhood restaurant” fare with desserts and drinks to match. The main dining room is upstairs, but we prefer the action on the ground floor. Dinner Wed–Mon. 7322 Manchester, 314-899-9821, reedsamericantable.com. $$
Revel Kitchen
American. St. Louis Cardinals nutritionist Simon Lusky hit the proverbial home run when he created a 100 percent gluten-free menu that’s both delicious and inexpensive. Choose from juices, smoothies, salads, bowls, handhelds, and healthy takeout meal plan options. Breakfast, lunch, and early dinner daily. 8388 Musick Memorial, 314-647-2222, eatrevelkitchen.com. $
Riverbend Restaurant
Cajun/Creole. It’s reminiscent of New Orleans—without the corruption and drunken collegians. Spicy, smoky Cajun-Creole flavors are authentically rendered in a place that has the feel of a relaxed neighborhood eatery. The specials, such as our town’s best turtle soup, are worthwhile. But the oyster bread, gumbo, po’ boys, and jambalaya are delectably perfect. Lunch and dinner Tue–Sun. 1059 S. Big Bend, 314-664-8443, riverbendbar.com. $$
Robata
Japanese. The former owner of the acclaimed Sekisui on South Grand has gone one better here, offering yakitori, sushi, and a creditable ramen. Consider the patio or drive-thru, because the interior is small and cramped. Dinner Mon–Sat. 7260 Manchester, 314-899-9595, robatamaplewood.com. $$
Schlafly Bottleworks
American/Brewery. One of St. Louis’ oldest craft breweries, Schlafly offers 20 beers on tap and hearty pub food created from local produce and provisions. Made with Schafly beer and served with blue cream cheese and bacon jam, the beer bread is a must. Other dishes of note include the elk chili and the bison chorizo meatloaf with a Fitz’s root beer–tomato glaze. An outdoor farmers’ market runs on Wednesdays, April–October; there’s a winter market from November through March. Lunch and dinner daily. 7260 Southwest, 314-241-2337, schlafly.com. $$
twinOak BBQ and Pizza
Pizza/BBQ. This Brentwood pizzeria serves up wood-fired pies and barbecue. If it had local beers and good cocktails, it’d be the perfect restaurant. Oh, wait—it does. The relaxed ambience makes for an ideal gathering spot. Don’t overlook the salads. Two musts: the wood-fired wings and the deep-dish chocolate-chip cookie dessert. Lunch Tue–Sun, dinner nightly. 1201 Strassner, 314-644-2772, twinoakwoodfired.com. $–$$
Water Street
American. You’re gonna pass on a place with a Corpse Reviver cocktail? We didn’t think so. Light meals such as a seasonal roasted yellow trout go great with a selection of mixed drinks and wine. The feel here is sleek and stylish. (Oh, and Fridays feature a movie night/happy hour.) Dinner daily. 7268 Manchester, 314-646-8355, waterstreetstl.com. $$
Yen Ching
Chinese. A tribute to grand Americanized Chinese food, Yen Ching beautifully strikes every note: sizzling rice soup, pot stickers, Szechuan beef… Located across from the Saint Louis Galleria, it’s family-friendly, yet bigger and more formal than most Chinese restaurants. Even when other places are packed, you can almost always get a table. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner daily. 1012 S. Brentwood, 314-721-7507. $$
