Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Bogart's Smokehouse
Barbecue. Tales of life-changing meals of brisket, smoked turkey, and baked beans are only slight exaggerations here. 1627 S. Ninth, 314- 621-3107. $$
Café. Located in the former Soulard Gyro space, this cozy café is inspired by the South Florida corner bodegas known for their Cuban coffee, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and desserts, such as pastelitos. 2022 S. 12th, 314-405-8178. $$
American. There are no black birds on the menu. But if you’re looking for burgers, sandwiches, and mac n’ cheeses, along with cleverly named cocktails, this place is a prime choice in Soulard. 1931 S. 12th, 314-934-1400. $$
Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Epic Pizza and Subs
Pizza. Located next door to iTap, Epic makes wood-fired pies in the heart of Soulard. 1711 S. Ninth, 314-436-3742. $
Coffee Shop. The former Soulard Coffee Garden is now home to Goshen Coffee, serving the third wave specialty coffee roaster’s unique blends and “flavors with feels,” along with limited breakfast fare: burritos, overnight oats, avocado or goat cheese toast, and more. Pastries include sour cream coffeecake with brown sugar cinnamon swirl. 910 Geyer, 618-650-9086. $
Bar & Grill. At his veteran owned and operated hangout, simplicity is the key: smash burgers (singles, doubles, and triples made from a blend of 25 percent brisket, 25 percent short rib, and 50 percent chuck), four other sandwiches, and fries topped six ways. For a pleasant jolt, try the Firecracker Burger and the CBGB fries topped with beer cheese (“CB” stands for “cheesey beer”) and grilled bacon (the “GB”). A sister restaurant (AJ’s Smashed and Smoked in Belleville) serves a similar menu. 2501 S. 9th. No phone. $$
Bar & Grill. It’s boisterously happy—and not just because of that beer menu that’s longer than a Stephen King novel. It’s suitably pub-ish, with old brick and dark wood. See website for details. $$
Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
McGurk's
Bar & Grill. Chunky Guinness stew. Live maudlin music. Corned beef and cabbage. Yeah, it’s Irish and a pub. What distinguishes the Soulard spot is a huge outdoor garden and traditional Irish music. 1200 Russell, 314-776-8309. $$
Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Mission Taco Joint
Mexican. The specialties are house-made corn tortillas and authentic Mexican street food reminiscent of the offerings in San Francisco’s Mission District. Carne asada fries and brisket birria are also notable. And Mission Taco is a great spot for a handcrafted cocktail. See website for details. $
Cajun/creole. There’s a sprawling patio at this Soulard staple. For Sunday brunch, consider the decadent bread pudding French toast. And for dinner? Try a great gumbo with braised chicken and house-made cornbread. 816 Geyer, 314-241-6200. $$
American. From Gin Joint to iconic diner staples, veteran restaurateur Nadine Soaib is serving made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch items after renovating beloved neighborhood joint Billie’s Fine Food Diner. Breakfast is served all day, with a Truck Stop Breakfast Sandwich and Southside Slinger among the options. 1802 S. Broadway, 314-802-8021. $$
Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Pizzeoli
Pizza. Originally a no-meat pizzeria dishing up wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pies, a new owner kept the vegan and vegetarian offerings but added a broad selection of meat-based pies, as well as appetizers, tallow-fried wings, and desserts. 1928 S. 12th, 314-449-1111. $$
Steakhouse. Portions way past “generous” are standard at this longtime favorite steakhouse. The ribeyes, buttery prime rib, and suitcase-size baked potatoes are legendary. It’s renowned for low prices on protein. See website for details $$
Using different combinations of hardwoods, former fine dining chef Chris Delgado creates sandwiches with memorable flavor profiles, such as the Soulard Primer, hand-cut hickory-and-mulberry-smoked prime rib with bone marrow aioli spread, charred onion, arugula, blue cheese cream, and “debris” (the delicious, savory pickings from the meat slicer). Burgers, party sliders, and wraps are also available. 1862. S. 10th, 314-863-4770. $$
Courtesy of The Wood Shack
The Wood Shack's Cuban includes house smoked pulled pork and ham, creamy mustard, dill pickles, and comte cheese
