 |
 |
| Photograph by Katherine Bish | |
|
|
(page 2 of 5)
$$ Entrees $10–$15
Iron Barley
Ignore the pseudo-edgy, hippie coffeehouse shtick. Few kitchens produce a more enticing—or straightforward—menu. Oak-fired ovens produce chicken, pork and prime rib. A pork tenderloin schnitzel is satisfyingly matched with noodle nubbins of spaetzle. Barley paella? Barley risotto? Both work, as does the hot smoked salmon and trout and other cast-iron-skillet concoctions. A loyal clientele treat the place as a clubhouse, but if you appreciate good, honest food, you’ll fit right in. 5510 Virginia, 314-351-4500, ironbarley.com
Guido’s Pizzeria and Tapas
Nothing like an Italian restaurant for great Spanish tapas. We know. It’s weird. Go with it. Guido’s, one of many fine eateries on The Hill, supplements its Italian fare with classic hot and cold tapas. Papery slices of serrano ham and olives. Shrimp sautéed in garlicky olive oil. Tiny, vinegar-marinated smelt with lemon juice. Fried squid; ham croquettes. A long evening sampling tapas here, sipping Spanish wine, is a must-have St. Louis dining experience. 5046 Shaw, 314-771-4900, guidosstl.com
Juniper Grill
Once again voted “Best Restaurant Named for a Conifer,” the place is attractive and intimate; the food is imaginative, ambitious, worthwhile. Shrimp are stuffed with crab and avocado, served with Creole risotto. A filet mignon is topped with roasted garlic and bacon crumbles. Even starters, like chipotle cheddar cakes and crisp, batter-fried scallops, shrimp and squid with saffron-scented aioli, are intriguing. Recommended for that romantic evening you’ve been planning since the Carter administration. 1928 S. 12th, 314-621-9195, juniper-grill.com
Royal Chinese BBQ
Nothing says “yummy” like a window of hanging duck carcasses. At Royal Chinese BBQ, St. Louis’ go-to spot for Cantonese cuisine, presentations are vibrant with color and flavor, from emerald Chinese broccoli to sunburst pinwheels of shrimp. Soy-sauce-and-honey–barbecued char siu pork chunks glisten. A variety of specialties (the duck feet are delectable) will delight the adventurous; the not-so will appreciate vastly superior takes on fried noodles and other more familiar Cantonese fare. 8406 Olive, 314-991-1888
Tin Can Tavern & Grille
The great diner balances comfort food with kitsch. The Tin Can Tavern excels at this, its walls lined with beer cans and koozies; the food, Grandma-style. Meatloaf, pot roast and chicken-fried steak, along with sides like mac and cheese, potatoes and gravy, and fries, all mark this a diner destination. Consider the famous “Backyard Bomber” pork steak sandwich or a superior fried chicken. More than 50 beers (including the Korean Hite brand) will challenge even you. 3157 Morganford, 314-865-3003 and 1909 Locust, 314-241-9330, tincantavern.com
