Our favorite places to Eat & Drink in St. Louis
Dinner Recommendations
All of these local restaurants are best enjoyed with a reservation booked well in advance
Louie in Demun
Upscale, neighborhood Italian restaurant on the eastern end of Clayton. Be sure to try the Prosciutio di Parma, the Charred Eggplant Dip, the Roman Gnoco and any of their pizzas. Reservations HIGHLY recommended https://www.louiedemun.com/
Brasserie by Niche
French/American bistro in the Central West End neighborhood. We love to get bowls of the French onion soup and split the burger w/fries. Do not skip the Floating Island dessert. Reservations HIGHLY recommended
Anthonino's Taverna
Nestled in St. Louis's historic Italian neighborhood "The Hill" enjoy casual pizzas, pastas, salads and St. Louis's BEST toasted ravioli. Reservations recommended.
Diego's Cantina
In nearby University City, serving excellent Tex-Mex tapas (small plate) style. If you are in the mood for LIFE CHANGING queso, plan to visit. Reservations encouraged
Truffles
A longtime favorite steakhouse with a menu serving an elevated fusion of regional delicacies with a Louisiana flare. Reservations required
Katie's Pizza & Pasteria
In the Rock Hill neighborhood order the fried artichoke salad followed by pepperoni pizza for an epic 1-2 punch. https://katiespizzaandpasta.com/
Lunch Recommendations
Worry about your diet after the weekend
Mac's Local Eats
Local smash burger restaurant sourcing proteins from small local farms. Be sure to try the Red Hot Riplet (a local spicy potato chip flavor) fries with cheese sauce.
Blues City Deli
The best sandwiches in St. Louis are served at this South City gem. Be sure to try the Knuckle Sandwich or anything else that looks good to you because it will be.
Bogart's BBQ
Located in the historic Soulard neighborhood adjacent to Downtown St. Louis serving our favorite ribs which are finished with a blowtorch to enhance the caramelization of the seasonings on the meat.
Pappy's BBQ
The original BBQ restaurant that reenergized the STL BBQ movement located in the Midtown neighborhood near St. Louis University. Get your favorite meat and do not skip the fried corn on the cob side, slather some butter on there too....it's worth it.
Balkan Treat Box
In the historic Webster Groves suburb, you will find the James Beard Award Semi Finalist: Balkan Treat Box providing a delightful glimpse into the cuisine of Bosnia. Fun fact: St. Louis has the largest Bosnian community outside of Bosnia itself. The food is award winning and you will likely want to return to St. Louis just to eat it again (and hopefully see us too).
Crown Candy Kitchen
One of St. Louis's oldest restaurants (1913), located in North City serving the best BLT and milkshake you have ever had. It is a longtime childhood favorite of Julia & Andy's and home to one of their best dates.
*lines to get in can take over an hour so plan accordingly*
https://crowncandykitchen.net/
Breakfast Recomendations
Casa Don Alfonso Coffee Bar At The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis
Serving breakfast pastries made in house alongside coffee whose beans are imported from the owners' personal farm in Italy.
Protzel's Delicatessen
The region's oldest Jewish deli is a short walk from the Ritz. If they have the upside down chocolate cupcake when you are there, be sure to eat one, and order an extra to enjoy later. Trust us.
City Coffee & Creperie
In the heart of the Clayton Business district a short walk from the hotel.
Half & Half
On Clayton's western edge, serving elevated eggs, hashes and mini avo-toast. Sometimes there is a wait.
The Olivette Diner
This cash only diner has been serving both Andy & Julia's families for as long as they can remember. Go for a St. Louis breakfast classic, The Slinger, or satisfy your sweet tooth and indulge in an Amazing Bananas Foster Waffle! Sometimes there is a wait, especially for larger groups.
https://www.facebook.com/people/Olivette-Diner/100057140183787/
Southwest Diner
Located on Southwest Avenue in the City of St. Louis serving Southwestern US inspired brunch cuisine along the old Frisco railroad line. Julia & Andy both LOVE the fiery scramble and the cornmeal pancakes.
Happy Hour Recommendations
The Pat Connolly Tavern
Irish bar on the edge of the Dogtown neighborhood with casual drinks and great food especially anything from their fryer.
Seamus McDaniel's
In the center of the Dogtown neighborhood, great covered patio and cheap pitchers of beer plus the largest chicken sandwich you have ever seen. Walk to Nomad for a night cap and bonfire on their back patio or over to Heavy Riff Brewery for their Cream Ale.
Breweries & Beer Gardens
No question that St. Louis' beer preferences have been heavily influenced by the Anheuser Busch Brewery. However, from that influence a demand for local/microbrews is at an all-time high. https://do314.com/beergardens/venues
Dessert
Clementine's Naughty & Nice Ice Cream
Next to Louie in Demun is the perfect, local handcrafted ice cream to enjoy to cap off your evening or enhance your afternoon. Try the Gooey Butter Cake flavor which blends homemade vanilla ice cream with a St. Louis staple, Gooey Butter Cake.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard on Chippewa
Along Historic Route 66 is St. Louis' favorite summer time treat and has been for 80 years. Lines can be long but they move quickly. This is an absolute must for any visit to St. Louis.