One of the better spots in town for beer-snobs and foodies alike, Square One Brewery & Distillery is a must-visit in St. Louis. Located in the heart of the vibrant Lafayette Square, only a short drive from downtown, this fully-functional brewery also seconds as a happening restaurant offering modern American cuisine along with classic standbys. The menu can be described as 'comfort food at its best' with a line-up of signature specialties like Pulled BBQ Pork, Smoked Salmon BLT, Fish & Chips, Crab Cakes, Bacon & Avocado Omelet, Cobb Salad and Buffalo Hot Wings. Post dining, patrons can sample some of the best micro-brews, crafted cocktails, wines and other spirits. The 13 beers on tap feature not only local brews but also a variety of imported ales. The atmosphere is laid-back and the service is top-notch. So, whether you are looking for a night-out destination or just want to venture outside downtown, come down to Square One Brewery.
Voted best nightclub, bar, hangout, restaurant...you name it: Blueberry Hill is the place to go for great food and live bands. Whether it is a local band or a national touring act, this establishment has the best in blues, reggae and rock 'n' roll. The menu contains an array of heart clogging selections like chili fries and hamburgers, but you will also find numerous veggie offerings as well as specials like Trout Almondine and jerk chicken. Sandwiches and breakfast grub are also available.
This place has been a favorite in St. Louis and a landmark for ice cream lovers since 1929. Mr. Drewes' cool, creamy delights are served upside down in order to prove just how creamy and thick they really are. Do not be alarmed by the ever-present line, as it moves along pretty quickly. An ice cream-style stand, complete with neon lights and twinkling bulbs, makes this a lively family hangout. It is so relaxed that the menu is handwritten. Try an array of frozen flavors, from pineapple, strawberry and chocolate chip to other odd titles such as the Terramizzou, Fox Treat and All Shook Up. A Concrete is a must-taste as this historic sweet spot. They are open from 11a daily.
The Royale is one of the best places in South City to get a bite, have a drink and mingle with a cool and diverse young crowd. The kitchen serves up tasty variations on classic pub food and the bar features a long list of custom cocktails. A large crowd of regulars and a steady stream of lively groups give this place a comfortable and exciting atmosphere unmatched in St. Louis.
Truffles caters to a fashionable West County crowd, serving fine French and Mediterranean cuisine in elegantly beautiful surroundings. Richly polished wood dominates the decor, particularly in the long, impressive bar. The appetizers live up to the restaurant's lavish interior, highlighted by a delicately flavored Atlantic salmon with mascarpone cheese and crab cakes topped with a champagne and Dijon mustard sauce. Lobster Thermidor is a specialty and consists of lobster pieces mixed with portobello mushrooms and porcini in a savory white sauce. Try the house specialty, Veal Scalapini, or the lobster ravioli with a spicy tomato and basil sauce flavored with cognac.
This pub is as close to Dublin as you can get in St. Louis. You will find a large selection of beers, including 16 on tap, and live Irish bands frequently perform traditional Celtic music here. If you are looking for comfort food, especially on a chilly evening, try the traditional Irish potato soup, which is thick with potatoes, celery and onions and topped with cheese. If you are looking for the Irish-American favorite of corned beef and cabbage, you can order that, too. McGurk's was named Best Pub by an area publication.
True to its name, Balkan Treat Box regales avid foodies with an array of savory bites. Focusing on whipping up Turkish delights and serving them in quaint boxes, the establishment has garnered acclaim for its minimal yet hearty meal plans which are not only healthy but also equally delicious. Pick from options such as grilled Balkan Burgers, grilled fish, beef sausages, wood-fired eggplants and flatbreads, and scrumptious salads among others. Round off your meal with Sutlija, a kind of rice pudding packed with tantalizing flavors.
This place has been a favorite in St. Louis and a landmark for ice cream lovers since 1929. Mr. Drewes' cool, creamy delights are served upside down in order to prove just how creamy and thick they really are. Do not be alarmed by the ever-present line, as it moves along pretty quickly. An ice cream-style stand, complete with neon lights and twinkling bulbs, makes this a lively family hangout. It is so relaxed that the menu is handwritten. Try an array of frozen flavors, from pineapple, strawberry and chocolate chip to other odd titles such as the Terramizzou, Fox Treat and All Shook Up. A Concrete is a must-taste as this historic sweet spot. They are open from 11a daily.
St. Louis has a reputation for fine Italian restaurants, and Marcella's epitomizes that tradition. Located in the south city neighborhood of "The Hill", this unpretentious trattoria serves wonderful food while maintaining a warm neighborhood atmosphere. Appetizers include a marvelous pizza with truffle oil and a four-cheese pizza. The innovative house salad is a delightful mix of greens topped with tomato, red onion, mozzarella and pine nuts with balsamic tomato vinaigrette. This is a great place to hang out with some friends and is also light on the pocket.
Nod your head to great old blues music while partaking in some of the best service in St. Louis. Located a stone's throw away from Lafayette Park, these po' boy-makin' folks specialize in St. Louis, Memphis, Chicago, and New Orleans-style sandwiches on great fresh bread with soups, salads, and cookies. For beer-lovers, the selections hail from some of the best breweries in the country. If planning to dine at this quaint eatery during lunch, come early or late. Around noon, the place gets so busy that finding a seat is nearly impossible.
Helmed by Skip Steele, Niki Puto, Michael Macchi and Brian Scoggins, Bogart's Smokehouse is among the best BBQ joints in town. It is better to come early than come later and be disappointed when everything is lapped up by BBQ enthusiasts. The meat is slow cooked on apple and cherry wood pits for nearly 24 hours. Dig into their succulent Pulled Pork, Beef Brisket, Tri-Tip Sirloin, Ribs and Turkey that are smoky and sweet with right amount of spice.