Wine Bar. It’s dim, comfy, relaxed, like a neighborhood pub—with a staggeringly expansive wine list and a selection of beer that isn’t much smaller. There are no full meals, but you’ll find high-end charcuterie boards that are well-matched to the wine. 1913 Park, 314-231-9463. $$
Café. Located upstairs from its prior digs, it’s still a shrine for chocolate lovers. 1915 Park, 314-241-8100. $$
Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
The Bellwether
American. From octopus to togarashi-dusted fries, the menu is focused on unusual combinations of texture and tastes. Windows offer skyline views, and the building-length patio is among the most enjoyable in town. 1419 Carroll, 314-380-3086. $$$
Italian. The Lafayette Square fave serves such inventive dishes as wild boar ravioli and braised rabbit. 1111 Mississippi, 314-241-999. $$$
Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Hamilton's Steakhouse
Steakhouse. The edible bacon candle’s a hint: This is a different kind of steakhouse—and the bourbon list is impressive. 2101 Chouteau, 314-241-2333. $$$
Central American. Chicharrones are the draw at the Lafayette Square restaurant, but other Latin American specialties are similarly alluring. 2001 Park, 314-696-2699. $$
American. The drink menu is stunningly extravagant, but don’t overlook the food, from nibbles to full meals. 1000 Mississippi, 314-696-2603. $$
Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Polite Society
American. At this wonderful little brick-wall joint that’s heavy on the folksy, you’ll feel compelled to come in for a cocktail and stay for bistro steak or confit chicken wings. 1923 Park, 314-325-2553. $$$
American. The Champagne list is encyclopedic; there are also cocktails and mixed drinks with an effervescent theme. 1915 Park, 314-241-8100. $$$
French/Italian. French bistro meets Italian trattoria in an intimate space with food that’s as memorable as the artwork. Bouillabaisse is a specialty, but there’s plenty more, along with a fine wine selection. The neighborhood feel is part of the charm. 7600 Wydown, 314-899-9699.
Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Square One Brewery
Square One Brewery and Distillery
Bar & Grill. Flights of spirits are distilled in-house, and craft beers are brewed on site. For pub staples like pot roast sandwiches and fish and (homemade) chips, the first distillery brewpub in Missouri is a solid choice. 1727 Park, 314-231-2537. $$
American. SqWires, housed in a converted wire factory, boasts a fireplace, live music, a menu bouncing from bacon-wrapped dates to chicken pot pie, and the world’s most extensive bloody mary bar during a deluxe brunch. 1415 S. 18th, 314-865-3522. $$$
Italian. Dawn Wilson’s little bit of everything shop includes freshly made pasta and sauces, a weekend dine-in and takeout menu, event space, off-site catering, and cooking classes, as well as gourmet foods, kitchenware, and even European-inspired antiques. 1916 Park, 314-827-6150. $$
Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Winnie's Wine Bar
Wine Bar. Sharing a building with Hamilton’s Urban Steakhouse & Bourbon Bar, the latest endeavor from Paul and Wendy Hamilton has a retro aviation feel that’s reminiscent of the airport lounges of yesteryear, including comfy leather chairs, tables cobbled from old suitcases, and clocks showing different wine time zones, instead of cities. The food offerings consist of two dozen small to medium wine-friendly dishes, many of them sharable. The wine menu includes seven flights, bottles, and wines by the glass, with 80 choices in all. 2101 Chouteau, 314-242-9463. $$
