Neighborhood Restaurant Recs: Downtown St. Louis

Editor’s Note: The following list also appears in the June 2015 print issue of St. Louis Magazine.  

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 in elegant dining. Dinner Tue–Sat. 1200 N. First, 314-421-6399, alsrestaurant.net. $$$$

Baileys’ Range

Sandwiches. 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. $–$$

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 roulent, 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 formal eatery in the shadow of the Arch often opt for specialties such as chicken Gorgonzola and spinaci scallops. A classic steak house 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 lining walls, tile floors… Only a pistol-equipped men’s room could make this “Little Italy” joint more iconic. The menu’s a textbook of Italian-American dishes: pastas, veal, steaks, chicken—and a stupendous seafood risotto. Locals and tourists mix in this delicious institution. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. 207 N. Sixth, 314-436-2828, charliegittosdowntown.com. $$$–$$$$

Cielo A-List 2014

Contemporary 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 an upscale twist—veal-and-truffle ravioli—with an excellent wine list. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. 999 N. Second, 314-881-2105, cielostlouis.com. $$$$

Copia Urban Winery & Market

American. Relaxed and comfortable (especially 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 BBQ pulled-pork sliders—are worthy. The attached retail wine store is impressive. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner daily. 1122 Washington, 314-241-9463, copiastl.com. $$$

The Docket A-List 2014

American. What? Another restaurant in a law school? Yes, but this one has a wood-fired oven for pizzas. A daily chef’s table buffet is invariably delicious. Sandwiches and pasta dishes and lovely streetside views make this light, airy space a worthwhile spot for lunch or dinner. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Mon–Fri. 100 N. Tucker, 314-977-4615. $–$$

The Drunken Fish

Japanese/Sushi. The downtown location’s so close to Busch Stadium, you’ll need to watch for foul balls. Sushi gets the most attention here, with a wide, imaginative range of enjoyable rolls. Consider, though, donburi, bowls filled with rice and generous toppings of chicken or fish. Lunch and dinner daily. 601 Clark, Suite 104, 314-899-0500, drunkenfish.com. $$$

The Dubliner

Irish/Bar & Grill. Order a Black & Tan and a shepherd’s pie, along with a glass of Jameson’s for dessert. Yeats isn’t this Irish. Invariably packed and dark, The Dubliner’s full of nooks for intimate moments between you and your whiskey. Lunch and dinner daily. 1025 Washington, 314-421-4300, dublinerstl.com. $$

Hiro Asian Kitchen A-List 2014

Asian Fusion. Perhaps the city’s only restaurant to make “Asian fusion” worthwhile, Hiro serves up such imaginative dishes as the crispy pork belly sliders (pictured). 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 Mon–Sat. 1405 Washington, 314-241-4476, hiroasiankitchen.com. $$$

Joe Buck’s

American/Sports Bar. When he’s not announcing, Joe is turning out burgers, ribs, and salads at this family-friendly place. (OK, it’s actually acclaimed executive chef Jack MacMurray, better known as Jack Mac.) Call it bar food gentrified. Get reservations on game days—the place is a Cardinals fan favorite. Other times, it’s quieter, fine for those looking for affordable, comfortable dining. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. 1000 Clark, 314-436-0394, jbucks.com. $$

Joey B’s on the Landing

Bar & Grill. Here, you’ll find an encyclopedia of shots, beer buckets, wings, pizza, burgers, and wraps. Once a favorite of early fur traders, this spot on the Landing now attracts families and bachelor party–type gatherings. It’s informal, with loud music and a crowded bar. Hoist a beer, and watch the game. Lunch and dinner daily. 710 N. Second, 314-621-9570, joeybslanding.com. $$

Kemoll’s Italian Restaurant

Traditional 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. $$$$

Lombardo’s Trattoria

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 & Market

American. One of few downtown eateries open into the wee hours, and many a night’s revelry concludes here. There’s also an unrestrained menu, from smoked wild boar ribs to 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

Peruvian/Ethnic. 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. 1101 Lucas, 314-621-9993, mangoperu.com. $$

Mike Shannon’s Steaks and Seafood

Steakhouse. This downtown institution is where you’ll find steaks, burgers, and no shortage of baseball memorabilia. The menu has steakhouse prices, with aged prime beef to match. The ’64 Tower appetizer is an amazing pillar o’ seafood. The house-made desserts are terrific. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner daily. 620 Market, 314-421-1540, shannonsteak.com. $$$$

Prime 1000

Steakhouse. At one of the city’s premier steakhouses, the salt block–studded aging room is a temple to top-grade protein, dispensing meltingly tender cuts. A notable wine list lubricates the experience. Expect lofty prices and perfect service—and return for the lounge’s exceptional burger. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat.1000 Washington, 314-241-1000, prime1000.com. $$$–$$$$

Robust

American/Small Plates. They should open a wine bar downtown: cool and classy, relaxed and convivial. It could offer a big, thoughtful wine selection, with great flights. There would be lots of splendid cheeses, charcuterie, a few full meals like steak and frites, and a constantly changing special. They could call it Robust. It’d be a winner. Lunch and dinner daily. 635 Washington, 314-287-6300, robustwinebar.com. $$

Rooster

Creperie/French. Expect a wait for the cheese-laden crêpes, loaded scrambles, and suitably lavish French toast. Don’t forget the chopped salad (pictured), with smoked salmon, cous cous, and more. The setting’s light and comfy but loud. Locals linger over coffee and segue with cocktails into brunch. Breakfast and lunch daily. 1104 Locust, 314-241-8118, roosterstl.com. $

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse 

Steakhouse. Views of the Arch, Mississippi River, and downtown are a big part of the attraction for this particular link in a high-end chain. Expect outstanding steaks, sides, and service. The restaurant’s large enough to accommodate bigger parties but also offers curtained spaces for intimate dining. Dinner daily.315 Chestnut, 314-259-3200, ruthschris.com. $$$$

Sauce on the Side

Italian/American. This order-at-the-counter spot specializes in calzones, which are stuffed with the expected, like pepperoni and cheese, and the surprising, such as egg and chicken (pictured). The craft beer selection’s lovely, and the Nutella-banana dessert calzone is mandatory. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. 411 N. Eighth, 314-241-5667, eatcalzones.com. $

Sen Thai Asian Bistro

Asian/Sushi. All of your favorite Thai dishes—noodles, curries, and soups—are served in a beautiful 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. $$

Snarf’s

Sandwiches. Above-average toasted sub sandwiches are conveniently served in the Mercantile Exchange. It’s among the most affordable lunch stops downtown, with a huge menu and house-made dressings. Regulars rave about the hot peppers and French dip, but don’t forget about the breakfast sandwiches. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. 614 Washington, 314-241-0100, eatsnarfs.com. $

Three Sixty

Small Plates. Famous for its wraparound vistas and bird’s-eye view of Busch Stadium, Three Sixty has fire pits and cocktails that make for convivial gatherings. It’s hip, chic, and often busy. The menu’s a modern take on tapas, with fish tacos and lobster risotto (pictured). Unless you’re fond of massive crowds, avoid weekend visits. Dinner daily. One S. Broadway, 314-421-1776, 360-stl.com. $$

Tony’s 

2014 Restaurant of the Year Italian. For many St. Louisans, this legendary place defines decorous dining. Nominally, it’s fine Italian specialties; really, 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. Go with the Wasabi combinations, worthwhile bargains with rolled sushi and sashimi that are designed for sharing. Or consider the generously portioned bento. (Remember that the “spicy” rolls here are exactly that.) A casual atmosphere, convenient location, and friendly service also make this a good destination for parties. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Mon–Sat. 1228 Washington, 314-421-3500, wasabisushibars.com. $$