Tired of the same old places? Here’s a solution: Suzanne Corbett’s Unique Eats and Eateries of St. Louis. It’s a guide to food beyond the chains, the sort of local establishments that newcomers need to know about and that old timers will enjoy remembering. There are unexpected spots, too, that even lifelong St. Louisans will enjoy discovering.
Corbett’s been busy racking up the miles. While the book is concentrated in St. Louis, she goes as far afield as Grafton and Ste. Genevieve, Wright City and Breese. It’s not just geographic variety, either. You want traditional? Read about Al’s. (Who knew it began in a sugar warehouse?) Looking for something newer? Learn more about Dalie’s Smokehouse.
While the book primarily covers restaurants, it also notes farmers’ markets and brick-and-mortar markets: the butcher, the baker... Well, no, there’s no candlemaker, but that’s about all that’s missing. The listings aren’t exhaustive—you won’t find every fried chicken vendor here, but you’ll read about what Corbett feels are the best fryers in non-chain restaurants. And there are other categories: dining with a view, historic spots, desserts, and diners.
Unique Eats and Eateries of St. Louis is available at local booksellers and online.
