Neighborhood Restaurant Recs: Dogtown, On The Hill, and Near The Hill

Adam’s Smokehouse Barbecue. A descendant of the legendary Pappy’s Smokehouse, Adam’s features a house-made smoked salami sandwich (a nod to the place’s proximity to The Hill) and ribs rubbed with undisclosed ingredients and slathered in a sweet apple butter. A single salad is found on the menu, but it’s topped with your choice of meat (of course). Lunch Tue–Sun, early dinner Wed–Sat, 2819 Watson, 314-875-9890, adamssmokehouse.com. $$ 

Anthonino’s taverna Italian/Greek. With a friendly staff and a recent expansion, Anthonino’s remains a favorite. The modern yet cozy vibe is optimal for any occasion. The menu includes hand-tossed pizzas (pictured), fresh pastas, sandwiches, salads, and gyros. Consider reservations on weekends. Lunch & dinner Mon–Sat. 2225 Maclind, 314-773-4455, anthoninos.com. $$

Bartolino’s Osteria Italian. For many locals, Bartolino’s is the go-to place for Italian classics, plus a wide choice of St. Louis–style pizzas with Provel. Choose between the subdued dining room and the more boisterous lounge, where you can find live music Wednesday through Sunday. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner daily. 2103 Sulphur, 314-644-2266, bartolinosrestaurants.com. $$$

Biggies Restaurant and Bar Bar & Grill. Though you’ll want to plop right down on a stool upon entering through the bar—welcoming, low-lit, and spotted with Anheuser-Busch memorabilia—moving a bit farther, into the casual dining areas, will make you feel even more at home, as will the St. Louis–style items on the vast menu, the friendly service, and the South Side clientele. Lunch and dinner Tue–Sun. 3332 Watson, 314-781-0060, biggiesrestaurant.com. $$

Brazie’s Ristorante Italian. The exterior’s spectacularly unassuming. Inside, the décor’s minimalist. Tables are filled with families and fans of such dishes as the Tenderloin Modiga, trout, and pastas. The cheesecake cassata has mysterious curative powers. Lunch Tue–Fri, dinner Tue–Sun. 3073 Watson, 314-481-5464. $$$ 

Charlie Gitto’s Italian. For a special occasion, request the coveted corner booth. For lesser occasions, grab a perch at the glowing onyx bar or a romantic table on the brick-walled patio. Order the veal marsala and nightly fish special, as well as a few local classics, like the T-ravs and chicken spiedini. The eggplant Napoleon is a wonder of culinary architecture. Dinner daily. 5226 Shaw, 314-772-8898, charliegittos.com. $$$$

Cunetto House of Pasta Italian. For more than four decades, Cunetto has been serving up massive but affordable plates of pasta to those celebrating special occasions—or just another Tuesday night. Remember to leave a tip and take the cannoli. Lunch Tue–Fri; dinner Tue–Sun. 5453 Magnolia, 314-781-1135, cunetto.com. $$

Dominic’s on the Hill Italian. Open since 1971, Dominic’s personifies a disappearing Old World to New World transition marked by teams of attentive servers, classic recipes, and a romantic atmosphere. Dinner Mon–Sat. 5101 Wilson, 314-771-1632, dominicsrestaurant.com. $$$$

Favazza’s Italian. The best reason to visit this nearly 40-year-old Hill classic—besides the house garlic bread and the generous pasta portions—is to dine on the new all-season covered patio, complete with a fireplace and its own bar. It’s fun to eat “outside” in the wintertime. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. 5201 Southwest, 314-772-4454, favazzas.com $$

Felix’s Pizza Pub Pizza. The move from its former location to larger quarters across the street has put Felix’s into overdrive. The menu includes New York–style pizza, plus sandwiches, drinks, and killer trashed wings (pictured). There are several televisions and lots of activity—all part of the fun. Lunch and dinner Tue–Sun. 6401 Clayton, 314-645-6565, felixspizzapub.com. $$

Five Bistro American. Modern and seasonal, with a menu that’s constantly evolving, Five Bistro offers up food that makes a diner think. Many local providers are used, and the atmosphere is always welcoming, with chef Anthony Devoti’s parents running the front of the house. Dinner Tue–Sat, lunch Sat. 5100 Daggett, 314-773-5553, fivebistro.com. $$$$

Gian-Tony’s Italian. Located in an old house, this stalwart offers great versions of Italian standards, plus Sicilian specialties. The servers wear black ties, but patrons often dress in polos. Don’t miss the osso bucco special. Dinner daily. 5356 Daggett, 314-772-4893 gian-tonys.com. $$$

Giovanni’s on The Hill Italian. This traditional fine-dining spot is ideal for big occasions and romance. The next generation of Gabriele family owner-chefs has updated the restaurant without abandoning dishes named for celebrities. Proteins are the usual big sellers, but don’t neglect the pastas, which are marvelous. Dinner daily. 5201 Shaw, 314-772-5958, giovannisonthehill.com. $$$$

Guido’s Pizzeria & Tapas Italian. Pizza and paella on the same menu? Sure. After finishing some traditional-style tapas, try the St. Louis–style pizza, which is way more than just an afterthought. Like Modesto, it’s not the sort of spot you’d expect to find on The Hill. Lunch and dinner daily. 5046 Shaw, 314-771-4900, guidosstl.com. $$

Joey B’s on The Hill Bar & Grill. The big menu consists of reasonable prices and big portions. Burgers weigh in at 10 ounces, the onion rings are a teetering tower of homemade awesomeness, and the salads are beyond humongous. When we asked if anyone had ever finished one, the server sniffed, “Not so far.” Lunch and dinner daily. 2524 Hampton, 314-645-7300, joeybshill.com. $$

Leonardo’s Kitchen & Wine Bar Italian. At this former filling station, owned by Rich LoRusso, order the Italian beef, or opt for vinaigrette instead of mayo on the cold sandwiches. Pay attention to the salads, which are way above what usually comes in a little cardboard container. There’s one size of pizza made to order, with no Provel and a crust that traces its lineage to the legendary Parente’s. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. 2130 Macklind, 314-664-1410. $$

Lorenzo’s Trattoria Italian. Modern Italian is carried off quite successfully at Lorenzo’s. Sure, there are pastas and risotto, but you’ll also find a pork flatiron steak with tomato truffle bread pudding, veal liver, and ricotta cheesecake (pictured). Expect solid service in an informal atmosphere. Weekend reservations are a good idea. Dinner daily. 1933 Edwards, 314-773-2223, lorenzostrattoria.com. $$$

Modesto Small Plates. Located in a former furniture store, The Hill’s first tapas restaurant lives up to expectations, with wine and small plates, as well as a busy bar pouring lots of sangria. Dinner Mon–Sat. 5257 Shaw, 314-772-8272, modestotapas.com. $$

O’Connell’s Pub Bar & Grill. A longtime St. Louis tradition, O’Connell’s is known for affordable pints, cozy seating, and burgers that are aggressively salted and seared to the pinnacle of crusty, caramelized perfection. Lunch and dinner daily. 4652 Shaw, 314-773-6600, saucemagazine.com/oconnells. $

The Pat Connolly Tavern Bar & Grill. Better known as Pat’s, this bar has been feeding families for decades. Fried chicken is the star, but there are also tasty sandwiches and desserts from Sugaree Baking. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sat & Sun. 6400 Oakland, 314-647-7387, patconnollytavern.com. $$

Rigazzi’s Italian. Rigazzi’s has long offered sustenance to folks getting off night shifts, as well as the rest of us. Pizza and meatball sandwiches seem reasonable at that early hour; whether the trademark fishbowls of beer are, well, that’s a matter of individual preference. Lunch and dinner daily. 4945 Daggett, 314-772-4900, rigazzis.com. $$

Seamus McDaniel’s Bar & Grill. This popular Irish pub has a large covered patio in the rear. Many opt for the immense burger, but we yearn for the pork tenderloin sandwich. Onion rings trump the fries by a country mile. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. 1208 Tamm, 314-645-6337, seamusmcdaniels.com. $$

Soha Bar & Grill Bar & Grill. Plenty of beer options head up the attractions at this gastropub. Top your burger with a plethora of toppings, including unexpected options like fried goat cheese. It’s noisy, fun, and a fine place to watch a ballgame. Dinner nightly. 2605 Hampton, 314-802-7877, sohabar.com. $$

Stellina Pasta Café Italian. Despite the name, it’s not quite all about the house-made pasta here—but it could be. The shapes and sauces are out of a dream, and there are textures to match. There are also excellent sandwiches and a few serious entrées on the menu. The dining room is small, so reservations are almost mandatory. Dinner Tue–Sat. 3342 Watson, 314-256-1600, stellinapasta.com. $$

Steve’s Hot Dogs American. Hot dogs and several of their sausage cousins appear with a mad variety of toppings at musician Steve Ewing’s flagship wiener palace. Even the buns are special, made daily at Vitale’s Bakery. You might laugh at the names (like the Al Hra-BRAT-ski), but you’ll plan a return trip. A second location near Tower Grove Park offers evening hours. Lunch Mon–Sat. 2131 Marconi, 314-762-9899, steveshotdogsstl.com. $

Three Flags Tavern American. The dining room’s classic vibe, always professional service, and delicious food make Three Flags seem as if it’s been around for decades. From the posole stew (pictured) to the fried chicken, the fare is always top-notch. Dinner daily, brunch Sat & Sun, 4940 Southwest, 314-669-9222, threeflagstavern.com. $$

Trattoria Toscana Italian. The chef knows his way around a Bolognese sauce, chicken and white wine, and a veal Milanese. The ambience is informal, but with an emphasis on serious cuisine. Our go-to dishes are either version of the calamari and the seafood-laden tuttomare. Lunch Tue–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. 11686 Gravois, 314-849-1499, trattoriatoscanastl.com. $$$

Zia’s Italian. A Hill stalwart with legions of fans for whom it’s the fall-back restaurant, Zia’s offers up plenty of pasta options, always a good idea, with forays into chicken, veal, and beef. Loud and hearty rather than cozy and intimate, it’s popular with midsize groups, so be sure to reserve on weekends. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sun. 5356 Wilson, 314-776-0020, zias.com. $$