Edition: Concierges' Favorite Attractions, 2005
Dining Out St. Louis Style
Author: Jennifer R. Rolf
Summer weather in St. Louis can be unpredictable (and locals can often be heard saying, "It's not the heat, it's the humidity"), but many area restaurants offer weary travelers some respite with outdoor seating in the shade on a warm day, or the perfect open-air spot to enjoy a nice evening breeze. While a number of local establishments boast outdoor cafes, patios, and decks, we've picked a few of our favorites to highlight.
Forest Park Boathouse
As one of the country's largest city parks, Forest Park swirls with activity during the summer months. Visitors and locals alike flock to the zoo, museums, Muny Opera, and Shakespeare Festival, while others can be found rollerblading, golfing, or rounding the bases on the softball fields. The recently updated Boathouse invites park guests to dine outdoors alongside Post-Dispatch Lake while watching ducks swim up to the water's edge. Lunch and dinner are offered daily during the summer, and brunch is available on Sundays. The menu has something for everyone - burgers, pizzas, salads, even salmon BLTs, and the kids' menu is sure to please the pickiest of palates. What would a boathouse be without boats? Before or after your meal, enjoy a ride in a paddle boat or go the romantic route with a row boat. (Forest Park, 314-367-2224).
Momos Ouzaria Taverna
The Mediterranean meets the Midwest at Momos in University City. This colorful Greek-influenced restaurant features a delectable selection of mezes (small plates), spreads, gyros, kabobs, pastas, and more. The drink list is inspired by gods ("deitinis") and great philosophers ("hemlocktails"), and the ouzo and mead are always flowing. The outside deck is situated in front of the restaurant along Hanley Road, where diners can enjoy a nice variety of menu items, including spanikopita, grilled lamb, or a Momos burger. Don't forget to top off your meal with some tasty baklava or Greek custard. (630 North and South, 314-863-3511)
John D. McGurk's
McGurk's in Soulard has per haps one of the finest outdoor dining areas in all of the St. Louis area. A recently remodeled patio features a waterfall, landscaping, and an additional bar to accommodate mroe patrons. While the outdoors may resemble a New Orleans-style courtyard, the food and drink are distinctively Irish. Try washing down the pub specialties like the Irishman in the Bronx, Gaelic Steak, or John D. McGurk's burger with your favorite Irish ale. (1200 Russell Blvd., 314-776-8309).
Schneithorst Restaurant & Bar
When dining outdoors on Schneithorsts's upstairs deck underneath a crisscross of wooden beams, it's easy to forget that one is sitting within the confines of a St. Louis restaurant and not in a beirgarten in Bavaria. Located at the recently made-over corner of Clayton and South Lindbergh in the new Village at Schneithorst, patrons can enjoy burgers, sandwiches, salads, and other German-inspired and American cuisine. And of course, this biergarten would not be official without dozens of beers on tap. (4100 Lindbergh, 314-993-4100)
The Blue Owl Restaurant and Bakery
Sitting outside on The Blue Owl's southern-style veranda makes one long to sip iced tea and let cares fall by the wayside. This country-style restaurant in charming Kimmswick features delicious home cooking with mouthwatering soups, sandwiches, and specialties, like the quiche of the day. No visit to The Blue Owl is complete without sampling some of their to-die-for desserts, including cakes, cheesecakes, and pies, or taking some to go from the dessert counter. Sugar-free sweets are also available. Hear live dulcimer music outdoors during the summer months. (Kimmswick, 636-464-3128).
Lorenzo's Trattoria
Located on the Hill in the city's Italian area of town, Lorenzo's tempts patrons with appetizing dishes from Northern Italy. While the Hill is not short on Italian restaurants, Lorenzo's offers choices beyond the traditional spaghetti and meatballs. House specialties include braised ossobuco, chicken spedini and provimi veal marsala. Although the outdoor seating area is smaller, dining al fresco at Lorenzo's allows patrons the chance to experience the neighborhood's old-world charm. (1933 Edwards, 314-773-2223).
Brandt's Market & Café
Brandt's in the University City Loop offers diners an opportunity to sit outside along busy Delmar Boulevard and do some serious people watching. On a warm summer night patrons will witness hundreds of passers-by, from college students to musicians to lovers strolling hand-in-hand. If you're lucky you can hear a St. Louis jazz great performing inside the café while you enjoy some of the tasty international cuisine. Menu specialties include Vietnamese spring rolls, Moroccan kabobs, and pasta Bolognese. (6265 Demlar, 314-727-3663).
Luciano's Trattoria
Luciano's offers elegant yet affordable "rustic" Italian fare next door to the Ritz-Carlton. Patrons who choose to dine outdoors along the sidewalk café can relax while the hustle and bustle of Clayton life whisks by. The menu includes many chicken, fish, and veal specialties, a variety of pasta dishes, and, of course, pizza. Luciano's also boasts an impressive wine list. (172 Carondelet Plaza, 314-863-9969).
