Edition: Architectural Delights
Concierge Favorites
Author: Dianna Lucas
St. Louis experts choose their top restaurants.
Whether you're a native looking for places to take your out-of-town guests, or a visitor looking for the things that make "Arch City" unique, you'll find it in this guide to concierges' favorite restaurants. Concierges around the metropolitan area were polled for their top recommendations; it only serves to begin with what they deemed "Distinctly St. Louis" restaurants.
Distinctly St. Louis
The top of the top is Ted Drewes Frozen Custard (6726 Chippewa, 314-481-2652, and 4224 S. Grand, 314-352-7376). The vanilla custard is a St. Louis legend; perhaps their most famous sundae is "The Dutchman" which includes chocolate, butterscotch, and pecans. Crown Candy Kitchen (1401 St. Louis Ave, 314-621-9650), another landmark, was founded in 1913 and is the oldest soda fountain in St. Louis. They are famous for their chocolate shakes and chocolate Easter bunnies. People travel from all over the country to visit this local gem. Imo's (ask your concierge for locations) is quite possibly the St. Louis word for pizza. Noted for the thin crust pie topped with Provel cheese, Imo's has been dubbed "a gooey tooth sticking singularity." Served in 85 locations across the metropolitan area, there's just nothing else like it.
Business Friendly
Bristol Seafood Grille (11801 Olive Street Rd., 314-567-0272, and I-40 and Winghaven Blvd., O'Fallon, 636-625-6350) offers substantial booths and private alcoves. The fare includes Maryland style jumbo lump crab cakes, prime aged beef, and the freshest fish prepared over mesquite logs. Yia Yia's Eurocafé (15601 Olive Street Rd., 636-537-9991) has a chic but relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere with stone pillars and mosaic floors. The tempting aromas of garlic and basil, and delights like calamari in gazpacho aioli lend mouth-watering appeal to the restaurant. Cardwells' Seasonal Cuisine (8100 Maryland, 314-726-5055) offers exceptional cuisine including fresh seafood, steak, chicken, veal and vegetables, creatively prepared. Menus change daily, but favorites include paella, and grilled farm raised Atlantic salmon paired with toasted multi grain pilaf and fresh vegetables.
Great Steaks
Mike Shannon's (100 N. 7th St., 314-421-1540), named the top steak restaurant in the metro area by The Missouri Beef Council, offers selections ranging from quail stuffed with cranberry sauce, to pork shops, chicken, pasta, seafood, and even the vegetarians will find something delicious. Dierdorf and Hart's (701 Market, 314-421-1772, and 323 West Port Plaza, 314-878-1801) boasts truly American fare. Bring your appetite - the steaks are certified Angus from 8 to 30 ounces and cooked to perfection. Kreis' Restaurant (535 S. Lindbergh, 314-993-0735) has been a landmark in Frontenac for over 50 years. Chef David Timney brings his culinary creativity to the establishment known for their world class Prime Rib. He's added features like Tenderloin of beef topped with fresh lump crab and béarnaise sauce alongside three pistachio encrusted jumbo shrimp.
Ethnic
The King and I (3157 S. Grand, 314-771-1777) serves Thai cuisine at it's best. Fresh house-made curry and odorless fish sauce are the secret to the 85 item menu featuring many vegetarian selections. Robata of Japan (111 Westport Plaza, 314-434-1007), perched at the top of the gold tower building in Westport Plaza, offers Teppanyaki dining. The chefs work at individual tables wielding skillful knives and flying shrimp. The tables seat about ten, so if you are with a smaller party, be prepared to make new friends. Drunken Fish (1 Maryland Plaza, 314-362-4222, and 639 Westport Plaza, 314-275-8300), a contemporary sushi bar and lounge, has two locations. Both feature local DJ's and Karaoke throughout the week. THe large menu includes Specialty Rolls, Sashimi, and a full Japanese menu including Yaki Udon and Soba dishes.
Italian
Cunetto House of Pasta (5453 Magnolia, 314-781-1135) is no misnomer with over 30 pasta choices. For over 30 years, loyal customers on the HIll have enjoyed traditional Italian fare. Sandwiches include salsiccia parmigiano, saucy meatballs, and the Giganti, which piles ham and salami on fresh baked Italian bread. Zia's (5356 Wilson, 314-776-0020), which means "Aunt's" in Italian, is another St. Louis classic. Toasted Ravioli, Parmiagian di Melanzane, and the Zia's house salad keep customers coming back. Their special house dressing is packaged for purchase.
Theme
At Landry's Seafood House (Union Station, 314-231-4040) shrimp and oysters headline the appetizer selection while toppings like lump crab and fried chicken make for delicious salads. Succulent seafood of all types can be enjoyed on the outdoor patio overlooking Union Station's lake. Hard Rock Café (Union Station, 314-621-7625) is a rock and roll standard in any great city, featuring classic burgers and American fare alongside music industry memorabilia. Highlights in St. Louis include a shimmery black sequined dress worn by East St. Louisan Tina Turner. Bahama Breeze (550 Chesterfield Center Pkwy., 636-536-2862) transports you to the Caribbean with tropically inspired décor and menus. Specialties include seafood paella, Cuban black bean soup, tiger prawn and passion fruit pasta, and the most delicious salad of mango, papaya, and avocado. At eclectic Blueberry Hill (6504 Delmar, 314-727, 0880), music memorabilia, antique toys, and rustic dark wood ambience set the tone. This landmark, located on Delmar's Walk of Fame, offers sandwiches, classic burgers, and breakfast all day.
New
Lucas Park Grille (1234 Washington, 314-241-7770) is a new hot spot on Washington Avenue. Chef Kevin Willmann has created a tapas-style menu with American fare including bacon wrapped shrimp and a lobster martini. Come for dinner, then head for the bar's hip see-and-be scene. Kitchen K (1000 Washington, 314-241-9900) is spacious and light with great windows, a few cozy nooks for privacy, and a diner-style counter. Menus for lunch and dinner change daily with inventive combinations like Maryland blue crab cakes with sweet potato lobster shrimp bisque, and shrimp spring rolls with mango melon sweet and sour sauce. An American Place (822 Washington, 314-418-5800) is a bastion of old world elegance in the former lobby of the Statler Hotel. Acclaimed chef and owner larry Forgione prepares locally harvested food at the peak of freshness. The menu changes often, but look for specials such as barbequed.
Family Friendly
The Old Spaghetti Factory (727 N. First St., 314-621-0276) has a relaxed atmosphere with Italian cuisine including Nepalese meat sauce, marinara, and mushrooms on what else? Spaghetti. For the wee ones, spaghetti with sauces even the picky ones will love, and for dessert: spumoni and Italian cream sodas. Dave and Buster's (13857 Riverport Dr., 314-209-8015) offers Sunday brunch as well as special events and parties. The kids will love the video games, simulators, billiards, and shuffleboard. You'll love Chipotle Honey Glazed Fish, Cajun Shrimp Alfredo, White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, steaks and pasta.
