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.
For kids and adults alike, this unique soda fountain shop has something for everyone. Located in a former 1916 car showroom on Locust Streets' famous Automotive Row, Fountain on Locust serves up a bevy of nostalgic treats in the form of retro cocktails, ice cream sundaes, American cuisine, milkshakes, floats, and of course, house-made sodas. The unassuming exterior leads to a fantastical interior featuring gleaming white and blue mosaic subway tiled floors, bar seating with swivel seats, and an attention grabbing art deco mural gracing the walls. For the adults, their signature ice cream martinis are a must-try, while the piled high toppings of their old fashioned ice cream specialties are a real treat for the kids.
With its newly expanded menu and highly energized staff, Mississippi Mud House is a great place to stop while frolicking on Cherokee Antique Row. The coffee is amazing, and the chocolate chip cookies inspire a double take upon discovery that they are organic and vegan. It’s a neighborhood spot, and the staff knows most of the customers by first and last name. It’s peaceful and pleasant, especially on warm days; the back patio is a relaxing place to enjoy one of their many hot and cold beverages as well as breakfast and lunch items.
Dating back to the 1980s, Dressel's Public House is a cozy family-owned pub which has become an iconic hangout St. Louis. The food served here follows the farm to table philosophy so that diners get the freshest produce they can have. You can drop in for lunch with the family, a quick brunch or dinner with a bunch of friends and try out delicious items like Crab Cakes, Fritata, House Banger Plate, Poached Prawns and Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf. A variety of craft beers are available to sip on along with your meal and the a cozy atmosphere is created by the wood flooring and beams and the black-and-white photos on the walls.
Cherokee Street is known for its Mexican cuisine. However, Taqueria Restaurant El Bronco seems to stand out. The staff and owners treat customers like family, and the food and flavors are as authentically Mexican as they come. Folks from the neighborhood usually pick this restaurant first for authentic Mexican food and a friendly familial atmosphere. A great place to have lunch, their tacos are all the rave, complete with meat as well as vegetarian options. The laid back restaurant also serves beer from local brewers and great wines.
If you are in the mood for some hearty seafood delicacies, Peacemaker Lobster & Crab is the place to go to. From lobster rolls and raw bar items to Steamed Maryland Crabs and Buffalo Crawfish Poorboys, the menu shows an obvious influence of the cuisine found in the Gulf coast and the Northeast coastline. Located in a charming brick building, the restaurant is known for its fresh raw bar offerings which are brought n fresh from the Atlantic and the Gulf. A number of zippy cocktails and beers are served at the restaurant's bar. The interior of the restaurant is just as enchanting as the outside with whitewashed brick walls, overhanging lamps in the shape of clam buckets, cozy booths and framed photographs on the walls. All in all, this is the perfect spot to meet up with friends or go for a family meal.
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.
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
Bakers & Hale calls themselves a seed to table establishment. They take pride in growing their own ingredients in their garden and procure produce from nearby farms. There is a certain rusticity in the ambience with farm equipment as decorative elements along with vintage family photos of the owner on its walls. The inspired, seasonal menu of American comfort food and classics is delicious and has something for everyone. Enjoy happy hours at either of their bars inside or outside. Warm hospitality and a friendly staff ensure that dining here is a delight. Reservations are recommended.
With its newly expanded menu and highly energized staff, Mississippi Mud House is a great place to stop while frolicking on Cherokee Antique Row. The coffee is amazing, and the chocolate chip cookies inspire a double take upon discovery that they are organic and vegan. It’s a neighborhood spot, and the staff knows most of the customers by first and last name. It’s peaceful and pleasant, especially on warm days; the back patio is a relaxing place to enjoy one of their many hot and cold beverages as well as breakfast and lunch items.
Pretzels aren't just for mall visits, circuses or ball games. Gus's Pretzels, located in the historic Benton Park district, make you wanna grab a napkin and go for it! Since this is the pretzel place, they make sure to keep it interesting. The menu features an exhaustive array of pretzel accoutrement: a variety of dipping sauces, various pretzel flavors, and even pretzel sandwiches. Gus's is a great place to bring the family for a snack, or a meal. - Cathryn D. Blue