Haven’t taken a second look at what’s happening behind the scenes in St. Louis’ drinking and dining scene lately? You ought to know that the gateway to the west is thriving like never before. Not only is the city continually listed as an up-and-coming place to be for fans of beer, cocktails, and fine dining, and the cost of living excellent, but the town’s own Kevin Nashan (of Sidney Street Cafe and Peacemaker) is a recent James Beard award-winner for best Midwest chef! Looking to experience the best bars and restaurants STL has to offer? We asked local trendsetters and We Eat Stuff co-founders Charlie and Christine to share ten of the top neighborhoods in town to visit – and their top picks – if you’re on the hunt for the best restaurants, bars, and coffee shops to visit!
Central West End
The CWE is a well-established neighborhood in St. Louis which has played home to dozens of notable places over the decades. In the past five years, there have been numerous new additions – Mission Taco, Pi Pizzeria, The Preston, Thai 202, Juniper and Pagan Wine Bar.
Cherokee Street
This street traverses east and west of Jefferson Avenue in south St. Louis. You can find coffee and breakfast in the early morning, all the way to drinks at 2 am. Check out Whisk, The Mud House, Foam, Sump Coffee, Byrd & Barrel, Vista Ramen, The Fortune Teller Bar, The Whiskey Ring, Masterpieza and Earthbound Beer.
Clayton
For those of you with expensive tastes, look no further! You can find meals to impress your clients, your in-laws, or a first date! Try The Libertine, Louie’s Wine Dive, The Grill at the Ritz Carlton, Barcelona, Half & Half, I Fratellini or Bar Les Freres.
The Grove
This stretch of Manchester road lies between Highways 40 and 44. This neighborhood has become a real hotspot in the last ten years, catering to the LGBTQ population in St. Louis. For dining, drinking, and drag shows, visit Handlebar, Just John’s, Atomic Cowboy, The Monocle, Intoxicology, Urban Chestnut, Sauce on the Side, Vincent van Doughnut and Rise Coffee.
The Hill
Ask any resident of STL about famous food destinations, and The Hill is probably the first neighborhood they’ll tell you about.. This is the Italian neighborhood, and it gets its name from once being the highest point in the city. There are some excellent Italian restaurants, like Tony’s, Favazza’s and Rigazzi’s. But there are non-Italian places too! Try Mona’s, Shaw Coffee, or the nationally recognized Gioia’s Deli.
The Loop
This stretch of Delmar Blvd. has grown up so much in the last 20 years. Back then, it was sort of divey, which made it the perfect place to go when you didn’t want your parents to find you. Now that we’re slightly more adultish, we appreciate the Loop for its funky music vibe. Check out The Moonrise Hotel, Fitz’s, Blueberry Hill, Público, Seoul Taco and Salt & Smoke.
Maplewood
Maplewood is affectionately known as the “little town that could.” It’s had a fantastic revival in the last ten years, and this is the neighborhood all our friends want to move to. You can find the only cat cafe in St. Louis, Mauhaus. One of the most popular donut shops in St. Louis is just down the street, Strange Donuts. For more coffee and pastries, visit Living Room, Cosecha Coffee or Foundation Grounds. Or, if you’re hungry for dinner, try Reed’s American Table, Acero, The Muddled Pig or Schlafly Bottleworks. Just in the mood for shopping? Be sure to hit up Larder and Cupboard.
SoHa
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention our own neighborhood, Southampton. We can’t tell you how much we love living here. It also helps that we have some excellent shops within walking distance! Try the Copper Pig, Russell’s on Macklind, Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Creamery, Edibles & Essentials or Taco Circus!
South Grand
This stretch of Grand Boulevard is home to ethnic restaurants, multiple shops, and cool architecture. Be sure to visit Natasha’s Gin Room, Guerrilla Street Food, Rooster, Tree House, The Night Owl, or Sheesh!
Washington Ave.
To wrap up our list of St. Louis food neighborhoods, we’ll include Washington Avenue, part of the downtown region. Wash Ave has one of the coolest attractions in St. Louis, the City Museum. If you’re looking for food in the area, stop by Hiro’s Asian Kitchen, Mango, Porano Pasta, or Taze Mediterranean Street Food.
We Eat Stuff co-founders Charlie and Christine love to try out different restaurants and food spots all over St. Louis. Charlie is a software engineer and designer who dabbles in improv and stand-up comedy. He loves meeting new people, working on creative side projects with friends, and the St. Louis food and booze scene. Christine is a voice and piano instructor who runs her own music school called the Monarch Music School. She loves eating and drinking in St. Louis and often has the last word on where they eat. Charlie and Christine remind you that St. Louis is a great place to eat and drink: With every passing month the town offers new and cool things to do, and they want folks to know about it!
Music, movies, fine dining, travel, and brunching - these are just a few of Associate Editor Stephanie Hartman's favorite hobbies. You're as apt to catch her at a summer festival or sipping Manhattans as at the city's best spas - and taking notes to share with readers.
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