Podcasts / Arch Eats / Predicting St. Louis dining trends in 2026

Predicting St. Louis dining trends in 2026

From soup flights to Ozempic menus, George and Cheryl explore what to expect in the local dining scene this year—and what’s on the way out.

by SLM Staff January 21, 2026 at 12:55 PM January 21, 2026

Arch Eats podcast hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr at Nettie's Pizza Den — 'Arch Eats' podcast hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr at Nettie's Pizza Den

What will the St. Louis dining scene look like in 2026? In this episode of Arch Eats, co-hosts George Mahe and Cheryl Baehr dust off their crystal balls to predict what, how, and where people will be dining this year. From multi-concept spaces and affordable tasting experiences to soup flights and Ozempic menus, they’re dishing on the dining scene’s next big things and also share what trends they think are on the way out—or should be. Listen and follow Arch Eats on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever podcasts are available.

CB: People are really wanting an experience. That’s something that I’ve noticed.

GB: If we were doing a drinking game with “experience,” we’d both be smashed.

This episode is sponsored by Missouri History Museum and supported by City of Maplewood. On February 13, the Missouri History Museum hosts the Great Big T-Rav Remix—an after-hours party where local chefs reimagine toasted ravioli in unexpected ways. Don’t miss this party! Get tickets now.

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Mentioned in this episode:

The Gin Room, 3200 S. Grand, Tower Grove South, 314-771-3411
Eureka-Pacific Elks Lodge, 19 W. 1st, Eureka, 636-938-6720
Robin Restaurant, 7268 Manchester, Maplewood, 314-725-1451
Mainlander, 8 S. Euclid, Central West End, no listed phone
Sado, 5201 Shaw, The Hill, 314-390-2883
Cafe Napoli, Multiple locations
Bartolino’s, Multiple locations
Noto Italian Restaurant/Bormio Alpine Restaurant, 5105 Westwood, Noto: 636-317-1143; Bormio: 636-244-0874
Cibo Italia, 7489 Delmar, U City
Lona’s Lil Eats, 612 W. Woodbine, Kirkwood
Gigi, 7645 Wydown, Clayton
Nettie’s Pizza Den, 33 N. Central, Clayton, no phone
Humble Pie, 1059 S. Big Bend, Richmond Heights, 314-932-5826
Sarpino’s Pizza, 6654 Clayton. Richmond Heights
Marvel S. Fox, 2 Maryland Plz., Central West End
The Crown Room, 300 N. Euclid, Central West End
Lapez Mod Mex, 398 N. Euclid, Central West End, 314-930-2955
Stacked STL, 400 N. Euclid, Central West End,
Tikka Tangy, 390 N. Euclid, Central West End, (Multiple locations)
Ranoush, 386 N. Euclid Ave., Central West End, 314-367-4400
Wash Ave Food Hall, 1220 Washington, Downtown,
Jefferson Arms Restaurants, 415 N. Tucker, Downtown,
Scout’s, 2704 Locust, Midtown, 314-394-8650
Idol Wolf, 1528 Locust, Downtown West, 314-325-0360
Violet’s at The Train Shed, 201 S. 18^th, 314-923-3949
Public Schoolhouse, 5546 Chestnut, Cottleville, 636-720-1905
The Yale Bar, 7118 Oakland, Richmond Heights, 314-645-2050
Tous Les Jours, 6681 Delmar, University City, 314-926-0799
Ivy Cafe, 14-A N. Meramec, Clayton, 314-776-9377
Bike Stop Cafe, 701 S. Riverside, St. Charles, 636-724-9900
Narwhal’s Crafted, Multiple locations
Bolyard’s Meat & Provisions, 2733 Sutton Blvd., Maplewood, 314-647-2567
Mac’s Local Eats, 5108 Oakland, Dogtown, 314-646-3001
Pierce Creek, 10405 Old Olive Street, Creve Coeur, 314-900-1424
Salt & Smoke, Multiple locations
Session Taco, Multiple locations
Katie’s, Multiple locations
The Mexican STL, 9615 Watson, Crestwood, 314-525-5025
The Mexican Barrel House, 1085 N. Mason, Creve Coeur,
Takeiro’s Mex-Food, 5828 S. Lindbergh, South County,
Rosalita’s Cantina– O’Fallon, 1421 Mexico Loop Road, O’Fallon, MO

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About The Hosts

George Mahe

George Mahe has spent most of his life immersed in the restaurant industry, owning and operating establishments before delving into food journalism. He began reviewing restaurants for St. Louis Magazine 35 years ago under the pseudonym “Arnie Boye” (a tribute to his dog) and became the magazine’s first dining editor in 1992. His fair and balanced approach spawned a local restaurant consulting company, and further ventures in ownership. In 2006, he returned to SLM. George spearheads the magazine’s dining coverage, curates the weekly Dining Out newsletter, and co-hosts the Arch Eats podcast. George lives in University City with his wife, Suzi. Send your dining questions to [email protected].

Cheryl Baehr

Cheryl Baehr has been telling the story of the St. Louis dining scene since 2013, drawing upon her decades-plus experience in the industry and her passion for food and the people who make our city so delicious. A graduate of the University of Missouri St. Louis and the University of Denver, Cheryl left a career in government in Washington, DC to return to her hometown to write about food, first as longtime dining critic for the Riverfront Times and now as a staff writer, co-host of the Arch Eats podcast, and editor of the Dining In newsletter at St. Louis Magazine. When she’s not celebrating the St. Louis food scene, you can find this proud Florissantonian and recent University City expat sipping on coffee at her home in Wildwood with her daughter, Coretta, her partner, Nick, her step-dog, Van, and her beloved Great Pyrenees, Chloe.