Edition: David Sanborn Riffs on St. Louis
A Passion for Flavor
Author: Cheryl Hughey
Concierge Preferred surveyed hundreds of local hotel concierges to bring you the finest restaurants that St. Louis has to offer. Whether you are looking for a romantic night on the town or a hearty dinner with the family, St. Louis has many mouthwatering flavors to tempt you.
Melt in Your Mouth Italian
Do you remember the simple joy of buying penny candy at the corner market? There was a time when customers could only taste the recipes of pharmacists Joe and Vince Cunetto in the backroom of their neighborhood drugstore. Much to the delight of local residents, Cunetto House of Pasta (314-781-1135, 5453 Magnolia, M4;D4) has been proudly welcoming diners to their South St. Louis restaurant since 1972.
"Cunetto's is wonderful. Their tutto mare IS THE BEST in St. Louis!" - Joanne Schlecta, St. Louis Airport Marriott
Many families moved to the United States from Italy and brought with them their favorite family recipes. One such family, the Lombardo's, moved to the states in the early 1900s and opened their first restaurant in 1934. Lombardo's Trattoria (314-621-0666, 201 S. 20th, M2;C1) continues this tradition with carefully prepared meals that are dedicated to quality and goodness.
LoRusso's Cucina (314-647-6222, 3121 Watson, M4;D3) proudly serves up "not your usual Italian" fare. Treat yourself to a plateful of Ziti Con Vodka or immerse your palate in Horseradish Encrusted Salmon. Top off your evening at this veteran restaurant of 20 years with a bottle from their extensive wine list.
The new and the old intermingle at Charlie Gitto's (314-772-8898, 5226 Shaw Ave., M4;C4 and 314-436-2828, 207 N. 6th, M2;C4). Contemporary flavors are embraced in old world style, while samplings of traditional recipes are given the greatest care. Grab a fork, a glass of vintage Barolo and buon appetito!
Many of us have fond memories of the mouthwatering meals in the kitchen of our favorite aunt's or grandmother's house. Much like its namesake, "zia" (Italian for "aunt"), Zia's on the Hill (314-776-0020, 5256 Wilson, M4;C4) offers an inviting atmosphere that is reminiscent of warm meals in the comforts of home. Enjoy the coziness of a big bowl of pasta and lose yourself in the Kahlua and rum-brushed Tiramisu.
Tempting Steaks
Looking for something out of the ordinary? Citizen Kane's (314-965-9005, 133 W. Clinton Pl., M5;D2) offers manly-sized portions of exquisitely prepared steaks in a refurbished home from the late 1800s. Grace, ambiance and attention to detail are the hallmark of this fine restaurant.
Indulgence beyond your expections is what fine dining is all about. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse (314-567-7610, 1855 S. Lindbergh, M5;D3) believes "there's an art to eating well." Immerse yourself in classic steak fare, while enjoying the richness of contemporary sensibility.
If a relaxing atmosphere and Texas style beef is more your pace, then head on out to Jake's Steaks (314-621-8184, 708 N. 2nd, M2;B5). The flavorful menu and jalapeno cornbread will satisfy your mightiest hunger without breaking the bank.
Distinctly St. Louis
Nothing paints a picture of St. Louis better than historical Forest Park. With its lovely refurbished lakes, it is the perfect getaway for a romantic stroll. The Boathouse (314-367-2224, Forest Park, M4;B4) serves "traditional American comfort food" from its patio on the water and in the dining room.
If you're looking for a great lunch or a night out, J. Buck's (314-725-4700, Clayton, M8;E2; 314-966-5700, Des Peres, M5;D1; 618-632-2211, Fairview Heights, M1;C5) provides fabulous food in a fun atmosphere. Named after the legendary St. Louis broadcasting family, J. Buck's is the place to mingle and catch up with old friends.
Top off your meal with a trip to Ted Drewes. Since 1931, kids of all ages have been delighted by the sweet flavor of this frozen custard. With locations on Chippewa/historic Route 66 (314-481-2652, M4;E3, open Feb-Dec.) and Grand (314-352-7376, M4;E6, open during summer months), Ted Drewes is truly "a St. Louis tradition."
World Flavors
A fairly young addition to the dining scene, the two-year-old Mirasol (314-721-6909, 6144 Delmar Blvd., M4;A3) combines the tantalizing tastes of Cuba, Central, and South America to create "St. Louis's original Nuevo Latino restaurant."
Take your culinary imagination around the world to Sen Thai-Asian Bistro (314-436-3456, 1221 Locust, M2;B3). Exotically decorated, this restaurant is "dedicated to capturing the essence of Thailand." Curries, noodles, rice and spices envelop your senses in dishes that will tickle your fancy and enchant your soul.
Business Survivor's Paradise
Cardwell's at the Plaza (314-997-8885, 97 Plaza Frontenac, M5;C2) is a welcoming respite for lunch. Chef Bill Cardwell has brought an eclectic blend of delicious ingredients and exquisite presentation to St. Louis for over 25 years.
Lavish style embraces classic American cuisine at An American Place (314-418-5800, 800 Washington Ave., M2;B4) located in a historical hotel building from the early 1900s.
Opened by two famed football players, Dierdorf & Hart's Steak House (314-421-1772, 701 Market, M2;C4 and 314-878-1801, 323 West Port Plaza, M7;D2) serves up Certified Angus Beef in portions that won't leave you hungry. Bring an appetite and a love of good food.
Creative Voices
Toast a good day's work done with a glass of stout at John D. McGurk's (314-776-8309, 1200 Russell, M4;D7) Irish pub. Delicacies like Bangers and Mash, Guinness Stew and Irishman in the Bronx will put a smile on your face and a song in your heart.
At Blueberry Hill (314-727-4444, 6504 Delmar, M4;A3), rock the night away with live bands or check out the Chuck Berry memorabilia.
With locations throughout the world, the Hard Rock Cafe (314-621-7625, Union Station, M2;C1) is celebrated as a shrine for rockin' good times and parties that never stop.
Dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory (314-621-0276, 727 N. First, M2;A5 and 636-536-9522, 17384 Chesterfield Airport Rd., M1;C3) is always a family-filled occasion of celebration and good food. The atmosphere is festive, the prices are affordable and it's a place where the kids love to dine.
Fresh Faces
Leading the charge in the trendy Washington Avenue area, the spacious Copia Urban Winery (314-621-7275, 1122 Washington Ave., M2;B3) is the place to be. Bring a few friends, pop open a bottle of wine and enjoy a leisurely dinner in style. Don't forget to pick up a little something from the specialty shop as well.
Visit the Scottish Arms (314-535-0551, 6-10 S. Sarah, M4;B5) and you'll know why St. Louis is an epicenter of cultural diversity. It's easy to make yourself at home with customary and modernized Scottish dishes. Try some haggis, sip on aged single malt whiskey and order up some of Grandma Grant's Famous Sheperds Pie.
Family Fun
Family dinner can be fun, delicious and educational. Settle down for a burger at Fitz's (314-726-9555, 6605 Delmar, M4;A3), grab a mouthful and fries and watch the root beer bottle works in action. Heavenly floats, great prices and a variety of entrees will keep everyone happy.
Kids of all ages enjoy the games and food at Dave and Busters (314-209-8015, 13857 Riverport, M5;A1). Dazzle your inner child's imagination with electronic games, billiards, shuffleboard and more.
Step back into the reign of the diner when the burgers were tasty and the service was friendly at Johnny Rocket's (314-227-5303, St. Louis Mills, M5;A2 and 314-966-3277, 140 S. Kirkwood Rd., M5;D2) Drop a nickel in the tabletop jukebox, sip on a hand-dipped shake and relive your favorite memories of the past.
"The oldest restaurant in the historical "Hill"
neighborhood," Rigazzi's (314-772-4900, 4945 Daggett, M4;C4) is known for savory pastas, toasted ravioli, awesome service and generous servings of beer. Lovingly referred to as a "fishbowl," this tap beer glass will take both hands.
Cunetto's House of Pasta
5453 Magnolia Avenue , St. Louis, MO 63139
Cunetto House of Pasta has been bringing rich Italian food to the St. Louis area since 1972, and doesn't show any sign of stopping. Still family run and moderately priced, any Italian foodie would be amiss not stopping in for a bite.
Lombardo's Trattoria
201 S. 20th St., St. Louis, MO 63103
Since 1934, Lombardo's diners can enjoy a tradition of fine food from the Lombardo Family.
LoRusso's Cucina
3121 Watson Road, St. Louis, MO 63139
LoRusso's Cucina serves up home-cooked traditional Italian food, as well as some special creations from the mind of Restauranteur of the Year 2004, Rich LoRusso.
Zia's
5256 Wilson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110
Established in 1985- Zias has been offering wonderful Italian cusine at reasonable prices for over twenty years.
Citizen Kane's Steak House
133 West Clinton Place , St. Louis, MO 63122
Pardon the cliché, but this steakhouse is a rosebud of fine dining, widely known for serving the most filling, flavorful, mouth-watering steaks in the midwest. Located in a historic Kirkwood house that was formerly an Irish pub, the restaurant boasts self-cut beef and homemade sauces. The rib eye will leave you speechless, and attentive servers will welcome you like family, keeping your glasses full and your order moving. Reservations are recommended, as tables are usually full, and it may be best to drop the kids off at the hotel first.
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
1855 S. Lindbergh, St. Louis, MO 63131
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is an ongoing celebration of exceptional food and wine. Indulge yourself with the finest aged prime beef and discover new tastes with our award-winning wine list, featuring 100 wines by the glass. Adjacent to the main dining area are private dining rooms that can comfortably accommodate small or large groups. Fleming’s lively atmosphere, gracious service and dedication to excellence turn evenings out into memorable times.
Jake's Steaks
708 N. 2nd Street, St. Louis, MO 63102
This steak house on Laclede's Landing offers a relaxed atmosphere and down-to-earth prices that reflect its monicker of the "Coolest Steakhouse in St. Louis."
Boathouse Cafe
6101 Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110
Trek around the intrepid waters of Forest Park in a paddle boat, and enjoy dining, nightlife, and a leisurely stroll around the lake.
J. Buck's
101 S. Hanley Road, St. Louis, MO 63105
Named after a legendary broadcasting family, you can expect great food and a busy stop for a bit of nightlife.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
6726 Chippewa Street, St. Louis, MO 63109
Ted Drewes is famous in St. Louis and across the nation for its frozen treats.
Mirasol
6144 Delmar, St. Louis, MO 63130
"Neuvo Latino cuisine" with samplings of South America and Cuba. Diners are tempted with recipes of duck, pork, corn cakes and more.
Sen Thai-Asian Bistro
1221 Locust, St. Louis, MO 63103
Pan-Asian cuisine has finally been mastered by this authentic Thai restaurant that offers up Chinese, Vietnamese and Japanese specialties alongside its signature spicy dishes.
Cardwell's At The Plaza
97 Plaza Frontenac, St. Louis, MO 63131
Attention to detail is the hallmark of this well-respected restaurant in the trendy Plaza Frontenac shopping mall. Reservations recommended.>
An American Place Restaurant
822 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63102
The tradition of American cuisine is celebrated in lavish, historical surroundings at this restaurant on Washington Avenue.>
Dierdorf & Hart's Steak House
701 Market St., St. Louis, MO 63101
A well-respected restaurant that will ignite your passion for steak and the finer things in life.
McGurk's Irish Pub
1200 Russell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63104
In Soulard has perhaps 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 more 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.
Blueberry Hill
6504 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63130
This St. Louis restaurant landmark serves up award-winning burgers from the grill and great live music.
The Old Spaghetti Factory
727 N. First, St. Louis, MO 63102
The family-friendly Old Spaghetti Factory (314-621-0276, 727 N. First St.) offers plenty of atmosphere in addition to spaghetti with your choice of sauces. Favorites include the rich meat sauce, the clam sauce, and spaghetti with mizthra cheese. Eating inside the restaurant's streetcar is fun, as is topping off your meal with the traditional spumoni ice cream.
Scottish Arms
6-10 Sarah, St. Louis, MO 63108
From simple meals to multiple courses, guests partake in authentic Scottish cuisine at affordable prices.
Fitz's
6605 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108
Fitz's serves up classic American food as a traditional St. Louis eatery on the Loop, brewing its own root-beer and offering a great family experience.
Dave & Buster's - St. Louis
13857 Riverport Dr., St. Louis, MO 63043
It's all fun, food, and games at Dave & Buster's, where they take the conventional arcade and combine it with your favorite restaurant and bar.
Johnny Rocket's
140 South Kirkwood Road , Kirkwood, MO 63122
Kids will love the atmosphere of the '50s diner, where they can slip a nickel into the tabletop jukebox and fill out a coloring book. There's no better end to a day of fun than a frosty milkshake and a steaming bowl of onion rings.
Rigazzi's
4945 Daggett Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110
A long-time beloved Italian eatery on the Hill, noted for its fishbowl beer glasses and delectible pizzas.
