Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Roasted Red Beet Salad by Big Sky Cafe
Editor's Note: The following list also appears in the September 2015 print issue of St. Louis Magazine.
Amigos Cantina Mexican. Here, you’ll find perhaps the best margarita in town. You’ll also find the usual Mexican offerings and worthy lunch specials. The mariachi music can be loud. The patio is wonderful. Lunch and dinner daily. 120 W. Jefferson, 314-821-0877, amigoskirkwood.com. $–$$
Big Sky Cafe American/Comfort Food. The presentations here are among the most artistic in town—they can actually distract diners from the wildly decorated interior. Favorites include the salmon burger, Roasted Red Beet Salad (pictured), and the passing freight trains. The service is snappy, so Big Sky’s an ideal destination when you have plans for later in the evening. Lunch Tue–Fri, dinner Tue–Sat, Sunday brunch. 47 S. Old Orchard, 314-962-5757, bigskycafe.net. $$$
Billy G’s Kirkwood American. On a nice night, the patio is a slice of paradise in downtown Kirkwood. Inside is a comfortable bar and apt seating. The menu includes burgers, BBQ, pizzas, and nachos. Because the place doesn’t take reservations, try to arrive before the crowd. Lunch and dinner daily. 131 W. Argonne, 314-984-8000, billygskirkwood.com. $–$$
The Block American. “Meat-friendly” hardly covers it. The place has its own butchery, just in case the braised pork, beef ribs, and bacon jam aren’t enough. The appetizers, such as the Potted Pig pâté, are particularly worthy; the same goes for the thick-cut bacon in the to-go case. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner daily. 146 W. Lockwood, 314-918-7900, theblockrestaurant.com. $$
Café Provencal French/American. Temptations abound at this bastion of civilized French dining. The atmosphere resembles a Burgundy kitchen, with a splendid wine list and exquisite Epi bread. Consider lunch here, with salad Niçoise, croque-madame, or garlicky escargot. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. 427 S. Kirkwood, 314-822-5440, cafeprovencal.com. $$–$$$
Citizen Kane’s Steakhouse Steakhouse. Located in a Victorian house, Citizen Kane’s matches steakhouse luxury with down-home affordability. A delicate char adorns juicy, glistening steaks. Salads and sides reflect an old-school kitchen that’s determined to please. It’s a steak place without the funny accoutrements—but all of the flavor. Dinner Tue–Sun. 133 W. Clinton, 314-965-9005, citizenkanes.com. $$$$
Cravings Restaurant and Bakery American Bistro/Bakery. You might drop in for a cake slathered with that incredible buttercream frosting—but end up dining on risotto, chicken Provençal, and pork tenderloin. Best known for its catered pastries, Cravings serves excellent food in a quaint, dainty, bright setting. Lunch Tue–Sat, dinner Fri and Sat. 8149 Big Bend, 314-961-3534, cravingsrestaurant.info. $$$
Crushed Red Urban Bake and Chop Shop Pizza. Alas, it’s not really a stolen car kind of chop shop. Here, individual pizzas are built to order, along with tasty chopped salads. The atmosphere is informal, happy, and convivial; the ingredients are flawless and delicious. Just don’t ask about aftermarket carburetors. Lunch and dinner daily. 140 S. Kirkwood, 314-238-0100, crushed-red.com. $
Cyrano’s Cafe & Wine Bar American Bistro/Bakery. Once the dessert destination, Cyrano’s has a reputation that remains deservedly formidable. The dinner menu includes sandwiches and heartier fare: steak frites, pork tenderloin, shrimp Creole… The vibrant pastels, glittery tiles, and bright lantern lighting make for a pleasant, upbeat atmosphere. Lunch and dinner daily. 603 E. Lockwood, 314-963-3232, cyranos.com. $–$$
Daily Bread Bakery and Cafe Cafe/Bakery. Panum nostrum was never so delectable. Soups change daily, and particularly extravagant sandwiches change with the seasons. And you can’t miss the cakes, cookies, brownies, and incredible seasonal sour cream breads. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Mon–Fri, breakfast and lunch Sat and Sun. 11719 Manchester, 314-909-0010, thedbcafe.com. $
Dewey’s Pizza Pizza. It’s a popular chain for a reason. Pies are topped with unexpected surprises like pumpkin seeds and figs. The Kirkwood location offers a window where kids gather to see the spinning, flour-flinging action inside the kitchen. At the equally family-friendly Webster Groves location, nab a spot by the window, which looks out onto Lockwood. Lunch Mon–Sat, dinner daily. 124 N. Kirkwood, 314-821-7474; 122 E. Lockwood, 314-961-1000, deweyspizza.com/stlouis. $$–$$$
Dvin Russian/Eastern European. The service can be slow, and the atmosphere isn’t stunning—but the food is extraordinary. The menu comprises expertly prepared Russo, Armenian, and Ukrainian specialties, including meat blintzes, goulash, and potato-cheese dumplings. It’s like eating dinner at your Grandma Novak’s house. Dinner Mon–Sat. 8143 Big Bend, 314-968-4000. $–$$
Farotto’s Pizzeria Italian/Pizza. St. Louis–style pizza is served alongside fish, chicken, and pasta, but the real secret here is a spectacular meatball sandwich. (Get it on the garlic cheese bread.) The Rock Hill institution has a spacious new patio and a large banquet space. Lunch Mon–Sat, dinner daily. 9525 Manchester, 314-962-0048, farottos.com. $$
Five Star Burgers American. Not your typical burger joint, this animated Kirkwood spot has a full bar and legendary happy hours. All manner of burgers—beef, bison, and lamb—are served with such toppings as fried egg, green chilies, and entertaining sauces. There are also great desserts—and, yes, deep-fried cheese curds. Lunch and dinner daily. 312 S. Kirkwood, 314-394-2250, 5starburgersstl.com. $
Fozzie’s Sandwich Emporium Sandwiches/Deli. The King is composed of bananas, bacon, and peanut butter. Most of the other sandwiches here are more conventional, but the spirit’s the same. You can find loaded BLTs, turkey clubs, and po’ boys. The shakes are remarkable, and don’t forget the Parmesan-herb chips. Lunch and dinner daily. 11656 Manchester, 314-909-4755, foodatfozzies.com. $
Gerard’s Restaurant Continental. The food is above-average American-Italian fare. The décor is a bit dated. The service is good, though it’s leisurely. But Gerard’s boasts one of the greatest wine lists in the Midwest. Enjoy wine? Eat—and drink—here. Dinner Mon–Sat. 1153 Colonnade Center, 314-821-7977, stlgerards.net. $$$–$$$$
Hacienda Mexican. Fine renditions of Mexican dishes such as chicken mole are served in a delightfully unique setting. Chalet meets estancia—and it’s among the oldest historic structures in the county. The terrace is shady, romantic. The bar’s convivial. And did we mention that Hacienda has its own tortilla factory? Lunch and dinner daily. 9748 Manchester, 314-962-7100, haciendastl.com. $–$$
J. Gilbert's Steakhouse A cut above, so to speak: USDA Prime steaks, an appealing and broad-ranging menu, with apps and side dishes better than the norm (Shrimp Durango and poblano au gratin potatoes are mandatory), plus something unexpected: the most luxurious and comfortable bar stools in town. Lunch Mon–Sat. Dinner daily. 17A West County Ctr, 314-965-4600, jgilberts.com $$$$
Kaldi’s Coffee Roasting Co. Bakery/Cafe. The determinedly hip Kaldi’s is serious about its coffee: There are dozens of varieties. As for food, there’s vegetarian fare, including chilaquiles, muffins, and tea breads. It’s open late, too, for long latte evenings. The place is small, but the outdoor seating is pleasant and usually available. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 120 S. Kirkwood, 314-821-0087, kaldiscoffee.com. $
Katie’s Pizza and Pasta Italian/Pizza. The kitchen’s obsessed with assembling pizzas topped with everything from squash blossoms to dandelion greens. The pastas are even more entertaining, dressed with such splendid ingredients as wild boar ragu and caviar. Much of the fare is garnished with bounty from the patio garden, where tabletop planters cleverly separate diners at communal picnic tables. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sat and Sun. 9568 Manchester, 314-942-6555, katiespizzaandpasta.com. $$
Llywelyn’s Pub Welsh/Bar & Grill. The game room is where families gather for arcade diversions. The pub room is for serious eating and drinking, with such specialties as a rewarding ploughman’s lunch and authentic Scotch ales. The setting in Old Webster is perfect. Lunch and dinner daily. 17 W. Moody, 314-962-1515, llywelynspub.com/webster-groves. $$
Mike Duffy’s Pub and Grill Bar & Grill. It’s like your Uncle Mike’s basement rathskeller—only bigger and with a more attractive clientele. Duffy’s is a classic neighborhood St. Louis sports bar, with burgers, sandwiches, wings, pizza, and TVs everywhere. (Hint: Wednesday’s karaoke features some really talented kids from nearby colleges.) Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. 124 W. Jefferson, 314-821-2025, mikeduffys.com. $
Milagro Modern Mexican Mexican. The beautiful interior with romantic lighting make this an attractive restaurant, but Milagro’s take on Mexican fare—wild mushroom quesadillas and salmon grilled in a banana leaf (pictured), for instance—elevates it considerably. The margaritas are also excellent, and the queso con chorizo is not to be missed. Lunch and dinner Tue–Sun. 20 Allen, 314-962-4300, milagromodernmexican.com. $$
Nachomama’s Mexican. The décor has a certain roadhouse kitsch. Parking can be challenging. Meals are served on Styrofoam. And yet you’ll adore the place. Here Tex-Mex is delivered in all its refried, tortilla-wrapped glory. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. 9643 Manchester, 314-961-9110, nachomamas-stl.com. $
One 19 North Small Plates/Wine Bar. This tapas place in downtown Kirkwood gets it right. The atmosphere is romantic, with live music on Friday and Saturday nights. The menu is reasonably priced, especially at lunch. The plates—baked goat cheese, calamari, smoked Gouda grits—are delicious. And there’s a lovely wine selection. You’ll nibble, chat, fall in love. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat, dinner Sunday. 119 N. Kirkwood, 314-821-4119, one19north.com. $$
Peppe’s Apt. 2 Italian. Located in a renovated Victorian home, Peppe’s has “romantic” spilling all over, from the chandeliers to the table linens. Chef/owner Peppe Profeta’s veal is exceptional, the pasta dishes are house-made, and half-portion options are a nice touch. Reservations are a must. Lunch Tue–Fri, dinner Tue–Sat. 800 S. Geyer, 314-909-1375, peppesapt2.com. $$$
Pi Pizza. In family-friendly Kirkwood, it makes sense: a milkshake bar downstairs and a handsome wood bar on the main level. Pizzas—both deep dish and thin crust—are locally renowned. The Bada Bing salad is a Gorgonzola-spiked masterpiece. The patio is spacious and well suited for leisurely dining. Lunch and dinner daily. 10935 Manchester, 314-966-8080, pi-pizza.com. $–$$
Robust American/Small Plates. In many cases, tapas have become synonymous with “overpriced little plates.” Not at Robust. Exquisite cheeses and cured meats are matched with an extraordinary wine list, and all of it is available in the retail shop. This sleek Webster hotspot is a premier place for long evenings and slow sipping. Lunch Mon–Sat, dinner daily. 227 W. Lockwood, 314-963-0033, robustwinebar.com. $$
Saffron Indian Cuisine Indian. Here you’ll find Northern Indian fare: fist-sized samosas, fragrant tandoori, creamy sauces, and exquisite naan bread. The staff is helpful in explaining (and moderating) the spice levels, from mild to rocket fuel explosive. Lunch and dinner daily. 2137 Barrett Station, 314-965-3822, saffronstl.net. $$
St. Louis Wing Company American. Former fine-dining chef Bobby Tessler mans the fryer, so the wings here are moist and succulent. You can mix and match from more than a dozen sauces. The fried macaroni wedges are sublime. Lunch and dinner daily. 9816 Manchester, 314-962-9464, stlwingco.com. $
Sunset 44 Bistro American. This Kirkwood mainstay is the Official Family Restaurant for legions of St. Louisans. The menu is diverse, with everything from the classic fried chicken to sauerbraten. Though the atmosphere’s linen and candles, it’s also casual, with a loyal clientele whose members appreciate the personal touches. Lunch Tue–Fri, dinner daily. 118 W. Adams, 314-965-6644, sunset44.com. $$–$$$
Three Kings Pub Bar & Grill. The menu includes upscale pub grub, but also seafood stew, pan-roasted chicken, and a pub chips platter with Irish cheddar rarebit. An impressive tap list—with an ever-rotating selection—will satisfy your libation needs. Lunch and dinner daily. 11925 Manchester, 314-815-3455. threekingspub.com. $–$$
Winfield’s Gathering Place American. Co-owned by former Cardinal Jim Edmonds, Winfield’s bridges the gap between sports bar and restaurant. You can watch the game on big-screen TVs and enjoy a meal of linguini with roasted-garlic cream, gumbo, or smoked chicken. The atmosphere’s almost always lively, but each table’s quiet enough for conversation. Lunch and dinner daily. 10312 Manchester, 314-394-2200. winfields.net. $$
Zydeco Blues Cajun/Creole. Weekend nights rock with live music. The Cajun/Creole specialties include étouffée, jambalaya, po’ boys—and some don’t-miss sugar-dusted beignets with raspberry coulis. Favorites here include crawfish pot stickers, Creole fisherman’s stew, and a bourbon pecan pie that registers about 80 proof. Lunch and dinner Tue–Sat, Sunday brunch. 1090 Old Des Peres, 314-858-1188. zydecobluesstl.com. $$
