In recent years, culinary tastemakers across the nation have started to realize something we’ve known for a while: St. Louis has a truly extraordinary food scene. Citing a slate of fresh new spots and up-and-coming talent, the food bloggers, celebrity chefs, and restaurant reviewers have coalesced around a narrative: That St. Louis has arrived, transitioning from flyover city to bona fide food destination. It’s an exciting development and one that is well-deserved. These new industry voices, filled with creativity and innovation, make right now a landmark moment to dine in the metro area.
For ongoing coverage of St. Louis’ ever-evolving dining scene, sign up for SLM‘s Dining Out newsletter and check out our dining podcast, Arch Eats. Cheers!
Find the best food in St. Louis
Subscribe to the St. Louis Dining In and Dining Out newsletters to stay up-to-date on the local restaurant and culinary scene.
Read More:
Café. Once voted “Most Likely to Show up with Bagels” by her classmates, chef and owner Alex Pifer transformed her quest to find a real-deal bagel in St. Louis into this delightful Soulard cafe. Water bagels are the specialty and can be topped with a variety of cream cheeses or used as the base for excellent sandwiches made with toppings from local purveyors like Fourth City BBQ and Volpi. 1801 South 9th, 314-571-9017. $
Barbecue. Part of the iconic Pappy’s family of smokehouses, this Soulard bastion of barbecue joint is a perennial favorite—and sells out quickly because of that. Tales of life-changing meals of brisket, smoked turkey, and baked beans are only slight exaggerations here. 1627 S. Ninth, 314- 621-3107. $$
Café. Soulard may be St. Louis’ French neighborhood but it’s also home to a bastion of Cuban cuisine and coffee culture. This cozy café is inspired by the South Florida corner bodegas known for their delicious coffee, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and desserts, such as pastelitos. 2022 S. 12th, 314-405-8178. $$
American. At this sister restaurant to the Crow’s Nest, there are no black birds on the menu. But if you’re looking for burgers, sandwiches, and mac n’ cheeses, along with cleverly named cocktails, this place is a prime choice. The large outdoor courtyard is the place to be when the weather permits. 1931 S. 12th, 314-934-1400. $$
Pizza. Known for its wood-fired pies, this no-frills Soulard pizza joint also boasts an impressive selection of sandwiches. The wood-fired wings are especially delightful. 1711 S. Ninth, 314-436-3742. $
Coffee Shop. The former Soulard Coffee Garden is now home to Goshen Coffee, serving the third wave specialty coffee roaster’s unique blends and “flavors with feels,” along with limited breakfast fare: burritos, overnight oats, avocado or goat cheese toast, and more. Pastries include sour cream coffeecake with brown sugar cinnamon swirl. 910 Geyer, 618-650-9086. $
Bar & Grill. At this veteran owned and operated hangout, simplicity is the key: smash burgers (singles, doubles, and triples) are made from the perfect burger trifecta, which is a blend of 25 percent brisket, 25 percent short rib, and 50 percent chuck). The restaurant is also known for its poutine-inspired fries, which are available with a variety of toppings. 2501 S. 9th. No phone. $$
Bar & Grill. Chunky Guinness stew. Live maudlin music. Corned beef and cabbage. Yeah, it’s Irish and a pub. What distinguishes the Soulard spot is a huge outdoor garden and traditional Irish music. 1200 Russell, 314-776-8309. $$
Cajun/creole. There’s a sprawling patio at this Soulard staple. For Sunday brunch, consider the decadent bread pudding French toast bake. And for dinner? Try a great gumbo with braised chicken and house-made cornbread. 816 Geyer, 314-241-6200. $$
American. From Gin Joint to iconic diner staples, veteran restaurateur Nadine Soaib is serving made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch items after renovating beloved neighborhood joint Billie’s Fine Food Diner. Breakfast is served all day, with a Truck Stop Breakfast Sandwich and Southside Slinger among the options. 1802 S. Broadway, 314-802-8021. $$
Pizza. Originally a no-meat pizzeria dishing up wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pies, a new owner kept the vegan and vegetarian offerings but added a broad selection of meat-based pies, as well as appetizers, tallow-fried wings, and desserts. 1928 S. 12th, 314-449-1111. $$
Bar & Grill. More than just a place to catch the game, Ray’s is a temple to all things Mizzou where you will hear the same chants and cheers you’d experience at the stadium in COMO. Food is elevated bar fare with classic dishes like potato skins, smashburgers, poppers and reubens. 1732 S. 9th, 314-312-1360. $$
Session Taco – Formerly Mission Taco Joint
Mexican. The specialties are house-made corn tortillas and authentic Mexican street food reminiscent of the offerings in San Francisco’s Mission District. Carne asada fries and brisket birria are also notable. And Session Taco is a great spot for a handcrafted cocktail. See website for locations. $
Asian. A beloved industry gathering spot, Stews is known for its Asian-inspired cuisine and excellent cocktails. Dishes like coconut curry and well-prepared drinks push the limits of what a low-key neighborhood bar can be. 1862 S. 10th, No phone. $$
Steakhouse. Portions way past “generous” are standard at this longtime favorite steakhouse. The ribeyes, buttery prime rib, and suitcase-size baked potatoes are legendary. If steak isn’t your thing, try the excellent thin crust pizza, a favorite of those in the know. See website for locations. $$
