Ask George: What are the oldest restaurants in St. Louis?

What are the oldest restaurants in St. Louis? —Bob S., St. Louis

First off, the list runs the gamut: Some have withstood the test of time with splendor and a consistent product, while others have sadly become staid, dated, and in need of a refresh. While some still are applying full throttle, others have shifted into neutral, coasting along on a prior generation’s memories, decades-old reviews and accolades, or even just a killer location. 

We even did the math to provide a more useful number: the corresponding years in operation.

Sidebar: This is a good question and great fodder for local restaurant trivia. I thought I knew St. Louis’ oldest restaurant and lost a bet. See if you fare any better.

Hear more about the best historic restaurants in St. Louis on the Arch Eats podcast, and see our list below, with start dates for each.

Beffa’s: 1898 (127) (Although there have been a few starts, stops, and even a name change, the storied restaurant has always been owned and operated by a family member.)

Piccadilly at Manhattan: 1901 (124)

Charcoal House: 1906 (119)

Crown Candy Kitchen: 1913 (112)

Amighetti’s: 1916 (109)

Failoni’s: 1916 (109)

Gioia’s Deli: 1918 (107)

Al’s Restaurant: 1925 (100)

Lombardo’s: 1934 (90)

Pat Connolly’s Tavern: 1942 (83)

Schottzie’s Bar and Grill: 1947 (78)

Spencer’s Grill: 1947 (78)

Kreis’: 1948 (77)

The Haven: 1950 (75)  

Pio’s Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge: 1954 (71)

Farotto’s: 1956 (69)

Chuck-A-Burger: 1957 (68)

Carl’s Drive-In: 1959 (66)

Pietro’s: 1960 (65)

Hodak’s: 1962 (63)

Imo’s Pizza: 1963 (62)

The Tenderloin Room: 1963 (62)

Dominic’s: 1964 (61)

Ruiz Mexican Restaurant: 1966 (59)

Faraci’s Pizza: 1968 (57)

Hacienda: 1968 (57)

Joe Boccardi’s (Eureka): 1971 (54)

John Mineo’s: 1971 (54)

Blueberry Hill: 1972 (53)

Grassi’s: 1972 (53)

King & I: 1972 (53)

O’Connell’s Pub: 1972 (53)

Yen Ching: 1972 (53)

Cunetto’s: 1974 (51)

Massa’s (Bridgeton): 1974 (51

The Pasta House Co.: 1974 (51)

Sportsman’s Park (Jackie’s Place): 1974 (51)

Bill Gianino’s: 1975 (50)

Llywelyn’s Pub: 1975 (50)

Spiro’s: 1975 (50)

Pirrone’s Pizzeria: 1976 (49)

Favazza’s: 1978 (47)

McGurk’s: 1978 (47)

Maggie O’s: 1979 (46)

Broadway Oyster Bar: 1979 (46)

Olympia Kabob House: 1980 (45)

Gitto’s on the Hill: 1981 (44)

Tucker’s Place: 1982 (43)

Bar Italia: 1983 (42)

Mangia Italiano: 1983 (42)

Mai Lee: 1985 (40)

Venice Café: 1988 (37)

In the ’90s, several of the region’s most beloved restaurants appeared, including Annie Gunn’s, Trattoria Marcella, Frazer’s, Big Sky Café, and Paul Manno’s Cafe.

Did we miss any of your favorites? If so, drop us an email at [email protected]. 

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