Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Baileys' Range
Al’s Restaurant
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. Steaks are superb, service is perfectly polished, and the atmosphere’s decidedly formal. Al’s is a memorable experience of elegant dining. Dinner Tue–Sat. 1200 N. First, 314-421-6399, alsrestaurant.net. $$$$
Anthony’s Bar
American. The glossy, sophisticated bar shares both kitchen and ownership with Tony’s. Lunch is busy. At dinner, order anything on the Tony’s menu and have it served here. Save room for pastry Meisterin Helen Fletcher’s desserts. Lunch Tue–Fri, dinner Tue–Sat. 10 S. Broadway, 314-231-7007, saucecafe.com/tonys. $$
Baileys’ Range
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. House-made sauces sparkle; toppings are imaginative. Don’t neglect the local brews and booze-infused shakes. The atmosphere mixes industrial chic with country nostalgia. Lunch and dinner daily. 920 Olive, 314-241-8121, baileysrange.com. $
Ballpark Village
American. At Cardinals Nation, reserve a spot on the AT&T Rooftop that includes ticketed seats overlooking Busch Stadium. Get your sushi fix at Drunken Fish. At Budweiser Brew House, when people say, “We’re here for the beer,” they could be referring to the beer flights, the self-serve 21-foot tap wall, or the 24 ABI-family beers on draft. Anchored by a monster 40-foot LED TV, FOX Sports Midwest Live! is BPV’s spectacular action-packed hub. Hours vary. 601 Clark, 314-345-9481, ballparkvillage.com. $$
Bridge Tap House & Wine Bar
American. Bridge is all about upscale noshing: cheese and charcuterie platters, along with offbeat but delicious snacks such as duck tacos. If you can’t find one of the 200 beers or 100 wines to like, you’re too fussy. Lunch and dinner daily. 1004 Locust, 314-241-8141, thebridgestl.com. $$
Broadway Oyster Bar
Cajun/Creole. Live music nightly makes les bon temps rouler, but those charbroiled oysters, jambalaya, and catfish don’t hurt. It’s not a dive but instead a dip; don’t be put off by the scruffy exterior. Inside, it’s friendly and happily packed. Lunch and dinner daily. 736 S. Broadway, 314-621-8811, broadwayoysterbar.com. $$
Carmine’s Steakhouse
Steakhouse. Beef gets all the attention, though savvy diners at this splendidly formal eatery in the shadow of the Arch often opt for such specialties as chicken Gorgonzola and spinaci scallops. A classic steakhouse with a long history, it’s the perfect destination for a special evening. Dinner daily. 20 S. Fourth, 314-241-1631, lombardosrestaurants.com. $$$$
Charlie Gitto’s Downtown
Italian. Celeb photos line the walls of this iconic downtown spot where locals and tourists mix. The menu’s a textbook of Italian-American dishes: pastas, veal, steaks, chicken—and a stupendous seafood risotto. Lunch and dinner Mon–sat. 207 N. Sixth, 314-436-2828. $$
Cielo
Ihttp://hiroasiankitchen.comtalian. Few restaurants can match Cielo for its combination of sleek sophistication and exquisite dining. The riverfront vista is stunning. The atmosphere is cool, refined. The menu tilts Italian, with such notable dishes as the tonnarelli neri. Breakfast and lunch Mon–Fri, dinner daily, brunch Sat & Sun. 999 N. Second, 314-881-2105, cielostlouis.com. $$$$
Copia
American. Relaxed and comfortable (especially on the charming patio), Copia’s the place for an evening spent noshing and sampling wine. Three-course specialties are a great bargain. Smaller offerings—such as arancini—are notable. The attached retail wine store is impressive. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. 1122 Washington, 314-241-9463, copiastl.com. $$$
Gioia’s Deli
American. Oil tanker–size sandwiches, including the legendary Hot Salami, are the attraction at this popular deli, whose roots stretch back nearly a century. Build your own, or go with a classic like the Porknado or Hogfather. Lunch Mon–Fri. 903 Pine, 314-776-9410, gioiasdeli.com. $
Hiro Asian Kitchen
Asian. Perhaps the city’s only restaurant to make “Asian fusion” worthwhile, Hiro serves up such imaginative dishes as the San-Pei Chicken Claypot. Ramen with pork belly is a must-try. The décor is cool, the service is friendly, and the Asian eats are amazingly good. The Sunday brunch is spectacular. Lunch Tue–Sat, Dinner Tue–Sun, brunch Sat & Sun. 1405 Washington, 314-241-4476, hiroasiankitchen.com. $$$
J.F. Sanfilippo’s Italian Restaurant & Bar
Italian. Enjoy old-school Italian dining and decorum within walking distance of Washington Avenue. Don’t miss owner Joe Sanfilippo’s rigatoni Giuseppe, which is made with a spicy vodka cream sauce that’s so tasty, he sells bottles of it to go. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. 705 N. Broadway, 314-621-7213, jfsanfilippos.com. $$$
Joey B’s
Bar & Grill. A big menu of appetizers, burgers, wings, sandwiches, and even steak Modiga keeps crowds coming back. The pizza is remarkably satisfying for a spot that doesn’t focus on it. And don’t miss the tower of hand-breaded onion rings. Lunch and dinner daily. 710 N. Second, 314-621-9570, joeybslanding.com. $$
Kemoll’s Italian Restaurant
Italian. Kemoll’s is part of St. Louis’ Italian restaurant royalty. Get a seat near windows that offer wonderful views. The fare is traditional Italian; the steaks are outstanding. A $30 “early dinner” menu is a bargain. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. 211 N. Broadway, 314-421-0555, kemolls.com. $$$$
The Kitchen Sink
Cajun/Creole. The Kitchen Sink’s well-named: The menu is a Cajun-Creole–based carnival ride, from crab cakes Benedict to jambalaya, all presented with inventive flair. Affable service and a nice drink selection make sometimes-long waits more agreeable. Try the funnel fries for dessert. Lunch and dinner daily. 626 N. Sixth, 314-241-5454, thekitchensink.letseat.at. $
Editor's note: The Kitchen Sink closed on June 29.
Lombardo’s Trattoria
Italian. Classic and cultivated, this longtime favorite offers urbane Italian dining. The veal is wonderful, and pasta portions are generous. The atmosphere’s formal, like a private club, yet convivial. The lunch menu’s Italian sausage sandwich is the best in town. Lunch Wed–Fri, dinner daily. 201 S. 20th, 314-621-0666, lombardosrestaurants.com. $$$
Lucas Park Grille
American. Open into the wee hours, Lucas Park has an unrestrained menu, including smoked wild boar ribs and lobster ravioli. You’ll find plenty of TVs, but they don’t overwhelm the clubby atmosphere. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner daily, Brunch Sat & Sun. 1234 Washington, 314-241-7770, lucasparkgrille.com. $$
Mango
South American. St. Louis’ only Peruvian restaurant features spicy, exotic fare served in a chic, beautifully lit space—perfect for a romantic night on the town. Lunch Mon–Sat, dinner daily. 1001 Washington, 314-621-9993, mangoperu.com. $$
Medina Mediterranean Grill
Mediterranean. Those jonesing for shawarma who happen to wander into this pint-size diner downtown will find an essential example of the dish here. You might also be surprised at owner Ibrahim Ead’s willingness to meld other cuisines into Middle Eastern standards: Care for a little chipotle? Lunch daily, dinner Mon–Sat. 1327 Washington, 314-241-1356, medinagrill.com. $
Pi Pizzeria
Pizza. President Barack Obama’s favorite pizza comes in thin-crust and deep-dish styles with Pi’s distinctive cornmeal dough. It’s worth trying the inventive neighborhood-themed specials. Lunch and dinner daily. 610 Washington, 314-588-7600, pi-pizza.com. $$
Porano Pasta
Italian. James Beard Award–winning chef Gerard Craft serves up dishes made from sustainable ingredients for less than $10. Keep an eye out for the specials: Craft and his team use Porano (pictured) to test dishes for all of Niche Food Group’s restaurants. Lunch and dinner daily. 634 Washington, 314-833-6414, poranopasta.com. $$
Robust
Wine Bar. In many cases, tapas has become synonymous with “overpriced little plates.” Not at Robust. Exquisite cheeses and cured meats are matched with an extraordinary wine list. Lunch and dinner daily. 635 Washington, 314-287-6300, robustwinebar.com. $$
Rooster
Café. At downtown’s top breakfast destination, guests line up for the cheese-laden crêpes, loaded scrambles, and lavish French toast. The setting’s light and comfy but loud. Hours vary by location. 1104 Locust, 314-241-8118, roosterstl.com. $$
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
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. Dinner daily. 315 Chestnut, 314-259-3200, ruthschris.com. $$$$
Sauce on the Side
Italian. The concept is brilliant in its simplicity: half a dozen salads and 15 kinds of calzones, with 10 sauces “on the side” for dipping. The Nutella/banana dessert calzone is mandatory. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. 411 N. 8th, 314-241-5667, eatcalzones.com. $
Sen Thai Asian Bistro
Asian. All of your favorite Thai dishes—noodles, curries, and soups—are served in an elegant setting. Don’t miss the Bamee BBQ Pork, a Thai street food classic. Lunch Mon–Sat, dinner daily. 1221 Locust, 314-436-3456, senthaibistro.com. $$
Shift, Test Kitchen
American. Keep up with the latest food trends at this test kitchen–incubator, which offers recipe research and development for Dave Bailey’s roster of restaurants. It’s open on weekdays for to-go lunch only; service is lightning fast. Lunch Mon–Fri. 313 N. 11th, 314-932-7443, shifttestkitchen.com. $
Sugarfire Smoke house
Barbecue. Yes, we have other phenomenal barbecue joints, but none matches Sugarfire for inventive dishes and the most exquisite brisket outside Texas. Portions and quality are astounding. It’s fun and decidedly informal, with patrons eating daily specials off metal trays. Lunch and dinner daily. 605 Washington, 314-394-1720, sugarfiresmokehouse.com. $$
Tazé Mediterranean Street Food
Mediterranean. Start with a saffron rice bowl or a house-baked pita. Choose one: chicken or beef seared on skewers, gyro meat, grilled portobello, or flavorful falafel. Top it, sauce it, add a side, and choose from one of three hummus flavors. Lunch and dinner daily. 626 Washington, 314-254-7953, tazestreetfood.com. $
Three Sixty
Small Plates. Famous for its vistas, Three Sixty has fire pits and cocktails that make for convivial gatherings. The menu’s a modern take on tapas, with fish tacos and individual pizzas. Dinner daily. 1 S. Broadway, 314-421-1776, 360-stl.com. $$
Tony’s
Italian. For many St. Louisans, this legendary place defines decorous dining. It’s a panoply of tableside presentations, genteel service, and lavish atmosphere. Sauces are luxuriant, ingredients are impeccable, and preparations are flawless. Dinner Tue–Sat. 410 Market, 314-231-7007, saucecafe.com/tonys. $$$$
Wasabi Sushi Bar
Japanese/Sushi. The popular local chain serves up sushi, noodles, and other Japanese fare. Go with the Wasabi combinations, or consider the generously portioned bento. Lunch and dinner daily. 1228 Washington, 314-421-3500, wasabisushibars.com. $$
Wheelhouse
American. This sports bar offers a from-scratch menu of pub favorites, tons of TVs, and a great beer selection. It’s enough to keep any sports lover happy. Lunch and dinner daily. 1000 Spruce, 314-833-3653, wheelhousestl.com. $$
