Hi.
Welcome to Hasty Book List, where I document and review the books I read. Hope you have a nice stay!
Welcome to Hasty Book List, where I document and review the books I read. Hope you have a nice stay!
I get asked for my restaurant recommendations All. The. Time. And I love to give recommendations, but I tend to shoot off a text here…a Facebook message there…an email once in awhile. So I didn’t have a comprehensive list that I could send to people whenever they asked. This serves that purpose. I hope you enjoy!
All of these are places I’ve tried myself, usually multiple times. If there is a restaurant you want me to try that isn’t on this list, contact me here:
St. Louis, Missouri boasts a diverse and vibrant dining scene that reflects its rich cultural heritage and eclectic population. From classic American fare to international cuisines, there's something to satisfy every palate in the Gateway City.
One iconic aspect of St. Louis dining is its barbecue culture. The city is renowned for its mouthwatering barbecue joints, where pitmasters slow cooked smoked ribs, short ribs, brisket, and pulled pork to perfection. Visitors and locals alike flock to spots like Pappy's Smokehouse, Bogart's Smokehouse, and Sugarfire Smoke House for a taste of authentic St. Louis barbecue, served up with all the traditional fixings like baked beans, slaw, and cornbread.
In addition to barbecue, St. Louis offers a diverse array of culinary options influenced by its immigrant communities. The city's historic Italian neighborhood, The Hill, is home to beloved family-owned trattorias and upscale Italian eateries serving up hearty pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and classic Italian desserts like tiramisu and cannoli.
St. Louis also boasts a thriving food truck scene, with vendors dishing out everything from gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches to Korean barbecue tacos. Food truck festivals and gatherings are popular events throughout the city, providing opportunities to sample a wide variety of cuisines in a fun and casual atmosphere.
For those seeking upscale dining room experiences, St. Louis has no shortage of fine dining establishments offering innovative cuisine prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. Acclaimed chefs such as Nick Bognar, Gerard Craft, and my personal favorite Rob Connoley, helm kitchens throughout the city, crafting seasonal menus that showcase the best of Midwestern flavors with a modern twist. Restaurants like Vicia, Farmhaus, and Niche have garnered national attention for their creative culinary offerings and commitment to sustainability.
Of course, no discussion of dining in St. Louis would be complete without mentioning its iconic sweet treat: the St. Louis-style thin-crust pizza. Characterized by its cracker-thin crust, provel cheese, and unique square-cut slices, St. Louis-style pizza has a devoted following and can be found at pizzerias and taverns throughout the city.
Whether you're craving barbecue, Italian, gourmet cuisine, or a slice of St. Louis-style pizza, the dining scene in St. Louis offers something for everyone, making it a true culinary destination in the heart of the Midwest.
Tony’s - Warm sports bar & eatery supplying a variety of Italian & American specialties in a sizable space.
Sidney Street Cafe - Inventive New American cuisine served in a sophisticated but comfy setting with exposed-brick walls.
Stone Soup Cottage - Multicourse French dinners served in a sophisticated farmhouse restaurant with a patio.
The Crossing - Imaginative, high-end cuisine combining French & Italian influences in tasting menus or à la carte.
Bulrush - This is my favorite restaurant in the city. They offer a tasting menu inspired by traditional Ozark cuisine and work with local universities to grow ingredients from old recipes that have gone out of fashion. Cozy option with an open kitchen preparing creative local dishes from a tasting menu, plus wine. Located in the Grand Center neighborhood. (It breaks my heart that Bulrush closed, but I’m following the chef on Instagram to see where he ends up!)
Bar Moro - a celebration of Iberian and Mediterranean food culture. Their aim is to create a dining experience that is both sophisticated and relaxed. Don’t miss out on their tinned fish menu, it was good even for me who doesn’t love fishy fish.
Louie - Neighborhood hangout supplying wood-fired pizzas, pasta & wine.
Yellowbelly - a bright, modern bar and restaurant with the feel of a relaxing, seaside getaway.
theBao - ''the BAO'' is a steamed bun they craft in house every day. They are a combination of east-west food culture, influenced by international tastes.
Vicia - Located at 4260 Forest Park, this is a sleek eatery for local, seasonal cuisine highlighting vegetables & sustainably raised meats.
Blood and Sand - Swanky parlor offering great cocktails & inventive New American plates to members & their guests.
Elaia - Mediterranean fine-dining spot, connected to Olio, with à la carte, fixed-price & tasting menus.
Nixta - Hip spot for upscale, inventive Mexican dishes & creative cocktails served late-night.
Olive and Oak - Creative American classics & cocktails are featured at this intimate joint with a warm ambiance.
The Shaved Duck - Brick-walled setting for barbecue & Southern specialties served alongside American craft beers.
Farmhaus - Relaxed venue for chef-driven farm-to-table New American eats, plus blue-plate specials for their lunch menu.
Eleven Eleven Mississippi - Celebrated bistro for Californian cuisine with a wine emphasis in a stylish renovated-factory space, located in the Lafayette Square neighborhood.
Bistro La Floraison - Restaurant serving traditional French bistro cuisine in a sophisticated, low-lit space with a bar.
Peacemaker Lobster and Crab - Located at 1831 Sidney St. this is a rustic-chic eatery offering classic seafood such as lobster, po' boys & shrimp, plus a raw bar.
Broadway Oyster Bar - Down-home hangout featuring Cajun classics plus nightly live music & a hopping outdoor patio.
Olio - Easygoing wine bar in a stylishly remodeled service station serving Mediterranean small plates.
iNDO - Southeast Asian Cuisine - Located at 1641D Tower Grove, combining styles of mainland Southeast Asia, indo creates a unique experience for guests looking for both adventure and dedication to tradition.
Gioia’s Deli - Famous for their Hot Salami Sandwich. I order a Hot Salami on white bread with provolone and mustard. Keep it simple, the hot salami is the highlight.
Pappy’s BBQ - Order-at-the-counter favorite for wood-smoked Memphis-style barbecue in down-home digs.
Hi Pointe Drive- In - Hip, modern spot for burgers & sandwiches highlighting local ingredients in a former 1980s drive-in. Try my favorite, the Taco Burger, a fresh patty seasoned with taco spice, Cool Ranch Doritos®, Chili Cheese Fritos®, seared & burger topped with american cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado ranch & Mission Taco Joint* sauce
Taco Buddha - Counter serve producing unexpected taco fillings inspired by cuisines from around the world.
Union Loafers - Located at 1629 Tower Grove Ave. this is a contemporary haunt serving traditionally baked breads, lunchtime sandwiches & dinnertime pizzas.
City Foundry Food Hall - Anything you need- the Food Hall's got it. Pick from quick delights or your gourmet dream. Snag that drink with a friend or dessert on the go.
Taste - Chill tavern serves craft cocktails & New American small plates in a warm space with sleek decor.
Brasserie by Niche - French brasserie fare at dinner/weekend brunch in classic digs with a wall of windows to the street.
Bowood - Located at 4605 Olive Street, they offers breakfast, lunch, and private evening events in a unique, Central West End neighborhood setting.
None of the Above - Speakeasy-style cocktail lounge located in the subterranean passageways of City Foundry Food Hall in St. Louis. You enter through a nondescript door and are greeted immediately by a wall with... I won’t give the rest of way because part of the fun is that first experience.
Taste - I once sat at the bar and told the bartender what kind of wine I liked to drink and he made me an amazing cocktail. This is the kind of place where you just let the bartender do his/her thing and try not to get in the way with too many opinions.
Blood + Sand - They have all of my favorite classics (Aviation and Bees Knees to name just two) but they also have their own unique concoctions, too. It used to be members only but now it is open to the public. I love the speakeasy vibe.
Yellowbelly - when I’m “home sick” for Hawaii (I’ve been twice in my life, so don’t be fooled…I’m not a regular) I go to Yellowbelly. I can’t for the life of me make a decent mai tai, but they’ve got on that is spot-on.
Half & Half - Classic American breakfast & lunch offerings plus gourmet coffee in a relaxed setting.
Rooster - Cheerful daytime cafe offers sweet/savory crepes & farm-fresh dishes in a sunlit, colorful interior.
The Mud House - Cozy haunt lures locals with coffee drinks, breakfast, pastries, sandwiches & outdoor seating.
Winslow's Table - Part restaurant & part market, serving updated American comfort food, home items & groceries.
Jalea - A Contemporary Peruvian Bistro by. Chef Andrew Cisneros Located in Historic Main Street. St. Charles, MO
Prasino - Polished performer executing select, carefully-sourced New American dishes in smart surrounds.
Bella Vino Wine Bar - Small plates, global wines & clever cocktails served in a charming, brick-lined house with a patio.
Sugarfire Smokehouse - Rustic local BBQ chain serving ribs, salmon, brisket cheesesteaks, spiked shakes & more.
