Best Casual ($$) Restaurants in St. Louis
From breakfast to barbecue, these moderately priced spots offer a range of options.
See all the 101 Best Restaurants featured in the October issue of St. Louis Magazine.
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Adam's Smokehouse
Best Dish: At Adam’s Smokehouse, the apple butter–coated ribs are the way to go. Insider Tip: Avoid the ever-present lines by calling ahead and doing carryout.
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Anthonino's Taverna
Vibe: It’s casual, withboth Italian and Greek food, and busy even with an expanded dining room. Best Dish: Fire Pizza combines tzatziki, capicola sausage, roasted jalapeños, and pepper cheese. Insider Tip: Despite its Ionic roots, the restaurant serves up a fine hamburger ongarlic cheese bread.
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Photo by Corey Woodruff
Basso
Best Dish: The Vampire Slayer pizza’s shrimp sausage sounds unusual, but it pairs beautifully with the lemon-and-herb salmoriglio sauce. Vibe: The hip-but-rustic basement space is almost always bustling. Insider Tip: Monday–Friday, from 4–7 p.m., happy hour specials include select drinks and small bites.
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
BaiKu Sushi Lounge
Why, yes, it is a handsome setting. The sushi bar, lounge, and dining room are all seamlessly connected, so it’s possible to spend an entire evening there, progressing from nibbles to luxurious dining to postprandial conversation. The food has undergone a real reboot, with some serious fish. Don’t overlook specialties like wagyu beef sliders and duck confit–stuffed tacos.
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Beast Craft BBQ Co.
Best Dishes: Try the rubbed and charred thick pork steak any day. On Sundays, brace yourself for a 1-pound super-smoked chuck steak. Appetizers: On Thursdays, order the nachos, piled with smoked meat, cheese, and much goodness. Go early. They sell out. Insider Tip: Ask about the secret menu. The owners won’t reveal it any other way.
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Billy G's
Vibe: Inside or out, Billy G’s feels like a party every day. Best Dish: Billy G’s crams a big menu under one roof (and a few umbrellas), but the burger is a solid selection. Insider Tip: Arrive early, snag a seat on the patio, and stay all night. The top-notch patio fills up early for a reason.
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Bogart's Smokehouse
Best Dish: At Bogart’s, pastrami and smoked wings are as good as the blowtorched ribs and baked beans. Insider Tip: Avoid the ever-present lines by calling ahead and doing carryout.
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Byrd & Barrel
Even in the crowded field of fried chicken restaurants, this unconventional spot stands out. Chef Bob Brazell’s street-savvy menu delights with fried-right pieces, boneless nuggets, and such sides as mashed potatoes with a gravy that’s so sublime, you’ll likely crow. The Mother Clucker sandwich incorporates Red Hot Riplets and Provel sauce. Wash it down with a local brew or Vess soda.
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Cafe Osage
Grab a seat at the bar or in the garden shop and try the Greens, Eggs & Ham or Brie L T. Wash it down with a house-made soda. On the way out, explore the adjoining Bowood Farms nursery.
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Cleveland-Heath
Background: To the delight of most diners, the menu changes often. Blessedly, deviled eggs and a delicious burger are two favorites that remain constants. Drink: Bar manager Elijah Barnes makes a mean off-the-menu Irish coffee with Goshen coffee and Irish whiskey, topping it with a teaspoon of brown sugar and fresh whipped cream. Insider Tip: If you don’t find a by-the-glass wine you like, the staff will sell half a bottle (among any of 175-or-so selections) on hand at the restaurant.
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Dalie's Smokehouse
Best Dish: At Dalie’s, it’s the ultimate Reuben that elicits superlatives. Insider Tip: Avoid the ever-present lines by calling ahead and doing carryout.
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Photo by Carmen Troesser
Dressel's Pub
Vibe: Owner/poet Jon Dressel has an appreciation for the finer things in life, including classic opera and literature. The Welsh bar has no TVs, so the emphasis is on conversation, food, and beer. Best Seat: The round table tucked in a nook of the window bay, perfect for people-watching both outside and in. What to Order: The meat game is strong, folks. Go for the lamb burger, stockpot, or (of course) fish and chips.
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Gallagher's Restaurant
Yes, the fried chicken and award-winning burger are well worth the drive. But don’t miss the generously garnished Bloody Mary and other classic cocktails, in addition to an extensive whiskey list.
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Half & Half
To avoid a two-hour wait at Mike Randolph’s brunch hot spot, you best arrive right when the restaurant opens or use Nowait. Try theBrussels sprout hash and mascarpone-smothered pancakes on the recently revamped menu.
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Hiro Asian Kitchen
Best Dish: Sample the beef rendang, a slow-cooked Asian delicacy that’s rarely found in the Midwest. Vibe: The décor is a colorful fusion of whimsical and elegant—the opposite of what you see from the curb. Insider Tip: Indulge in the Filipino brunch on Saturdays.
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Katie's Pizza & Pasta Osteria
Best Dish: The house-made artichoke T-ravs, served with pine nut pesto, are not to be missed. Expansion: Be on the lookout for a second location in Town & Country. Insider Tip: Every fourth Tuesday of the month is Giveback Tuesday, when 100 percent of the proceeds benefit a nonprofit.
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Mai Lee
Background: Co-owner Qui Tran often greets guests with a hug. Menu: Hundreds of Vietnamese and Chinese dishes get equal attention from an amazing culinary crew. Insider Tip: Every chef in town visits Mai Lee for the Shrimp Toast.
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Milagro Modern Mexican
Vibe: It’s casual, stylish, and comfortable, with nary a bit of south-of-the-border kitsch to be seen. Best Dish: The über-authentic tacos are stellar, but don’t miss the street corn. Insider Tip: There’s extra parking in the garage below the main surface lot, which fills up on weekends.
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Olio
Housed in a renovated Art Deco gas station, Olio is the more casual counterpoint to sister eatery Elia. Try one of the more esoteric spirits, such as arak.
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
One 19 North Tapas & Wine Bar
When to Go: Stop by on Friday or Saturday night for a glass of wine and live music. Best Dish so far: The baked goat cheese. We keep trying new things, but we keep coming back. Insider Tip: Watch the chalkboard. In fall and winter, you’ll start seeing info about wine dinners. Reserve a spot early.
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Pappy's Smokehouse
Background: Despite all the accolades and fame, you’ll still periodically see Pappy’s owner Mike Emerson handing out water to waiting customers. Best Dish: Pappy’s sleeper item is the burnt ends, a newish addition. Insider Tip: Avoid the ever-present lines by calling ahead and doing carryout.
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Pastaria
Vibe: Few other restaurants can please anyone from a toddler to a couple on a blind date. Dish: If you don’t think less is more, try the chitarra aglio e olio. How can four ingredients do so much? Insider Tip: From NoWait to curbside pickup, Pastaria has maximized technology to serve 500-plus people a day.
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Pi Pizzeria
Multiple locations
Vibe: There are five locations in and around the Lou—eight if you count Cincy and D.C.—and each feels like a completely different restaurant. Best Dish: All the pizza is great, of course, but if you don’t go deep-dish, you’re missing out. Pi’s gluten-free pizzas are arguably the best in town. Insider Tip: Don’t want to drive far but feel like trying another location’s signature pie? Ask for the CWE in Kirkwood.They’ll make it without batting an eye.
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Planter's House
An homage to the great hotel bars of old, this Lafayette Square favorite boasts timeless classic drinks and unique originals. Order the China Girl: rum, chai spice syrup, ginger—and a fortune cookie on top.
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Quincy Street Bistro
Drink: The Large Marge, a big-ass Bloody Mary topped with skewers of assorted pickles and charcuterie. And don’t miss the dirty cheese fries, sweet chili wings, and a Hog Burger slider. Insider Tip: Book the event spaces for parties, rehearsal dinners, meetings and more. Must-Try Dish: The South American–style Churrasco smoked tri-tip withchimichurri sauce and chilero potatoes.
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Retreat Gastropub
The no-reservation policy is just the thing when you realize that you don’t know where you’re going to eat but know that you want a bustling atmosphere with delicious food, craft cocktails, and a thoughtful selection of craft beer. The impromptu atmosphere raises the energy level but still feels cosmopolitan.
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Riverbend Restaurant & Bar
Under-the-radar item: Crawfish bread consists of crunchy French bread topped with a crawfish spread. Background: Owner Sam Kogos hails from New Orleans, so you know you’re in good hands. After outgrowing its original location in Soulard, Riverbend moved to the former Harvest space in Richmond Heights. Insider Tip: On Fridays, stop for shrimp, oyster, and catfish gumbo.
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Rooster
1104 Locust, 3150 S. Grand
There’s little argument that the Locust location is the best place downtown for breakfast or brunch, and it’s high on the list of top lunch spots. The South Grand location serves up affordable dinner entrées and family-style meals centered on fried chicken and pork steaks in a light-filled, thoughtfully renovated Midcentury building.
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Courtesy of Salt + Smoke
Salt + Smoke
Background: Owner Tom Schmidt transformed the underperforming Nico into a BBQ juggernaut. Best Dish: The fatty beef brisket is as Texas as it comes. Pair it with the Ritz cracker–topped mac and cheese. Insider Tip: Peruse the whiskey list for good prices on hard-to-find bourbons.
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Sanctuaria
This pillar of the cocktail scene serves up a menu of about 175 drinks, ranging among all possible spirits categories and flavor profiles. Consider the Tequila Mockingjay: blanco tequila, blueberry syrup, and lime juice.
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Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Southern
Vibe: Good ol’ Southern hospitality done better than right, from the greeting at the door to the gracious service. Insider Tip: Some like their bird hot. Southern will oblige if you ask for extra—or extra-extra—Cluckin’ Hot. Breathe fire. Menu Expansion: Chef Rick Lewis added a six-burner stove in August. Whoa, Nelly. Chicken-fried steak, anyone?
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Sugarfire Smokehouse
Multiple locations
Vibe: Bold and a bit raucous when barbecue fans start flocking in. Best Dishes: You can’t go wrong with ribs (pictured below). And the Big Rac, a mashup of a rib sandwich and a Big Mac, makes regular appearances at the Olivette location. Insider Tip: Since opening earlier this year, the downtown location has run at least 50 appetizer specials, which are always worth checking out.
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Taste
Gerard Craft’s drink destination helped jump-start St. Louis’ vibrant craft cocktail scene. It continues to set the standard for quality imbibing. For something spicy, try the Hot Jupiter: reposado tequila, suze, agave, pineapple juice, and pineapple hot sauce.
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Three Flags Tavern
Drinks: On Whiskey Wednesdays, you can drink Sazeracs, Manhattans, or Old Fashioneds for $5. Brunch: Try the Gallo Pinto: black beans, rice, plantains, a sunny egg, and sour cream, plus tortillas to sop up every bite. Insider Tip: During Oyster Hour, from 3–6:30 p.m. Monday–Friday,oysters are only $1.50.
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Three Kings Public House
6307 Delmar, 11925 Manchester
Vibe: Don’t have a sitter but really want to watch the game with a beer? Pack up the kids and head to the family-friendly Des Peres location. Best Dish: The pork sliders are a great surprise—and a meal unto themselves. Insider Tip: The broad selection of craft and domestic brews is sure to please even the pickiest of beer connoisseurs.
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Three Sixty
Vibe: There’s no better vista to enjoy while sipping cocktails, snacking on house-smoked salmon chips, and showing off the city. Background: Many rooftop bars are seasonal. With its fire pits and glass partitions and walls, Three Sixty is just as appealing when the leaves start to turn or the snow starts to fall. Insider Tip: When the Cardinals are on the road, it’s easier to snag a seat—but when they’re in town, there’s no better place outside the stadium to catch a game.
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Trattoria Marcella
Best Dish: Though dubbed a special, the lobster risotto is available—and fantastic—any night. Server: Several have been around for years, but Joe (who needs no last name) started with the restaurant when it first opened, 21 years ago. Insider Tip: Find a seat at the bar. Clayton and Beau will take great care of you.
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Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Union Loafers
If Union Loafers only sold its exceptional breads, St. Louisans would thank the gods and goddesses. But Ted Wilson and Sean Netzer went further, bringing chef Brian Lagerstrom on board. Together the three create imaginative sandwiches, salads, and sides. The result: nothing short of magical. The nuanced tastes are paired with rock-solid service in a cleanly stylistic interior. Don’t miss the short-but-mighty wine and beer list; Netzer’s selections are enchanting.
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Vista Ramen
Menu: Chef Chris Bork’s ability to bring together unlikely flavors is best showcased in the delectable array of starters. Drinks: The Spritz section lists a variety of sweet/bitter aperitifs served with club soda and citrus. It’s a unique touch, proving the beverage program’s brilliance. Insider Tip: When all five stools at the bar are full, one bartender has been known to serve sake shots.
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Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Winslow's Home
Best Dish: The maple-braised beef brisket with horseradish mayo has been a winner since day one. Locavore: Owner Ann Sheehan Lipton also owns Winslow’s Farm and supplies eggs and a variety of produce to the restaurant. Insider Tip: The cellar is a beautiful mahogany-lined space for private parties.
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