When it comes to the culinary scene in St. Louis, Missouri, there’s no shortage of options to satisfy any craving. From classic comfort food to innovative fusion cuisine, the city’s restaurants offer a diverse range of flavors and dining experiences. As a foodie, it can be overwhelming to navigate the many options, which is why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you discover the best places to eat in St. Louis.
Breakfast and Brunch Spots
Starting your day off right is essential, and St. Louis has plenty of breakfast and brunch spots to get your morning off to a great start. Here are some of the top recommendations:
The Good Pie
Located in the trendy Tower Grove South neighborhood, The Good Pie is a popular spot for breakfast and brunch. Their menu features creative dishes like the “Pie-fect Breakfast” with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar on a buttery biscuit, as well as a variety of omelets and sandwiches.
Blueberry Hill
This iconic St. Louis institution has been serving up classic American fare, including breakfast and brunch options, since 1972. Their menu features everything from fluffy pancakes to hearty omelets, and their famous “Bread Pudding French Toast” is a must-try.
Missouri Biscuit Co.
This charming breakfast spot in the Central West End neighborhood serves up Southern-style comfort food with a twist. Their menu features creative dishes like the “Biscuit and Gravy” with sausage and eggs, as well as a variety of sandwiches and quiches.
Lunch and Dinner Options
When it comes to lunch and dinner, St. Louis has a wide range of options to suit every taste and budget. Here are some of the top recommendations:
Pappy’s Smokehouse
This beloved barbecue joint in the Soulard neighborhood has been featured on numerous food shows and has gained a cult following. Their menu features a variety of meats, including ribs, brisket, and sausage, all smoked to perfection.
Annie Gunn’s
This upscale restaurant in Chesterfield offers a contemporary take on classic American cuisine. Their menu features dishes like roasted duck, grilled filet mignon, and pan-seared salmon, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Salt + Smoke
This trendy restaurant in the Delmar Loop neighborhood offers a unique blend of Southern and Korean flavors. Their menu features dishes like Korean-style BBQ tacos and Southern-style fried chicken, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Specialty and Ethnic Eats
St. Louis is home to a diverse range of ethnic cuisines, from traditional German fare to modern Korean fusion. Here are some of the top specialty and ethnic eats in the city:
Schlafly Bottleworks
This popular brewery and restaurant in the Maplewood neighborhood offers a variety of German-inspired dishes, including sausages, schnitzel, and sauerbraten. Be sure to try one of their many craft beers to pair with your meal.
Pho Grand
This family-owned Vietnamese restaurant in the St. Louis Hills neighborhood serves up authentic, flavorful dishes like pho, banh mi, and spring rolls. Be sure to try one of their many vegetarian and vegan options.
La Bodeguita del Medio
This cozy Cuban restaurant in the Central West End neighborhood offers a variety of traditional dishes like ropa vieja, arroz con pollo, and empanadas. Be sure to try one of their many mojitos to pair with your meal.
Desserts and Sweet Treats
No meal is complete without a sweet treat, and St. Louis has plenty of options to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are some of the top dessert spots in the city:
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
This iconic St. Louis institution has been serving up creamy, delicious frozen custard since 1929. Be sure to try one of their many flavors, including the famous “Concrete,” which features a thick, creamy custard topped with your choice of toppings.
Missouri Chocolate Company
This charming chocolate shop in the Central West End neighborhood offers a variety of handmade chocolates, truffles, and other sweet treats. Be sure to try one of their many seasonal flavors, like peppermint bark or pumpkin spice.
Erbert & Gerbert’s
This quirky sandwich shop in the Delmar Loop neighborhood also offers a variety of creative desserts, including milkshakes, sundaes, and brownie sandwiches. Be sure to try one of their many unique flavors, like the “S’mores Please” or the “Mint to Be.”
Recap and Recommendations
In conclusion, St. Louis has a vibrant and diverse food scene that offers something for every taste and budget. From classic comfort food to innovative fusion cuisine, the city’s restaurants offer a wide range of options to satisfy any craving. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a delicious lunch, or a sweet treat, St. Louis has plenty of options to choose from. Be sure to try some of the top recommendations listed above, and don’t be afraid to explore and discover new flavors and cuisines in the city.
FAQs
What are the best breakfast spots in St. Louis?
The Good Pie, Blueberry Hill, and Missouri Biscuit Co. are just a few of the top breakfast spots in St. Louis. Each offers a unique menu and atmosphere, so be sure to try one out and see which one becomes your favorite.
What are the best barbecue joints in St. Louis?
Pappy’s Smokehouse is one of the most popular barbecue joints in St. Louis, and for good reason. Their slow-smoked meats and tangy sauces are sure to satisfy any barbecue craving. Other top options include Salt + Smoke and Sugarfire Smokehouse.
What are the best ethnic eats in St. Louis?
St. Louis has a diverse range of ethnic cuisines, from traditional German fare to modern Korean fusion. Some top options include Schlafly Bottleworks for German-inspired dishes, Pho Grand for Vietnamese cuisine, and La Bodeguita del Medio for Cuban dishes.
What are the best dessert spots in St. Louis?
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is a St. Louis institution, and for good reason. Their creamy, delicious frozen custard is a must-try. Other top options include Missouri Chocolate Company for handmade chocolates and Erbert & Gerbert’s for creative desserts like milkshakes and brownie sandwiches.
What are the best restaurants in St. Louis for special occasions?
For special occasions, consider upscale options like Annie Gunn’s, which offers a contemporary take on classic American cuisine. Other top options include The Boathouse at Forest Park, which offers stunning views of the lake, and The Cheshire, which offers a unique blend of American and French cuisine.