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.
Sugarfire Smoke House is not your typical American BBQ joint. Located in Olivette, this restaurant advocates an unconventional approach in their cooking. On the award-winning menu are arguably the best smoked meats in town prepared by their skilled pit masters and paired with signature sauces like Coffee, Sweet BBQ and Carolina Mustard. Tuck into decadent Pulled Pork, Beef Brisket, Baby Back Ribs, Big Muddy and House Recipe Sausage Link with shakes, floats or beer.
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.
Pappy's makes no apologies. Their Memphis style barbecue, with the meat as the main attraction and the sauce as a perk, brings in meat mavericks from all over the city. Located near SLU's campus and frequented by famished students, Pappy's has become such a popular attraction that the kitchen sells out every night, so closing time varies. On weekends, don't risk waiting until the evening to get a fix because you may go home disappointed. With a reasonably priced menu and pure, uncut fully flavored meat by the platter or the pound, dieters need not even bother. Pappy's may be single-handedly responsible for the freshman 15 around these parts.
If dunking yourself in beer is a long cherished dream, then Bridge Tap House and Wine Bar in St. Louis can surely facilitate this fantasy with more than 200 varieties of beer and 100 varieties of wine. Imported cheese, cakes and seasoned apples are perfect companions to their libations. With a kitchen that is open all night long, you can indulge in some great treats for your palate.
Nathaniel Reid bakery is the brainchild of Chef Nathaniel Reid, an acclaimed pastry chef. After winning awards for being the Best Pastry Chef 4 years in a row, Nathaniel Reid Bakery was born in 2014. Specialties on his menu include cakes, chocolates, sweets and tarts. They also serve cookies, pastries, croissants and sandwiches. The bakery is well lit and vibrant with colors. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Must visit for delightful and savory creations of an award-winning chef.
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.
Located in a building built from remnants of the 1904 St. Louis World Fair, award-winning Gioia's Deli has been a pride of the Gioia family since 1918. Beginning as a grocery store where homemade sausage was the talk of the town, the family quickly realized that incredible sandwiches were the way to go. Serving soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts, Gioia's is a great place to stop during a daily commute or a leisurely stroll through The Hill neighborhood. The hours are short, and lunch is the specialty. Call ahead or have a sandwich delivered.
Great Italian sandwiches are a staple of The Hill neighborhood, and Eovaldi's Deli stays true to the reputation. The friendly staff serves a variety of meats, cheeses, salads, homemade pasta and pizza, and a massive selection of fresh, specialty sandwiches. No hunger will go unsatisfied with these Italian favorites. Try the handmade salsiccia or an authentic Sicilian tomato salad. The atmosphere is fun and family-friendly. If new to the world of authentic Italian fare, feel free to taste everything, as prices are reasonable and servings are sharable. Catering, delivery and carry-out are available for lunch. - Cathryn D. Blue
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.
If you are a fan of creamy frozen desserts, simply head to Ted Dewes Frozen Custard for a delicious treat. Choose from a range of flavors prepared with eggs and honey and served with as many toppings you want. The delicacies are frozen enough to allow you to turn the cup upside down and see the frozen custard stay steadfastly stuck to its place. Lemon Crumb Concrete and Caramel Apple Sundae are local favorites. Don’t fret, if you don’t live close to their dessert outlet, you can also buy the frozen custard treats from grocery stores around St. Louis.