Sometimes "it's so crowded no one goes there anymore.” We hereby offer St. Louis' busiest restaurants, the ones packed full-boat even on weekdays, places so crazyfull that @FakeMikeShannon might have said that "my cold, frosty Budweiser was half drunk when it got to me, heh, heh, heh."
A reservation is recommended at each restaurant below...or at least some advance planning or some phone recon to gauge the crowd. And if you're unfortunate enough to just wander into one of these places, look immediately toward the bar (if there is one) and be prepared to do some serious stalking and/or sweet-talking...as that may be the only seat you'll get.
We call such places “plan ahead’s.” Here's the list:
No reservations accepted:
Pappy’s Smokehouse – Still busy, still raucous, still a hyperhappening joint three years in, and we pretty much guarantee you’ll make some new BBQ-loving friends in the fast-moving line. (Note: Equal-quality fare--and shorter lines--are found at Pappy's partner Skip Steele's Bogart's Smokehouse in Soulard.
Jilly’s Cupcake Bar & Cafe – Sure, we’ll take some credit here. Ever since this write-up about Chef Dana Holland’s AYCE Sunday brunch, all of Jillys’ other business is booming as well.
Winslow's Home - We're sooo happy more tables were added and that the patio is now open. If you're wondering what possesses people to stand in lines for food, one bite of Chef Cary McDowell's brisket sandwich will answer that question.
DeMun Oyster Bar - Their patio is now open as well, seating has more than doubled, and the place still be jammin.' DeMOB specializes in oysters from the Northwest (read: small, expensive, and absolutely delectable) along with some well-chosen liquid ingestibles to go with.
Reservations highly suggested:
One 19 North – It’s a twenty-foot-wide sardine can, but one we'd gladly mosh our way into. This tiny tapas & wine bar is still humming 9 months after opening and reservations are almost mandatory, especially in the evening—yes, every evening.
Stone Soup Cottage – Carl and Nancy McConnell’s Cottleville hideaway has been lights out –deservedly so--ever since SLM anointed it “Restaurant of the Year” back in October (oooh, another shameless plug). Reservations are now being taken for several months out, and to answer your next question, yes, it’s worth it.
I Fratellini – As good as it ever was--which is really good--plus, the service at I Frat is consistently spot-on. That’s why tables are hard to come by…even on a cold, rainy Tuesday.
Annie Gunn’s – That it’s regarded by a certain Dining Editor as the most consistent restaurant in town has no bearing on its 100% occupancy rate. Reserve tables well in advance or get to know owner Thom Sehnert-- and sometimes even that doesn’t help!
Farmhaus – This 52-seater was busy long before the anointing just the other day of chef/owner Kevin Willmann as one of Food & Wine’s “Best New Chefs” for 2011. We have already suggested that FH blow out their back wall. Volunteers?
