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.)
Italian. Cucina povera is glorious at this simple yet trendsetting place, where lighter pasta portions and affordable wine quartini contribute to satisfying, memorable dinners. The four-course prix-fixe is inevitably worthwhile. 7266 Manchester, 314-644-1790, acero-stl.com. $$
South American. Masterfully grilled meat, seafood dishes, outstanding lobster bisque, and a cocktail list with a dulce de leche martini are served in the former Reeds American Table space. Chimichurri and other exciting seasonings are distinctive; the menu’s a wonderful, contemporary tour of Ibero-America. 7322 Manchester, 314-802-8587, asadordelsur.com. $$$
Italian. The draw here, at one of the hippest bistro-type eateries in town, is small-portion Italian fare: roasted Brussels sprouts, seared pork belly, creamy burrata. Pizzas are topped with unexpected ingredients like goat cheese, sweet corn, and pickled peppers. 7036 Clayton, 314-932-7820, basso-stl.com. $$
Moroccan. The cocktail list’s intriguing at this small, friendly place devoted to Moroccan-inspired fare. There are lots of shareable appetizers. Flavors here are compelling. This is a place that will become a regular destination. 7268 Manchester, 314-899-0440, thebenevolentking.com. $$$
American. The DLT, with seared duck breast, is just one of the house-made attractions at this neighborhood eatery with a minimalist ambience and a brunch menu that’s served daily. 2661 Sutton, 314-769-9940, blueduckstl.com. $$
American. “Whole hog” means just that at this Maplewood restaurant, where local meats are featured in a menu that offers burgers, sandwiches, and lively bites. (Think pork rinds and tallow fries.) The kicker: It’s also a working bespoke butcher shop. 2733 Sutton, 314-647-2567, bolyardsmeat.com. $$
Seafood. It’s like a very nice, very classy bar that also serves great food. Should you want a quiet tête-à-tête, hang in the bar, with full meal service. Fish and steaks get a wood-grilled treatment that highlights flavor and enhances texture. 8780 Eager, 314-918-1649, bonefishgrill.com. $$$
Caribbean. The tapas menu boasts several dishes that you’re not likely to find anywhere else in St. Louis, such as Brazil nut–encrusted manchego cheese and conch fritters. The sandwich menu features one of the best Cuban sandwiches in town, the Cubaniche, along with a vegetarian version. 7344 Manchester, 314-645-4803, boogaloostlouis.com. $$
American. Waiting for one of only a handful of seats in this closet-sized place is a St. Louis tradition. Crispy spatula-thin burgers sizzle, and golden onion rings crackle in hot oil. The aroma conjures pure, delicious nostalgia. Don’t even think about skipping the root beer float. 9033 Manchester, 314-961-9652, carlsdrivein.com. $
Mexican. The former Maya Café location in Maplewood lives on with a roster of familiar Mexican favorites, plus several “ranchero” specials, including the show-stopping Ranchero Desoto, with grilled chicken, steak, bacon, shrimp, Spanish rice, sautéed peppers, onion, and tomatoes topped with Casa Maya’s special queso. 2726 Sutton, 314-282-0408. $$
American. Iconic rock and pop concert posters line the walls, menus are presented in album covers, and old movies are projected onto one wall. Must-try house specialties include the pork poutine and deep-fried deviled eggs. “A Metal Brunch on Sundays, fun signature cocktails (Don’t Make Me Cuke, Whisky Business), and a new, covered patio in back are big draws. 7336 Manchester, 314-781-0989, eatcrowstl.com. $
Italian. Classic Italian-American fare doesn’t get more saucy-mozzarella tasty than at this spacious temple to the cuisine. Del Pietro’s offers all the standards (with a lovely cannelloni) in a charming low-key setting. 1059 S. Big Bend, 314-224-5225, mikedelpietros.com. $$
American/PIZZA. “Live-fire cooking” using a coal-burning hearth oven was the draw from Niche alums Chris Kelling and Adam Altnether until the pandemic forced a pause. In the interim, the partners launched Pizza Champ in the space, a concept slated to move to a brick-and-mortar in Maplewood in late 2021. 2704 Sutton, 314-261-4708, elmwoodstl.com. $$$
American. Cozy, retro-romantic, and chock-full of nooks, the Fox & Hounds is where you’ll stop for a cocktail and end up staying for more, such as the Liverpool wings, grilled salmon, or chocolate gooey butter cake. 6300 Clayton, 314-647-7300, cheshirestl.com. $$
Italian. This is classic—surprisingly affordable—Italian dining. Chocolate ravioli is the best dessert; before getting there, you’ll work your way through superior veal dishes, some grand pastas and risotto, and delightful primi offerings like mussels diavolo. 2241 S. Brentwood, 314-961-3344, frankpapas.com. $$$
Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
American. This popular chicken house from Memphis offers spicing that varies a little from day to day, as well as country-style sides. The medium-spicy chicken (and less spicy chicken fingers) have legions of devotées. 7434 Manchester, 314-899-9899, gusfriedchicken.com. $$
Hi-Pointe Drive-In
See “Multiple Locations.”
Joy Luck Buffet
Chinese. This local favorite is so busy, the offerings are constantly replenished. The variety runs the gamut from Americanized items to authentically exotic dishes. Seafood selections are particularly enticing. For those with a taste for spicy Sichuan, Joy Luck offers one of the best hot pots in town. 8030 Manchester, 314-645-9982. $$
Vietnamese. Mai Lee is St. Louis’ go-to for beefy, herby pho. If you’re adventurous, ask the staff for suggestions, or try the canh chua ca, an addictive fish stew. 8396 Musick Memorial, 314-645-2835, maileestl.com. $$
American. The region’s first cat café has two resident felines, along with a rotating cast of adoptable cats from a local shelter. (Sorry, patrons’ cats aren’t allowed.) Food options include predominantly baked goods but also some savory items, such as hummus and salmon dip. 3101 Sutton, 314-384-2287, mauhauscafe.com. $
Bar & Grill. Traditional Greek flavors can be found in this neighborhood sports bar setting. Fried zucchini with horseradish sauce is a refreshing twist on French fries. The 10-ounce Michael Burger is a sight to behold, especially when topped with a ball of soft cheddar. 7101 Manchester, 314-644-2240, michaelsstl.com. $$
Mike Duffy’s Pub and Grill
See “Multiple Locations.”
Mexican. The region’s first mezcaleria serves as an introduction to the Mexican state of Oaxaca, as evidenced by examples of its culture, colors, culinary creations, and its most famous liquid commodity—mezcal—tequila’s smoky, lusty, more flavorful cousin. Guests should peruse the artwork and ask questions, since there’s meaning and purpose beyond the bold, brash colors. 25 The Boulevard, 314-256-1072, mezcalerialaschupacabras.com. $$
The Post Sports Bar & Grill
See “Multiple Locations.”
Revel Kitchen
See “Multiple Locations.”
Japanese. Ramen’s a big draw. The tonkotsu broth is milky-rich, and a salt-smacked miso-flavored version is worthy of attention. Robata also offers Japanese specialties, such as grilled yellowtail cheek and takana yakimeshi. 7260 Manchester, 314-899-9595, robatamaplewood.com. $$
Bar & Grill. Schlafly offers 20 beers on tap and hearty pub food. Consider the beer bread or chorizo meatloaf with a Fitz’s root beer–tomato glaze. 7260 Southwest, 314-241-2337, schlafly.com. $$
Brewpub. The bar without tenders, Tapped sports 39 beers, one local brewed coffee, and eight wines to serve yourself, quaff, and savor. Tapped also offers a substantial menu, including wood-fired pizzas. 7278 Manchester, 314-899-0011, tappedstl.com. $$
Twin Oak Wood-Fired Pizza and BBQ
Pizza/Barbecue. Wood-fired pizza and barbecue? If this place had local beers and good cocktails, it’d be the perfect restaurant. Oh, wait—it does. Don’t overlook the salads, the wood-fired wings, or the deep-dish chocolate chip cookie dessert. 1201 Strassner, 314-644-2772, twinoakwoodfired.com. $$
Yen Ching
Chinese. A tribute to grand Americanized Chinese food, Yen Ching beautifully strikes every note: sizzling rice soup, pot stickers, Sichuan beef… It’s family-friendly, yet bigger and more formal than most Chinese restaurants. 1012 S. Brentwood, 314-721-7507. $$
Japanese/American/Poke. The odd combination of offerings—subs, sushi, ramen, and poke—might not make sense, were it not for the skillful preparation. The meaty subs are satisfying, as is the rich tonkotsu ramen and beautifully presented sushi. 3001 S. Big Bend, 314-833-5188, yummitummimo.com. $
