Oh honey, let me tell you about St. Louis! Sure, everyone knows about that beautiful Arch and our Cardinals (Go Cards!), but what folks don’t always realize is what a wonderful food city we have here. I’ve been living here for over twenty years, and I’m still discovering new places to try with the family.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “It’s just the Midwest, how good can the food be?” Well, let me tell you, you’re in for a real treat! We’ve got everything from comfort food that’ll remind you of Sunday dinner at Grandma’s to fancy restaurants that’ll make you feel like you’re celebrating something special. And the best part? The portions are generous and the prices won’t break the bank!
The Must-Try Classics (Trust Me on These!)
Toasted Ravioli – Oh my goodness, if you only try one thing here, make it this! These little golden pillows of joy are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for sharing (though you might not want to). Head over to The Hill – that’s our Italian neighborhood – and try Mama’s or Charlie Gitto’s. Both places have been serving families for generations, and you know that means something. The kids always love dipping them in the marinara sauce, and honestly, so do I!
Gooey Butter Cake – Now this is what I call a happy accident! Story goes that a baker mixed up his recipe back in the 1930s, and thank goodness he did. It’s rich, it’s sweet, and it’s absolutely perfect with a cup of coffee. You can find it at most local bakeries, and even some of our grocery stores make a decent version. Pro tip from this mom: it’s wonderful for breakfast, but don’t tell the kids I said that!
St. Louis-Style Pizza – Okay, now I know this one divides people faster than a church potluck argument, but hear me out! Our pizza is thin – I mean really thin – and we use this cheese called Provel that melts like a dream. Imo’s is the place most folks go, and they cut it in squares so it’s perfect for little hands. My teenagers used to turn their noses up at it, but now they request it every time they come home from college!
Pork Steaks – If you’re here during grilling season, you absolutely must try these! They’re cut from the pork shoulder, and when they’re slow-cooked and slathered in that sweet, tangy sauce we love, they’re just heavenly. Perfect for a backyard barbecue, and they feed a crowd!
Fun Fact: Did you know? The 1904 World’s Fair Food Myths: Now, everyone loves to say that ice cream cones, hot dogs, and iced tea were all invented at our 1904 World’s Fair. Well, between you and me, that’s not exactly true – but don’t let that stop you from enjoying the stories! The tale about the waffle vendor rolling up his waffle to help the ice cream man who ran out of dishes? It’s probably made up, but it’s such a sweet story that we keep telling it anyway. That’s what makes legends, right?
Fun Fact: The Provel Cheese Mystery: Oh, this cheese! You either love it or you don’t, but here’s the thing – it was specially designed for our pizza. It’s a blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone, and the whole point is that it melts smooth without getting all stringy. Perfect for kids who don’t like when their cheese stretches all over the place! My neighbor from New York still wrinkles her nose at it, but her kids gobble it up.
Where to Take the Family: Neighborhood Favorites
The Hill – This is where you go when you want to feel like you’re visiting your Italian grandmother. The streets are lined with family-owned restaurants, and the portions are generous enough to take home leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. Zia’s is perfect for a family dinner – they’re so patient with kids, and the atmosphere is cozy without being too fancy. And oh honey, you have to stop at Missouri Baking Company for dessert!
Central West End – This is where I take my book club for our monthly dinners. It’s got that sophisticated feel, but not stuffy – you know what I mean? Perfect for date night when the kids are at the grandparents’. Brasserie by Niche makes you feel like you’re in Paris, and Yellowbelly is fun when you want something a little different.
Soulard – Saturday mornings, you’ll find me at the farmers market here with my canvas tote bags, stocking up on fresh produce and maybe grabbing a hot dog for a snack. It’s been around since the 1800s, and it’s got that wonderful community feel. The kids love seeing all the vendors, and there’s usually live music.
South Grand – This is where the world comes to St. Louis! My family’s tried Vietnamese at Pho Grand (the kids love the noodle soup), and Tree House has options for my vegetarian daughter. It’s wonderful to see so many cultures represented, and the prices are family-friendly.
Fun Fact: Happy Accidents Make the Best Food: Isn’t it funny how some of our best dishes happened by mistake? Toasted ravioli supposedly came about when a chef on The Hill accidentally dropped ravioli in hot oil instead of boiling water. And gooey butter cake? A baker mixed up his butter and flour measurements in the 1930s. Sometimes the best things happen when we’re not trying so hard!
Fun Fact: We Take Our BBQ Sauce Seriously: I heard somewhere that St. Louis folks use more BBQ sauce per person than anywhere else in the country! Can’t say I’m surprised – we put that sweet, tangy sauce on everything. My husband even puts it on his eggs sometimes (don’t ask me why).
Barbecue That’ll Make You Forget Your Diet
Pappy’s Smokehouse – Oh sweetie, this place is worth the wait, and there will be a wait! But trust me, those ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, and the pulled pork sandwich could feed two people. Bring your appetite and maybe some wet wipes – you’re going to need them!
Sugarfire – This is where I go when I can’t decide what I want. They’ve got all the classics, but they also do these creative sandwiches that change daily. The kids love the regular menu, and I like trying their specials. Plus, they’ve got locations all over, so it’s convenient.
Sweet Treats and Coffee Breaks
Ted Drewes – This is a St. Louis institution, and I mean that! We’ve been taking the kids here since they were little, and now they bring their friends. Those concretes are so thick you can flip them upside down – the kids still get a kick out of that. Perfect for a hot summer evening.
Clementine’s – When I want to treat myself to something special, this is where I go. They make their ice cream in small batches, and some of the flavors are quite adventurous. The “naughty” ones have alcohol, so this is more of a grown-up treat!
Fun Fact: Ted Drewes Inspired Shake Shack: Here’s something that’ll impress your foodie friends: Danny Meyer, the man who started Shake Shack, is actually from St. Louis! He’s said that our beloved Ted Drewes concretes inspired some of his ideas. Those thick, creamy treats have been making people happy since 1929, and now they’ve influenced restaurants all over the country. Makes a mom proud!
Fun Fact: The St. Paul Sandwich – Our Little Secret: This one’s kind of funny – we have this sandwich called a St. Paul that you really can’t find anywhere else. It’s an egg foo young patty with pickles, onions, mayo, and lettuce on white bread. Sounds weird, tastes surprisingly good! It’s one of those Chinese-American creations that somehow became a St. Louis thing. My kids think it’s gross, but I secretly love it.
The Must-Try Classics (Where to Find Them)
Toasted Ravioli:
- Mama’s on The Hill – 2132 Edwards St, St. Louis, MO 63110 (This is where I take all my out-of-town friends!)
- Charlie Gitto’s on The Hill – 5227 Shaw Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110 (Another family favorite with great atmosphere)
- Rigazzi’s – 4945 Daggett Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110 (The oldest restaurant on The Hill – such history!)
Gooey Butter Cake:
- Park Avenue Coffee – Multiple locations, try 1919 Park Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104 (Their “Mom’s Traditional” is just like homemade)
- Gooey Louie – Multiple locations, like 7719 Clayton Rd, St. Louis, MO 63117 (The name says it all!)
- Most local bakeries – Honestly, even our grocery stores (Schnucks and Dierbergs) do a wonderful job!
St. Louis-Style Pizza:
- Imo’s Pizza – Locations everywhere! (Check their website – there’s probably one near your hotel)
- Monte Bello Pizzeria – 2100 Hereford St, St. Louis, MO 63139 (A local alternative that’s just as good)
- Angelo’s Pizza – 5759 S Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63123 (Family-owned and it shows!)
Neighborhood Gems (My Personal Favorites)
The Hill (Italian Heaven):
- Zia’s Restaurant – 5256 Wilson Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139 (Perfect for families, reasonable prices)
- Missouri Baking Company – 2027 Edwards St, St. Louis, MO 63110 (Get the cannoli – you’ll thank me later!)
- Volpi Foods – 5256 Daggett Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110 (Great for picnic supplies or gifts to take home)
Central West End (Date Night Territory):
- Brasserie by Niche – 4580 Laclede Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108 (Make reservations! This place fills up)
- Yellowbelly – 4659 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108 (Fun cocktails and great seafood)
Soulard (Saturday Morning Adventure):
- Soulard Farmers Market – 730 Carroll St, St. Louis, MO 63104 (Open Wednesday-Saturday, but Saturday is the most fun!)
South Grand (World Foods):
- Tree House Restaurant – 3177 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63118 (Great for vegetarians and vegans)
- Pho Grand – 3191 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63118 (The kids love the big noodle bowls)
- Lemongrass – 3161 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63118 (Another Vietnamese spot that’s family-friendly)
Benton Park & Gravois Park (Trendy but Approachable):
- Sidney Street Cafe – 2000 Sidney St, St. Louis, MO 63104 (Special occasion dining that’s worth the splurge)
Barbecue Heaven (Come Hungry!)
- Pappy’s Smokehouse – 3106 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103 (Plan for a wait, but oh my goodness, those ribs!)
- Sugarfire Smoke House – Multiple locations, try 9200 Olive Blvd, Olivette, MO 63132 (Great for groups with different tastes)
- Bogart’s Smokehouse – 1627 S 9th St, St. Louis, MO 63104 (The pastrami is incredible)
- Salt + Smoke – Multiple locations, like 6525 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63130 (Consistent quality, family-friendly)
Sweet Treats & Coffee Stops
Ice Cream & Frozen Custard:
- Ted Drewes Frozen Custard – 6726 Chippewa St, St. Louis, MO 63109 (A St. Louis rite of passage!)
- Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Creamery – Multiple locations, try 1637 S 18th St, St. Louis, MO 63104 (Adults will love the “naughty” flavors)
Coffee (Because Mom Needs Her Caffeine):
- Kaldi’s Coffee Roasting Co. – Multiple locations (Local chain that’s expanding nationally – try it here first!)
- Coma Coffee – 1034 S Brentwood Blvd, Richmond Heights, MO 63117 (Great atmosphere, perfect for catching up with friends)
- Sump Coffee – 3700 S Jefferson Ave, St. Louis, MO 63118 (Serious coffee for serious coffee lovers)
- Blueprint Coffee – Multiple locations, try 6227 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63130 (Good for working or reading)
For the Beer Lovers (Dad’s Section!)
- Side Project Brewing & The Side Project Cellar – 1510 S Vandeventer Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110 (World-famous! Even I know this one’s special)
- 4 Hands Brewing Company – 1220 S 8th St, St. Louis, MO 63104 (Downtown location, great for groups)
- Urban Chestnut Brewing Company – Multiple locations, try 3229 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103 (German-style beers, family-friendly)
- Perennial Artisan Ales – 8125 Michigan Ave, St. Louis, MO 63111 (For the craft beer enthusiasts)
Mom’s Practical Tips for Using This List:
- Save the addresses to your phone – GPS is your friend, and some of these neighborhoods can be tricky to navigate!
- Check hours before you go – Some places close early on Sundays, and a few are closed Mondays.
- Start with breakfast – Many coffee shops open early, perfect for planning your day over a good cup of coffee.
- Mix neighborhoods – Don’t try to hit everything in one area in one day. Spread it out and enjoy the different vibes!
- Ask about parking – Some spots have their own lots, others you’ll need to find street parking. Plan accordingly!
- Call ahead for large groups – If you’re traveling with more than 4 people, definitely call ahead. Most places are accommodating, but they appreciate the heads up.
Remember, this is just the beginning! There are so many more wonderful places to discover. Don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path – some of the best meals come from the places you stumble upon by accident!
The Bottom Line
St. Louis might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think “food destination,” but that’s what makes it special! We’re not trying to impress anyone – we’re just making good, honest food that brings families together. Whether you’re looking for comfort food that reminds you of home or something new to expand your horizons, our city has something for everyone.
So pack your stretchy pants, bring your appetite, and come hungry! We’ll take good care of you here in St. Louis. And who knows? You might just find yourself planning your next visit before you’ve even left!
P.S. – Don’t forget to try a brain sandwich if you’re feeling adventurous. I know it sounds scary, but it’s actually quite tasty! And if you’re not that brave, that’s perfectly fine too – we’ve got plenty of other delicious options!
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