PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN A. ROBERTS
SLM’s editorial staff recommends the restaurants in this compendium, which changes each month to highlight various neighborhoods. The magazine accepts no advertising or other consideration in exchange for listings.
- $ = Entrées $10 or less
- $$ = Entrées $11–$17
- $$$ = Entrées $18–$24
- $$$$ = Entrées $25 or more
Al’s Restaurant
Steakhouse. This time portal back to the genteel era of dinner-jacketed waiters and swanky cocktails manages to make “dated” a very good (if pricey) thing. Both steaks and lamb chops (pictured) are superb, service is perfectly polished, and the atmosphere is decidedly formal. Al’s is a memorable experience of elegant dining. Dinner Tue–Sat. 1200 N. First, 314-421-6399, alsrestaurant.net. $$$$
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN A. ROBERTS
Anthony’s Bar
American. The glossy, sophisticated bar tucked into the ground floor of the Equitable Building shares both kitchen and ownership with Tony’s. Lunch is busy; dinner, with an eclectic menu, quieter. At dinner, you can order anything on the Tony’s menu and have it served to you here. Save room for pastry Meisterin Helen Fletcher’s desserts. Lunch Tue-Fri, dinner Tue–Sat. 10 S. Broadway, 314-231-7007, saucecafe.com/tonys. $$
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; Budweiser Brew House means beer flights, a self-serve 21-foot tap wall, and 24 AB-family beers on draft; Drunken Fish is the spot for sushi and donburi; and FOX Sports Midwest Live! is home to the largest LED-TV in town. Hours vary. 601 Clark, 314-345-9481, ballparkvillage.com. $$
Bridge Tap House and Wine Bar
American. Bridge is all about upscale noshing: cheese and charcuterie platters, along with offbeat but delicious snacks such as duck tacos. If you can’t find one of the 200 beers or 100 wines to like, you’re too fussy. Brick walls and crowded tables make for a handsome but noisy environment. Lunch and dinner daily. 1004 Locust, 314-241-8141, thebridgestl.com. $$
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, with wonderful beer and drinks. Lunch and dinner daily. 736 S. Broadway, 314-621-8811, broadwayoysterbar.com. $$
Carmine’s Steakhouse
Steakhouse. Beef gets all the attention, though savvy diners at this splendidly formal eatery in the shadow of the Arch often opt for specialties such as chicken Gorgonzola and spinaci scallops. A classic steakhouse with a long history, it’s the perfect destination for a special evening. Dinner daily. 20 S. Fourth, 314-241-1631, lombardosrestaurants.com. $$$$
Charlie Gitto’s downtown
Italian. Celeb photos line the walls of this iconic downtown spot, where locals and tourists mix. The menu’s a textbook of Italian-American dishes: pastas, veal, steaks, chicken—and a stupendous seafood risotto. Lunch and dinner Mon–sat. 207 N. Sixth, 314-436-2828, charliegittosdowntown.com. $$
Cielo
Italian. Few local restaurants can match Cielo for its combination of sleek sophistication and exquisite dining. Vistas of the riverfront are stunning. The atmosphere is cool, refined. The menu tilts Italian with a decidedly upscale twist—veal-and-truffle ravioli—and an excellent wine list. Breakfast and lunch mon–fri, dinner daily, brunch sat & sun. 999 N. Second, 314-881-2105, cielostlouis.com. $$$$
Copia Restaurant and Urban Winery
American. Relaxed and comfortable (especially on the charming patio), Copia’s the place for an evening spent noshing and sampling wine. Three-course specialties are a great bargain. Smaller offerings—arancini and barbecue pulled-pork sliders—are notable. The attached retail wine store is impressive. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner daily. 1122 Washington, 314-241-9463, copiastl.com. $$$
Death in the Afternoon
American. Snag a patio seat on game day, when Death in the Afternoon comes alive. Order a craft cocktail and the staff-recommended Cubano sandwich, and you’ll find proof that Blood and Sand’s little sister is a stunner. Lunch daily, dinner Mon–Fri, brunch sat & sun. 808 Chestnut, 314-621-3236, deathintheafternoonstl.com. $$
Hiro Asian Kitchen
Asian. Perhaps the city’s only restaurant to make “Asian fusion” worthwhile, Hiro serves up such imaginative dishes as bulgogi slingers with Tater-Tots. Ramen with pork belly is a must-try. The décor is cool, the service is friendly, and the Asian eats are amazingly good (and don’t forget the cocktails). The Sunday brunch is spectacular. Lunch and dinner tue–Sat, brunch sun. 1405 Washington, 314-241-4476, hiroasiankitchen.com. $$$
J.F. Sanfilippo’s Italian Restaurant & Bar
Italian. Enjoy old-school Italian dining and decorum within walking distance of the Edward Jones Dome. 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; sunset dinners here are unforgettable. The fare is traditional Italian; the steaks are outstanding. The atmosphere is refreshingly formal, and service is friendly. A $30 “early dinner” menu is a terrific bargain. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. 211 N. Broadway, 314-421-0555, kemolls.com. $$$$
The Kitchen Sink
Cajun/comfort food. We’ve never figured out how owner Anthony Ellerson Jr. does it, but his two Kitchen Sink restaurants serve some of the best—and cheapest—food in town. lunch and dinner daily. 626 N. Sixth, 314-241-5454, thekitchensink.letseat.at. $
Lombardo’s
Italian. Classic and cultivated, this longtime local favorite offers urbane Italian dining. The veal is wonderful, and pasta portions are generous. The atmosphere’s formal, like a private club, yet convivial. It’s the perfect date destination. The lunch menu’s Italian sausage sandwich is the best in town. Lunch mon–Fri, dinner daily. 201 S. 20th, 314-621-0666; lombardosrestaurants.com. $$$
Lucas Park Grille
American. This is one of few downtown eateries open into the wee hours, and many a night’s revelry concludes here. There’s also 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 and dinner daily. 1234 Washington, 314-241-7770, lucasparkgrille.com. $$
Mango
South american. You don’t always crave Peruvian chow, but when you do, you head for this Loft District eatery. A menu explains the spicy, exotic fare, and servers competently explain the details. Don’t neglect the pisco sours. The interior’s chic, beautifully lit, and recommended for a romantic date. Lunch Mon–Sat, dinner daily. 1001 Washington, 314-621-9993, mangoperu.com. $$
Medina Mediterranean Grill
Mediterranean. Those jonesing for shawarma who happen to wander into this pint-sized 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 spot (pictured) serves both thin-crust and deep-dish styles with Pi’s distinctive cornmeal dough. Try the neighborhood-themed specials. Lunch and dinner daily. 610 Washington, 314-588-7600, pi-pizza.com. $$
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN A. ROBERTS
Porano Pasta
Italian. At Gerard Graft’s first foray into fast-casual dining, diners customize bowls—of pasta, farro, rice, or greens—with a sauce, protein, and toppings for less than $10. lunch and dinner daily. 634 Washington, 314-833-6414, poranopasta.com. $
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN A. ROBERTS
Robust
Wine bar. In many cases, tapas has become synonymous with “overpriced little plates.” Not at Robust. Exquisite cheeses and cured meats are matched with an extraordinary wine list. Lunch and dinner daily. 635 Washington, 314-287-6300, robustwinebar.com. $$
Rooster
Café. At downtown’s top breakfast destination, guests line up for the cheese-laden crêpes, loaded scrambles, and suitably lavish French toast. The setting’s light and comfy but loud. Breakfast and lunch daily. 1104 Locust, 314-241-8118, roosterstl.com. $$
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Steakhouse. Ruth’s Chris is ideal for those moments when you’ve just gotta dress up and eat a week’s worth of protein paired with gorgeous wine. The atmosphere is opulent, and service shines. Dinner daily. 315 Chestnut, 314-259-3200; ruthschris.com. $$$$
Sauce on the Side
Italian. The concept is brilliant in its simplicity: half a dozen salads and 15 kinds of calzones, with 10 sauces “on the side” for dipping. The Nutella/banana dessert calzone is mandatory. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. 411 N. 8th, 314-241-5667, eatcalzones.com. $
Schlafly Tap Room
Bar & Grill. St. Louis’ first brewpub knew that in this town, it would have to get food right, as well as the beer. It’s done it. Fish and chips, mussels and ditto, and, above all else, sticky
toffee pudding. There’s space to stretch out, live music, and frequent festivals. What else do you need? Lunch and dinner daily. 2100 Locust, 314-241-2337, schlafly.com/tap-room. $$
Sen Thai Asian Bistro
Asian. All of your favorite Thai dishes—noodles, curries, and soups—are served in an elegant setting. This lunch destination is popular with downtown workers; you’ll get a table faster at dinner. Try the Bamee BBQ Pork, a Thai street food classic that’s found in few local Thai places. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner daily. 1221 Locust, 314-436-3456, senthaibistro.com. $$
Sugarfire Smoke House
Barbecue. The downtown outpost of this popular chainlet is packed with whimsy, visual stimulation, and great BBQ. lunch and dinner daily. 605 Washington, 314-394-1720, sugarfiresmokehouse.com. $–$$
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 of your choice, and choose from one of three hummus flavors. That’s street food the Tazé way. Lunch and dinner daily. 626 Washington, 314-254-7953, tazestreetfood.com. $
Three Sixty
Small Plates. Famous for its wraparound 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. It’s hip, chic, and often busy. Dinner daily. 1 S. Broadway, 314-421-1776, 360-stl.com. $$
Tony’s
Italian. For many St. Louisans, this legendary place defines decorous dining. It’s a panoply of tableside presentations, genteel service, and a lavish atmosphere that balances just short of ostentatious. Sauces are luxuriant, ingredients are impeccable, and preparations are flawless. It’s expensive but worth it. Dinner Tue–Sat. 410 Market, 314-231-7007, saucecafe.com/tonys. $$$$
Wasabi Sushi Bar
Japanese/Sushi. The popular local chain serves up sushi, noodles, and other Japanese fare. Go with the Wasabi combinations, or consider the generously portioned bento. lunch mon-fri, dinner daily, 1228 Washington, wasabisushibars.com. $$
Wheelhouse Bar & Restaurant
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. $$
