Steakhouse. This time portal back to the genteel era of dinner-jacketed waiters, swanky cocktails, and stockyards of beef manages to make “dated” a very good (if pricey) thing. 1200 N. First, 314-421-6399. $$$$
American. One of the entertainment bookends at City Foundry STL, along with Puttshack, is the 10-screen, 952-seat interactive movie house, which offers an upscale menu (delivered to your seat) that includes popcorn (with real clarified butter); churro popcorn; a brisket, sirloin, and chuck blend cheeseburger; 30 draft beers; bottled beers; and a selection of specialty cocktails created around Alamo STL’s absurdist comedy theme. 3765 Foundry Way, Ste., 265, 314-669-2079. $$
Thai. A small menu with large portions of Thai food offers an occasional swerve provided by such ingredients as smoked salmon and flour dumplings. 550 N. Seventh, 314-241-9990. $$
American. If beef patties aren’t sufficient for your fix at the city’s most extravagant burger bar, consider alternatives like bison, pork, or lamb. 920 Olive, 314-241-8121. $
American. At Cardinals Nation, reserve a spot on the AT&T Rooftop, overlooking Busch Stadium. Budweiser Brew House offers beer flights, a self-serve 21-foot tap wall, and 24 ABI-family beers on draft. Anchored by a monster 40-foot LED TV, Bally Sports Live! is BPV’s spectacular action-packed hub. 601 Clark, 314-345-9481. $$
American. Politicos, local swells, and a spectrum of the city’s workers meet at this revived sandwich place with a century-old past. Third-generation owner Paul Beffa eliminated the cafeteria-style service and added evening hours and a popular Saturday brunch. Keeping with tradition, however, there’s still no sign. 2700 Olive, 314-571-9367. $
Kevin A. Roberts
Japanese/Sushi. Burrito-size sushi rolls are stuffed with such ingredients as buttermilk fried chicken; house-cured salmon; and kimchi slaw, jalapeños, and shrimp tempura. 9 S. Vandeventer, 314-304-8420. $$
American. The beloved former Café Osage space lives on as a breakfast, lunch, and dinner restaurant operated by Gerard Craft’s Niche Food Group. Guests have the option of dining in the beautiful sun-drenched main room; within the Bowood Farms nursery shop; or outside, among the plants and flowers. 4605 Olive, 314-454-6868. $$–$$$
Bar & Grill. Housed in a vintage firehouse, St. Louis’ only cidery serves light eats and locally pressed ciders. 2000 Washington, 314-224-5046. $$
American. Bridge is all about upscale noshing: cheese and charcuterie platters, along with offbeat but delicious snacks such as coffee-braised beef. If you can’t find one of the 200 beers or 100 wines to like, you’re too fussy. 1004 Locust, 314-241-8141. $$
Cajun/Creole. Live music nightly makes les bon temps rouler, but the charbroiled oysters, jambalaya, and catfish don’t hurt. 736 S. Broadway, 314-621-8811. $$
Kevin A. Roberts
American. At one of St. Louis’ most distinctive restaurants, the focus is on multi-course tastings. The cuisine is an homage to the cooking and foodstuffs of the 19th-century Ozarks. 3307 Washington, 314-449-1208. $$$$
Hawaiian. Thomas “Buzz” Moore and his wife, Leta, are spreading the ‘living aloha’ vibe in the space adjoining Tick Tock Tavern. Plate lunch specials—with protein, rice, and macaroni salad_offer an authentic taste of the islands, as do Musubi (with fried Spam), fried spring rolls (lumpia), and other family recipes. 3457 Magnolia, 314-875-0076. $$
Steakhouse. Beef gets all the attention, though savvy diners at this splendidly formal eatery in the shadow of the Arch often opt for such specialties as chicken Gorgonzola and spinaci scallops. 20 S. Fourth, 314-241-1631. $$$$
Kevin A. Roberts
South American. Dinner’s lovely at Gerard Craft’s classy addition to the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. Enjoy a leisurely drink and shareable nibbles on the airy, couch-comfortable rooftop. 999 N. Second, 314-881-5759. $$$
Various. Located in a former machine shop and part of a long-awaited massive entertainment complex, the 30,000-square-foot food hall (the city’s first), can accommodate 20 restaurant kitchens. Options include Buenos Aires street food, a poke shop, and a breakfast and lunch café specializing in standard and fried crepes. Click here for an even more robust guide to navigating the myriad options at City Foundry. 3730 Foundry Way. $
American. The first kitchen to open in the sprawling, renovated, 250,000-square-foot, multi-use space offers paninis, burgers, tacos, brats, wings, salads, toasted ravioli, and nacho-style “boards,” such as the Carne Asada Chip Board. 3660 Market, 314-282-2720. $$
Fusion/European. Chef Scottie Corrigan interprets the cuisines of 50-plus Commonwealth countries in a menu featuring a ballotine of veal, tandoori duck breast, an unusual take on tikka masala, and Starry Night, a signature dessert under a chocolate dome. (And afterward, enjoy post-dinner drinks with a view on the rooftop terrace at the ART Bar upstairs.) 3550 Samuel Shepard, 314-561-0033. $$$$
Kevin A. Roberts
Steakhouse. It’s big, modern and luxurious, a subtly baseball–themed steakhouse in a hotel at Ballpark Village with numerous other upscale attractions, such as the Whiskey Room and The Bullock terrace overlooking Busch Stadium, as well as an interior devoted to Cardinals lore. 799 Clark, 314-597-9700. $$$$
American. This elegant room feels like a nightclub, with original posters and almost as much glitz as its parent, the Fox Theatre. You’ll find light food and plenty of choices for sparkling wine by the glass—order and prepay for a drink at theater intermission. Check the website for occasional lunch openings. 521 N. Grand, 314-534-1678. $$
Vietnamese. The pho and banh mi are excellent here, but this is the place to venture into less-familiar Vietnamese fare. Claypot casseroles, sweet-sour soups, and “broken” rice dishes piquant with pickled vegetables are all worth trying. 8600 Olive, 314-995-6960; 820 Olive, 314-405-8868. $$
Kevin A. Roberts
American. At this welcoming live music venue in the refurbished Grandel Theatre, dining is available prior to and during scheduled events and music performances. Special multi-course meals are served at Dine & Discover pairings. The restaurant offers an extensive wine and cocktail menu, and there’s an art gallery, too. 3610 Grandel Square, 314-776-9550. $$
Japanese/Sushi. Though sushi gets the most attention, consider the donburi, bowls filled with rice and generous toppings of chicken or fish. See website for details. $$$
Kevin A. Roberts
Café. The imaginative menu includes several Benedicts, hashes, breakfast tacos, and even sopes. There’s a full bar, too, if more than fresh orange and grapefruit juice is required. 3100 Locust. $$
Steakhouse. Brothers Oscar and Oswaldo Farina are offering Argentinian stone-grilled steaks and foods from around the world at their open-concept place in the previous Mango Peruvian cuisine space. The house-made chimichurri sauce complements inspired dishes, and rack of lamb, roasted wild mushrooms, vegan rice bowls and Spanish churros are on the menu. 1001 Washington, 314-659-8647. $$$
American. The paradigmatic Eat-Rite Diner adopts a St. Louis-y name, different hours (breakfast and lunch only), and steers diner cuisine in the direction of elevated comfort food. The burgers are hand-pattied, the biscuits are scratch-made, and there's a craft cocktail menu as well. 622 Chouteau. $$
American. With a four-wall mural, eccentricities such as the World’s Smallest Hot Fudge Sundae, and award-winning bathrooms, this is a must for the young and young at heart. 3037 Locust, 314-535-7800. $
American. The hippest hamburger joint in town keeps a few top-secret menu items under wraps. Ask for the Double Secret Probation Burger, a double bacon cheeseburger run through the garden and nestled in fried chicken buns.634 Washington, 314-349-2720. $
American. The beloved bar near Saint Louis University closed in 2017, after a 40-year-run, but it reopened in late 2022. The new menu includes “Frickles” (fried dill pickle chips served with chipotle ranch), a seasoned Beef-n-Boursin Sandwich on a buttered and toasted French roll, as well as Trashed Wings and Stoned Wings (trashed wings with added barbecue sauce, ranch, Parmesan, and chives). And yes, Humphrey’s still offers “plunger shots” (served in a take-home sink plunger) to commemorate birthdays. 3700 Laclede, 314-535-0700. $$
American. With locations in downtown St. Louis and Clayton, the cafés serve fresh sandwiches, salads, wraps, and other healthy options for dine-in, pickup, or catering. Java Plus is also a preferred caterer at the Missouri History Museum. See website for details. $$
Café. The metro area’s largest third-wave coffee roaster serves up a range of hand-brewed, drip, and espresso coffee drinks and teas, alongside a tasty selection of breakfast and lunch items. (Some locations temporarily closed; see website for details.) See website for details. $
Kevin A. Roberts
Korean. Here, Munsok So, owner of the Drunken Fish, introduced spicy, double-fried, Seoul-inspired fried chicken to St. Louis. 612 N. Second, 314-766-4456. $
Coffee Shop. Nyshaun Harvey and her father, Larry, have opened this lounge, where a full-service menu and coffee drinks are available. Specialties include split cups for the indecisive and a flight of five 12-ounce cups of latte, turtle, caramel macchiato, cinnamon, and white mocha. Southern-inspired crab and crawfish eggs Benedict and Cajun shrimp and grits can accompany a morning brew. 2617 Washington, 314-931-1467. $$
Italian. Classic and cultivated, this longtime local favorite offers urbane Italian dining. The lunch menu’s Italian sausage sandwich is the best in town. 201 S. 20th, 314-621-0666. $$$
Mediterranean. Those jonesing for shawarma who happen to wander into this pint-sized diner downtown will find an essential example of the dish here. 1327 Washington, 314-241-1356. $
Japanese. The restaurant serves the authentic ramen, Nagasaki-style, with shrimp and cabbage. Fried karaage, chicken nibbles and squid tentacles, are a taste of Japan. 3674 Forest Park, 314-328-2452. $$
Barbecue. Just a block east of Busch Stadium, the cavernous hall serves stunning barbecue from renowned pitmaster Ben Welch. 900 Spruce, 314-696-2573. $$
Steakhouse. The famous chain serves quality meat in a luxurious atmosphere. 999 N. Second, 314-881-7777. $$$$
American. Nadine Soaib, known for the erstwhile Nadine’s Gin Joint, took over the renowned Billie’s Fine Foods Diner. Soaib added some spiffy Phil Jarvis–designed graphics and neons and now turns out reasonably priced, scratch-made breakfasts, a worthy cup of coffee, and mimosas by the bucketful. 1802 S. Broadway, 314-802-8021. $
Barbecue. This award-winning spot serves arguably the best Memphis-style barbecue in its class. Sample the dry-rubbed ribs and pulled pork to see why people don’t mind waiting in long lines. 3106 Olive, 314-535-4340. $$
Kevin A. Roberts
Pizza. Former President Barack Obama’s favorite pizza comes in thin-crust and deep-dish styles, with Pi’s distinctive cornmeal dough. Consider the neighborhood-themed pizza specials. See website for details. $$
American. The eighth location of the technologically advanced mini-golf concept includes four custom courses on two levels, two bars, and globally and regionally inspired dishes from former St. Louis Wing Co. owner Bobby Tessler. 3730 Foundry Way, Ste. 100. $$
Kevin A. Roberts
Italian. Just a hefty swing of the bat away from Busch Stadium, this trattoria serves hand-tossed pizza, sandwiches, pasta, and salads. 811 Spruce, 314-552-5850. $$
Café. At downtown’s top breakfast destination, guests line up for the cheese-laden crêpes, loaded scrambles, and lavish French toast in a light-filled space. (The South Grand location has a communal layout and pictures of roosters drawn by local children.) 1025 Washington, 314-241-8118. $$
Mexican. You’ll find an array of the usual taco-burrito-chimichanga standards, but consider such specialties as the Oaxacan grouper, pepita-encrusted salmon, and fried quail. Margaritas flow, dinner portions are generous, and a tableside guacamole is sabrosisimo. 1235 Washington, 314-621-2700. $$
Steakhouse. Ruth’s Chris is ideal for those moments when you’ve just gotta dress up and eat a week’s worth of protein paired with gorgeous wine. The atmosphere is opulent, and service shines. 315 Chestnut, 314-259-3200. $$$$
Kevin A. Roberts
Barbecue. A singular focus on “barbecue, bourbon, and beer” translates to loads of meat, craft and barrel-aged cocktails, and more than 40 bourbons. The burnt-end T-ravs are a must. See website for details. $$
Italian. The concept is brilliant in its simplicity: half a dozen salads and 15 kinds of calzones, with 10 sauces “on the side” for dipping. The Nutella/banana dessert calzone is mandatory. See website for details. $
Kevin A. Roberts
Fusion. Craving a Korean soju with your guajillo poark banh mi? This is the place to go for an Asian-Latino meal, with combinations that will delightfully challenge your palate. 3900 Laclede, 314-818-2700. $$
Bar & Grill. St. Louis’ first brewpub gets the food and beer right. There’s also space to stretch out, live music, and frequent festivals. 2100 Locust, 314-241-2337. $$
Asian. All of your favorite Thai dishes—noodles, curries, and soups—are served in an elegant setting. 1000 Washington, 314-436-3456. $$
American. Open for breakfast, lunch, and brunch, Brandi Artis’ sister restaurant to 4 Hens Creole Kitchen serves up whimsically named, memorable dishes, such as Bad & Bougie and Sticky Chicky. Signature touches include croffles (waffle iron croissants), 100 percent French press coffee, and lemonade supplied by Little Chicks, a company owned by Artis’ two children.1115 Pine, 314-802-7287. $$
Pizza. Those amazing pies with a toasted ravioli crust are acclaimed, but don’t overlook the delightful sandwiches and more than 30 beers on tap. 1511 Washington, 314-696-8787. $$
Vegetarian. A vegetarian menu is paired with dark spirits inside a former Ford Model T showroom. House-made pastas and smoked brie stand up well to 60-plus whiskeys, served neat or mixed with bitters, tonics, and tinctures. 3001 Locust, 314-380-2040. $$
Soda Fountain at Union Station
American. The classic fountain joint boasts enough ice cream, fudge, and sprinkles to sugar-jack an entire elementary school. Griddled burgers, tuna melts, and other sandwiches make for a post-wheel repast. 201 S. 18th, 314-923-3939. $$
Southern. Chef Rick Lewis and Pappy’s Smokehouse’s Mike Emerson founded Southern, which serves up a winning combination of Nashville hot chicken and New Orleans–style sandwiches. 3108 Olive, 314-531-4668. $
American. Does Busch Stadium have shuffleboard? Pingpong? Nope, and that’s why watching the game at this place, just next door, on one of about 400 big-screen TVs, is clearly a better deal. There’s also plenty of beer, cocktails, and nacho-style bar fare to add to the fun. 651 Clark, 314-492-5064. $$
Barbecue. Sugarfire boasts inventive dishes and the most exquisite brisket outside Texas. It’s fun and decidedly informal, with patrons eating daily specials off metal trays. See website for details. $$
Small Plates. Famous for its wraparound vistas, Three Sixty has fire pits and cocktails that make for convivial gatherings. The menu’s a modern take on tapas, with fish tacos and individual pizzas. 1 S. Broadway, 314-241-8439. $$
American. Pulled pork nachos pair nicely with a rosé slushie—Frosé— at this live music venue built around a comfy Southern-themed eating joint. 1000 Clark, 314-240-5400. $$
The Train Shed at Union Station
American. This 1904 World’s Fair–themed gathering spot is perfect for a nice dinner with a view of the lake and 200-foot St. Louis Wheel. 201 S. 18th. $$
Kevin A. Roberts
American. Among the best breakfast places around, Turn serves such surprises as corncake arepas with chorizo and eggs. 3224 Locust, 314-240-5157. $$
American. Catering’s become more popular than hand sanitizer of late. What began as a food truck has morphed into a downtown eatery that provides boxed breakfasts and lunches for just you or your whole company. The choices are varied and tasty. 701 Market, 314-757-7075. $
American. Located in a historic building downtown, the restaurant serves an innovative array of top-level dishes in an atmosphere that sports an air of genteel savoir-faire. 705 Olive, 314-241-4300. $$$
Vito’s Sicilian Pizza & Ristorante
Italian. Vito’s serves Sicilian-style pizza and other family recipes. The quattro formaggi pizza won’t disappoint. 3515 Lindell, 314-534-8486. $$
American. This sports bar offers a from-scratch menu of pub favorites, tons of TVs, and a great beer selection. 1000 Spruce, 314-833-3653. $$
