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.
Historic Soulard is a great place to go for food, fun, entertainment and live music. Chava's Mexican Restaurant offers a fresh, reasonably priced, and fun Mexican option in this historic neighborhood. The brightly colored building, complete with bustling patio is a welcoming sight for any passer by. Finding parking may be a challenge, but the entire neighborhood is pedestrian friendly. The staff is bubbly and warm and the entire atmosphere is jovial and laid back. Of course, the drink menu is complete with a full wine list, beers from local breweries, and some of the best mojitos.
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.
The family-owned and operated Rearn Thai Restaurant is not one of the most popular Thai food spots in St. Louis, but locals don’t mind that the populous hasn’t caught on yet. The staff is incredibly friendly, and the prices are reasonable. Furthermore, as with many Thai restaurants, several options are available for vegetarians, pescatarians, vegans, and the health conscious. The atmosphere is relaxed, simple, and all about the food. Although the traffic at Rearn is relatively low, the patio fills up quickly during warmer months. Reservations may be in order to secure outdoor seating.
A perennial favorite among St. Louis' Mexican-food lovers, the Hacienda offers a colorful atmosphere for dining as well as a large, diverse menu. There is outdoor dining in warm weather, too. The fajitas are wonderful, as are the "Top Shelf" quesadillas (flour tortillas with cheddar and jack cheese, fresh mushrooms, chile poblano and red bell pepper). You can also create your own dish. Check out the website for more details.