Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
This article appears in St. Louis Magazine's Dining Guide, published alongside the December issue. Written from an insider's point of view by SLM's dining team, it’s an essential compendium of more than 500 restaurants across the metro region. (The information was current at press time, in late October, though be sure to call ahead or research online as many restaurants' operations have changed frequently during the pandemic.)
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, alsrestaurant.net. $$$$
Thai. A small menu with large portions of Thai food offers an occasional swerve provided by such ingredients as smoked salmon and flour dumplings. 550 N. Seventh, 314-241-9990, auberginecafestl.com. $$
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, baileysrange.com. $
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, stlballparkvillage.com. $$
American. Politicos, local swells, and a spectrum of the city’s workers meet at this revived sandwich place with a century-old past. Third-generation owner Paul Beffa eliminated the cafeteria-style service and added evening hours and a popular Saturday brunch. Keeping with tradition, however, there’s still no sign. 2700 Olive, 314-571-9367, beffas.com. $
Japanese/Sushi. Burrito-size sushi rolls are stuffed with such ingredients as buttermilk fried chicken; house-cured salmon; and kimchi slaw, jalapeños, and shrimp tempura. 9 S. Vandeventer, 314-304-8420, blkmkteats.com. $$
Bar & Grill. Housed in a vintage firehouse, St. Louis’ only cidery serves light eats and locally pressed ciders. 2000 Washington, 314-224-5046, brickrivercider.com. $$
American. Bridge is all about upscale noshing: cheese and charcuterie platters, along with offbeat but delicious snacks such as coffee-braised beef. If you can’t find one of the 200 beers or 100 wines to like, you’re too fussy. 1004 Locust, 314-241-8141, thebridgestl.com. $$
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, broadwayoysterbar.com. $$
American. At one of St. Louis’ most distinctive restaurants, the focus is on multi-course tastings. The cuisine is an homage to the cooking and foodstuffs of the 19th-century Ozarks. 3307 Washington, 314-449-1208, bulrushstl.com. $$$$
Steakhouse. Beef gets all the attention, though savvy diners at this splendidly formal eatery in the shadow of the Arch often opt for such specialties as chicken Gorgonzola and spinaci scallops. 20 S. Fourth, 314-241-1631, lombardosrestaurants.com. $$$$
South American. Dinner’s lovely at Gerard Craft’s classy addition to the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. Enjoy a leisurely drink and shareable nibbles on the airy, couch-comfortable rooftop. 999 N. Second, 314-881-5759, cinderhousestl.com. $$$
City Foundry STL’s Food Hall
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. 3730 Foundry Way, cityfoundrystl.com. $
Commonwealth
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, angadartshotel.com. $$$$
Clark & Bourbon
Steakhouse. It’s big, modern and luxurious, a subtly baseball–themed steakhouse in a hotel at Ballpark Village with numerous other upscale attractions, such as the Whiskey Room and The Bullock terrace overlooking Busch Stadium, as well as an interior devoted to Cardinals lore. 799 Clark, 314-597-9700, clarkandbourbon.com. $$$$
Curtain Call Lounge
American. This elegant room feels like a nightclub, with original posters and almost as much glitz as its parent, the Fox Theatre. You’ll find light food and plenty of choices for sparkling wine by the glass—order and prepay for a drink at theater intermission. Check the website for occasional lunch openings. 521 N. Grand, 314-534-1678, fabulousfox.com. $$
Dao Tien Bistro
See “Multiple Locations.”
The Dark Room
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, fabulousfox.com. $$
Drunken Fish
See “Multiple Locations.”
Egg
See “Multiple Locations.”
Fleur STL
American. The paradigmatic Eat-Rite Diner adopts a St. Louis-y name, different hours (breakfast and lunch only), and steers diner cuisine in the direction of elevated comfort food. The burgers are hand-pattied, the biscuits are scratch-made, the slinger is layered like a Napoleon, and the standout dish is an Asian Chicken & Waffles Eggs Benedict. 622 Chouteau. $$
The Fountain on Locust
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, fountainonlocust.com. $
Gringo
Mexican. Downtown’s Mercantile Exchange is home to the revival of Gringo, which once peddled street tacos and other Mexican fare in the CWE. The beach shack atmosphere is a little upgraded from the original, but the menu—and some additions, including half-pound burgers—is as muy sabrosa as ever. The spot is temporarily shuttered, but be on the lookout for a reopening timeline. 635 Washington, 314-449-6777, gringo-mx.com. $
Hi-Pointe Drive-In
See “Multiple Locations.”
Java Plus
See “Multiple Locations.”
Jazz at the Bistro
American. The bistro’s menu matches the intimate space. Diners can choose three courses as part of the prix-fixe option, order individual items, or go for the small plates. New Orleans–inspired soul food influences several of the dishes. 3536 Washington, 314-571-6000, jazzstl.org. $$
Kaldi’s
See “Multiple Locations.”
Kimchi Guys
See “Multiple Locations.”
The Last Kitchen
American. A small, carefully selected new American menu has offerings to please anyone. Huge windows and comfortable seating make for urban and urbane dining. Be sure to check out the rooftop bar. 1501 Washington, 314-390-2500, thelasthotel.com/the-last-kitchen-bar. $$
Lombardo’s Trattoria
See “Multiple Locations.”
Medina Mediterranean Grill
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, medinagrill.com. $
Midtown Sushi & Ramen
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, midtown-sushi.com. $$
The Midwestern Meat & Drink
Barbecue. Just a block east of Busch Stadium, the cavernous hall serves stunning barbecue from renowned pitmaster Ben Welch. 900 Spruce, 314-696-2573, midwesternstl.com. $$
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Steakhouse. The famous chain serves quality meat in a luxurious atmosphere. 999 N. Second, 314-881-7777, mortons.com. $$$$
Mr. Currys India Restaurant
Location temporarily closed.
Pappy’s Smokehouse
See “Multiple Locations.”
Quattro
Italian. Just a hefty swing of the bat away from Busch Stadium, this trattoria serves hand-tossed pizza, sandwiches, pasta, and salads. 811 Spruce, 314-552-5850, quattrostlouis.com. $$
Pi Pizzeria
See “Multiple Locations.”
Rooster
See “Multiple Locations.”
Rosalita’s Cantina
See “Multiple Locations.”
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
See “Multiple Locations.”
Salt + Smoke
See “Multiple Locations.”
Sauce on the Side
See “Multiple Locations.”
Schlafly Tap Room
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, schlafly.com/tap-room. $$
Sen Thai Asian Bistro
Asian. All of your favorite Thai dishes—noodles, curries, and soups—are served in an elegant setting. 1000 Washington, 314-436-3456, senthaibistro.com. $$
The Sliced Pint
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, theslicedpint.com. $$
Small Batch
Vegetarian. A vegetarian menu is paired with dark spirits inside a for- mer Ford Model T showroom. House- made pastas and smoked brie stand up well to 60-plus whiskeys, served neat or mixed with bitters, tonics, and tinctures. 3001 Locust, 314-380-2040, smallbatchstl.com. $$
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, sodafountain-stl.com. $$
Southern
Southern. Chef Rick Lewis and Pappy’s Smokehouse’s Mike Emerson founded Southern, which serves up a winning combination of Nashville hot chicken and New Orleans–style sandwiches. 3108 Olive, 314-531-4668, stlsouthern.com. $
Sports & Social
American. Does Busch Stadium have shuffleboard? Pingpong? Nope, and that’s why watching the game at this place, just next door, on one of about 400 big-screen TVs, is clearly a better deal. There’s also plenty of beer, cocktails, and nacho-style bar fare to add to the fun. 651 Clark, 314-492-5064, stlballparkvillage.com/eat-and-drink/sports-and-social. $$
Sugarfire Smoke House
See “Multiple Locations.”
Sweetie Pie's
Southern. “Miss Robbie” Montgomery is the no-nonsense matriarch of this legendary soul-food joint. Try the famous fried chicken, cobbler, and mac and cheese. 3643 Delmar, 314-932-5364. $
Three Sixty
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, 360-stl.com. $$
Tin Roof
American. Pulled pork nachos pair nicely with a rosé slushie—Frosé— at this live music venue built around a comfy Southern-themed eating joint. 1000 Clark, 314-240-5400, tinroofstlouis.com. $$
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, trainshed-stl.com. $$
Turn
American. Among the best breakfast places around, Turn serves such surprises as corncake arepas with chorizo and eggs. 3224 Locust, 314-240-5157, turnstl.com. $$
UKRAFT
See “Multiple Locations.”
Union 30
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, hotelsaintlouis.com/union30. $$$
Vito’s Sicilian Pizza & Ristorante
Italian. Vito’s serves Sicilian-style pizza and other family recipes. The quattro formaggi pizza won’t disappoint. 3515 Lindell, 314-534-8486, vitosstl.com. $$
The Wheelhouse
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, wheelhousestl.com. $$
