Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Devotees of Carmine’s Steak House downtown can’t make up their minds: They want to shout from the top of the Arch that it’s the best steakhouse in town—but they’d just as soon have it remain their little secret. Considering the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial’s improvements nearby and Busch Stadium around the corner, as well as a spring makeover of the 16-year-old Lombardo family restaurant (one of four), Carmine’s won’t stay hush-hush for long. Though we’d never try to talk anyone out of one of the signature herb butter–topped steaks, we’d be remiss in not mentioning the Filet Carmine, an 8-ounce fillet nestled on a bed of Brie cheese and puff pastry and topped with raspberry demi-glace and jumbo lump crabmeat. If the intention was to combine a handful of favorite tastes into one alluring dish, then well done (and make ours medium-rare). 20 S. Fourth, 314-241-1631.
