One of the most popular questions we get on our EAT Saint Louis Food Tours is “What are some of the foods unique to St. Louis?”. It’s a great question and actually the first question I ask when I run into a foodie or take a food tour in a new city. St. Louis has a continually evolving food scene, but I tend to be a purist at heart, a traditionalist. In this article, I answer this question and tell you what classic old school eatery is known for that particular food item. Again, there are many places that may have these items on their menu, but my recommendations in this post are places that have become synonymous with the food.
So here it is, in no particular order, foods that are unique to St. Louis:
Pork Steaks
In the summer, you can’t go to a St. Louisan’s home for a barbecue and not find pork steaks. This steak is cut from the pork shoulder aka Boston Butt. The slow cooking time and slathering of BBQ Sauce helps tenderize this cut of pork, which is the same cut that is usually used for pulled pork.
Oddly, you would think you would find it on the menu of all of the barbeque joints in St. Louis, but it is not. Many of them opt to turn it into pulled pork. Your best bet for a traditional Pork Steak is Smokie O’s Barbeque on North Broadway. This family has been slow cooking their barbeque since 1997 and have it all down pat.. and the extra bonus is it’s located across the street from Bissinger Chocolates.
Toasted Ravioli
Mama Mia they are delicious! Originating on “The Hill”, where we conduct our flagship food tour, these breaded pillows of deliciousness are filled with either a meat or cheese filling and deep fried. Two restaurants on the Hill claim to be the originators of the Toasted Ravioli – Charlie Gitto’s and Mama Campisi’s. These days, some restauranteurs will take regular boiled ravioli and bread them and fry them, but the true toasted ravioli officionados can tell the difference.
If you want to try handmade Toasted Ravioli, try them at Mama Toscano’s Ravioli. Nick Toscano and his family have been making them by hand since the late 1940s. They offer the original meat (beef and pork blend), Cheese (ricotta cheese based filling) and pizza (sausage, pizza sauce and provel cheese).
St. Louis Style Pizza
Thin crispy crust, laden with Provel cheese, and cut into squares is the best way to describe the St. Louis style Pizza. It’s all about that Provel Cheese which you either love or hate. It is a processed cheese loaf made specifically for the St. Louis market and comprised of White Cheddar, Provolone and Swiss Cheeses. This blend was formulated for pizzerias in St. Louis for its amazing melting properties.
The iconic Pizzeria known for making the St. Louis Pizza popular in St. Louis is the IMO’s Pizza Chain. My sister, when visiting us in St. Louis, always makes us grab an IMO’s pizza upon her arrival. St. Louisans just love Provel. I tend to think if they made a Provel flavored baby food they would feed it to their children. Me, not so much. With over 99 locations, there is bound to be an IMO’s near you.
The St. Louis Slinger
The slinger is the late night culinary choice for almost every college student –found at many diners in St. Louis. It really hits the spot after a night of heavy drinking…or so I hear. The slinger is a diner specialty consisting of a meat (typically a hamburger patty), topped with hash browns and two eggs (typically sunny side up) all covered with chili and shredded cheddar cheese. I get mine with the optional onions and jalapeño slices.
For the ultimate diner experience, I recommend Courtesy Diner at 3am on a Sunday morning when the 3am bars let out and the hordes of inebriated flood the diner for their fix. If you will be tucked in bed at 3am, don’t worry, Courtesy Diner serves a ton of these all day long and they are marvelous. So heavy they will sit at the bottom of your stomach and you won’t need to eat for another day.
St. Paul Sandwich
Said to be named after the hometown of the inventor (St. Paul Minnesota), the St. Paul sandwich can be found in almost every Chinese Take-Out restaurant in St. Louis and outlying cities. The sandwich consists of an egg foo young patty (made with mung beans sprouts and chopped white onions), topped with dill pickle slices, onions, white onion slices, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise all sandwiched between two slices of white bread. You can also select whether you would like chicken, pork, shrimp or beef in the egg foo young patty.
Just google “Chinese food take out St. Louis” , select and nearby eatery and give them a call to see if it is on the menu.
Gooey Butter Cake
One of my favorite desserts is the gooey butter cake. The cake is a flat and dense coffee cake about an inch tall that is usually dusted with powdered sugar and cut into squares similar to a brownie. It is made of a bottom layer of butter and yellow cake batter and a top layer of butter, sugar and eggs. It is extremely rich and delicious. There are many versions of this cake – one made with cream cheese and one without. I tend to stay away from the store-bought cakes which tend to be cream cheese based or flavored.
This dish is usually best purchased from a bakery or coffee shop. My absolute favorite is made by Gooey Louie. One of the things I dislike about the grocery store versions is that they typically have a large portion of the cake bottom which is my least favorite part. The best part of the gooey butter cake is the gooey butter NOT the cake! Gooey Louie’s has the perfect proportions of cake to gooey butter filling and they make different varieties fresh daily. It is all they do and they do it the best! BONUS: They ship nationwide! My Second runner up would be Park Avenue Coffee which make a large variety and has several locations.
Gerber Sandwich
First made by the local family-owned Ruma’s Deli, and named in 1973 after a customer called Dick Gerber, the sandwich has been duplicated by many other St. Louis restaurants. The sandwich is an open-faced sandwich consisting on a half section of Italian or French bread, spread with garlic butter and topped with ham, and Provel (traditionally) or Provolone cheese, seasoned with a sprinkling of paprika and then toasted.
Chances are there is a version of this sandwich on the menu at your favorite St. Louis deli. But, remember, I am a traditional kinda guy and I would say you need to go to where this originated to truly taste its splendor. Unfortunately, there are only 2 locations remaining of the famed Ruma’s Deli. If you do go, I suggest you ask for a half prosperity (a version made with roast beef) and half Gerber. Best of both worlds.
Concrete
While there are many ice cream places that have a soft serve in St. Louis, there are few that have frozen custard which is a dairy based iced cream made with eggs and honey. A concrete is this custard blended with any combination of dozens of ingredients. The mixture is so thick that a spoon inserted into the custard does not fall if the cup is inverted.
The ultimate classic concrete can be found at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. They have a location on Chippewa Ave (Route 66) which is a sight to behold during summer evenings with crowds, holding their signature yellow cups with straw and spoon, pouring into the streets. To this day, after umpteen requests to turn the business into a franchise, it remains a family-owned business.
During a company meeting with the guides at EAT Saint Louis Food Tours, we were talking about how, with such an abundance of breakfast/brunch restaurants in St. Louis, it often becomes a challenge to try new places. Often you find a place you vibe with and just stick to it because you know you like it and you always leave satisfied. In this blog post, we make an effort to give you that little nudge you need to channel your inner explorer and steer you to some hidden gems that we think are among the more unique and cozy locales in St. Louis. Relax, explore, and enjoy these six cozy brunch spots to enjoy in St. Louis.
Maypop Coffee & Garden Shop
This is one of the most unique spots in St Louis to sip your coffee and take it all in. The menu is petite– Blueprint coffee, pastries from Whisk: a Sustainable Bakeshop, quiche, etc.—but the atmosphere is where the abundance really kicks in. Once you’ve ordered in the large historic house, wander from room to well-decorated room, consider a toasty spot by the fireplace, or maybe settle into a chair by the old wooden staircase. All of those options more than fit the cozy-comfy bill. But the grand finale is still waiting for you in the greenhouse (pictured). Cracking open the door for the first time is magic. Living art in the form of tropical plants greets you on every side. The temperature is comfortable even in the winter, the tables are small but inviting. A few hours at Maypop feels like a mini vacation.
803 Marshall Avenue | 314-764 – 2140 | maypopshop.com
PHOTO CREDIT: Feast Magazine
Pieces Board Game Cafe
Just across the street from the Soulard Farmers’ Markets, there’s a hidden gem. It’s home to fantastic omelets, high ceilings, spacious windows, and over 900 board games. The service is attentive. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun. It’s a great place to people watch. Tip: the Southwest Omelet is as FULL of flavor as it is filling—packed with chorizo and boasting 5 eggs! Stay and play a few games with friends, or just pop in for brunch. The joy there is contagious.
1535 S 8th Street | 314-230-5184 | stlpieces.com
PHOTO CREDIT: workfrom.com
The Mudhouse
This cozy little cafe on Cherokee has won many fans. The space is small and quirky, and that’s part of what makes it so loveable. On the weekends, a cheerful hum of conversation fills the room. The brunch items are best categorized as comfort food, and they’re executed with a mature and creative twist. Bottomless coffee is an option here too!
2101 Cherokee St. | 314-776-6599 | themudhousestl.com
PHOTO CREDIT: KSDK
Winslow’s Table
Formerly Winslow’s Home, the new Winslow’s Table is a class act. It’s beautiful inside and out. The food focuses on good craft and attention to detail. The ambiance is elegant and warm— worn wooden floor, soft cream-colored tin ceiling, walls lined with artfully arranged shelves of provisions. Even the simplest dish here is memorable—they know what they’re doing. FYI, the baked goods are a must. As is the front patio in the warmer months!
7213 Delmar Blvd | 314-725-7559 | winslowstable.com
PHOTO CREDIT: Feast Magazine
Egg Restaurant (Benton Park)
This much adored STL institution is cozy both for its ambiance and for its satisfying and creative food. Going on a Sunday when the live music is flowing and the owner stops by your table to chat is unforgettable. The generous spirit of this place is evident. Big flavors, satisfying heft, constant innovation, good presentation. Egg is a delight.
2200 Gravois | 314-202-8244 | eggstl.com
PHOTO CREDIT: Seed Sprout Spoon
Seed Sprout Spoon
Once a week on Sunday, Seed Sprout Spoon opens their storefront for Brunch. Set a reminder for this one — it’s Sundays only from 9am to 2pm.. It’s worth the wait though. Among our favorite features: a craft Bloody Mary/Mismosa Bar and seasonal menu. It has an adorable atmosphere, thoughtfully chosen local ingredients, concise and engaging menu. Vegan friendly options available.
3137 Morgan Ford Road | 314-606-0165 | seedsproutspoon.com
St. Louis city has some of the most amazing retail gift shops, though many people continue to do their shopping in big box stores. This article is not about the one item we selected to showcase from each business. It is more about promoting these small businesses and getting you into these shops. They allm work very hard all year long to curate their products. You really should check out each and every one of the shops on this list. They are all particularly unique and form the fabric of what St. Louis is all about. Grab your friends and make a shopping date. Be proud you are supporting the community by exploring these local gift ideas for foodies in St. Louis.
A Box of Haute Cupcakes
from The Sweet Divine
Invited to a party and need to bring a hostess gift? Give a food gift that, hopefully, will be shared with you. The Sweet Divine never disappoints! Husband and wife team, Jason and Jenna, former winners of the Cupcake Wars, continue to experiment and grow, winning over their guest with deliciously divine flavors. Don’t want to give a food item as a gift? Jenna has been doing a popular Cupcake and Wine Pairing “AirBnb Experience” that would make a wonderful gift.
1801 S 9th St | 314-669-9339 | thesweetdivine.com
Anya's Fermented Honey Sauce
One of our favorite shops in Maplewood, Larder & Cupboard curates specialty foods from all over the world, including some hard to find St. Louis favorites. Every been short on time and needed to grab a quick gift for the foodie in your life? Guaranteed that here you will find local gift ideas for foodies in St. Louis. Most likely, things you won’t be able to find elsewhere in St. Louis. While there, ask if there are any upcoming cooking workshops!
7310 Manchester Road. | 314-300-8995 | larderandcupboard.com
Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels
from Kakao Chocolates
Undeniably, Chocolate lovers will be in awe with a gift from Kakao Chocolate (kah-KAY-o) where the hand-made chocolates and confections are all natural, made without any artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or sweeteners. They dip each of their super creative confections one at a time, in small batches and express their creativity by collaborating with other small businesses. When possible, they use local ingredients including locally roasted coffee and blended tea, Missouri pecans, local honey, beer, liqueurs and liquor, and fruits and vegetables from the farmer’s market.
7272 Manchester Road | 314-645-4446 | kakaochocolate.com
Handcrafted/Fair Trade Tableware
from ZeeBee Market
Julio Zegarra-Ballon started his business with one simple goal — specifically, to give customers a fine selection of artisan-made, Fair Trade and Eco-friendly gifts that support the work of marginalized artisans and farmers around the world. This includes a great selection of organic, fairly traded coffee, chocolate, tea and other treats all of which are great local gift ideas for foodies in St Louis! Today, his business has grown to two locations, South Grand and Maplewood, that makes shopping for a unique gift both delightful and rewarding.
7270 Manchester Rd. | 314-402-0940 | zeebeemarket.com
Handmade Sage Lemongrass Soap
from Herbaria
Located in the heart of the old Italian neighborhood, “The Hill,” Herbaria is worth a trip for the fresh, natural smells alone. Store visitors are always wowed by the tantalizing aromas of pure essential oils. Men, women, and children always enjoy the free tour. Further, you can see how real soap is made and to learn why Herbaria soap is better for your skin. A wide range of wholesome products are produced on premise. Items like deodorants, bath bombs, bath salts, moisturizers, even insect repellents, and aftershaves.
2016 Marconi Ave | 314-601-3904 | herbariasoap.com
DIY Gift Basket or Gift Card
from Local Harvest
Local Harvest Grocery has been serving the Tower Grove South neighborhood in St. Louis since 2007 with a mission of building a local food community by supplying sustainably-raised, locally grown and produced foods from our region. Nearly all of the meat, eggs, and dairy sold is raised on pasture by local farmers within 150 miles of St. Louis, without the use of added hormones or antibiotics. Most local produce is grown sustainably, if not certified organic. Why not go on a shopping spree and create your own gift basket?
3108 Morganford Rd | 314-865-5260 | localharvestgrocery.com
Ceramic “Bagel” Rocks
from Urban Matter
Urban Matter is a home accessories & gift boutique featuring local makers & artisans, curated treasures and made-by-hand goods. Also they offer design services, custom lighting, house made leather goods and a unique off-site indoor/outdoor event space.
3179 S Grand Blvd | 314-456-6941 | urbanmatterstl.com
Handmade Earthenware
From Union Studio
Union Studio in Botanical Grove neighborhood of St. Louis sells artwork created by local artists and hosts classes taught by St. Louis artists. As a matter of fact, It was opened by Mary Beth Bussen, along with Leah Southerland and Maggie Wheelock who work out of the same space making access to artists and their amazing artwork accessible to everyone and bringing artists and neighbors together.
1605 Tower Grove | 314-771-5398 | stlunionstudio.com
Imo’s Throwback Logo Tee
from Arch Apparel
St. Louisans are a proud bunch and what better way to show your St. Louis Pride than a gift of St. Louis-inspired streetwear from Arch Apparel. Arch Apparel is a lifestyle brand made up of a team of individuals whose goal is to promote the city of St. Louis and all of its unique features, people, and businesses.
2335 S Hanley Rd | 314-601-3122 | archapparel.com
Grapefruit & Tomato Vine Scented Soy Candles
From Maven
Owner Kate Bethel grew up in Maplewood and later decided to open her brick and mortar shop offering their Hand-Crafted Soap, Soy Wax Candles, Bath & Body Goods, Skincare, and a line of Men’s Products. They use the finest natural ingredients to ensure quality and sustainability and all of their products are made in their lab by hand in small batches on site.
Kate also teaches soap making class through Dabble – which would make an excelled “experience’’ gift!
7328 Manchester Rd | 314-600-0939 | Mavenstl.com
DIY Classes / Workshop Experience
From Bonboni Mercantile Co
Tucked away in the historic Shaw neighborhood, Bonboni features a collection of boho-chic women’s clothing, vintage home goods, and unique gift items. They blend and layer new, old, crafted and salvaged items to create an experience that delights! The store is housed in a former 120-year-old candy shop, and thus the name BONBONI —a nod to its past.
2246 Klemm St | 314-472-3457 | bonbonistl.com
A Walking Food Tour Experience Gift Card
From EAT Saint Louis Food Tours
Owner Pete Manzo turned his love for St. Louis neighborhoods and its food scene into a growing walking food tour business. Give the gift of a “food tour experience” that incorporates food with historical and cultural stops in unique St. Louis neighborhoods led by local expert guides. Better yet, the ability to book a tour or purchase gift certificates online make this gift a no-brainer for both foodies and non-foodies alike!
Online Only | eatsaintlouis.com
Show your partner (or love interest) that you care about them. The Staff at EAT Saint Louis Food Tours has a public service announcement for you: “It’s ok to show you care when it’s not Valentine’s Day!” Luckily, St. Louis has no shortage of restaurants that not only have amazing food, but their interiors are also carefully crafted to evoke emotion and exude the same passion that goes into their food. We worked hard to compile this list for you, so, go check out some of our favorite romantic restaurants in St. Louis …you will be glad you did!
PHOTO CREDIT: Riverfront Times
Bar Les Freres
From the rich colors, to the glinting chandeliers and the beautifully appointed bar, Bar Les delivers an elegant (perhaps even decadent) experience. The classic French cuisine lives up to the ambiance surrounding it– gruyere soufflé, roasted beets with chèvre cream and toasted pistachios, almond encrusted trout with citrus butter and haricots verts, and chocolate Grand Marnier mousse and more.
7637 Wydown Blvd. | 314-725-8880 | barlesfreres.net
PHOTO CREDIT: TripAdvisor
Boundary
This place packs a grand entrance– the eye-popping green couch, the stunning approach to the long bar, the low light, and leather. It’s vibey, modern, classy. Menu items include red curried mussels (with coconut milk, carrot, lemon-grass, ginger, cilantro slaw, grilled bread), smoked tomato soup (stilton cheese, scallion, bacon lardon), Berkshire pork shank (tequila braise, red mole risotto, queso fresco, anaheim, and cilantro). Happy hour M-F 5:00-6:00 pm.
7036 Clayton Ave | 314-932-7818 | boundary-stl.com
PHOTO CREDIT: STL Magazine
I Fratellini
Brought to you by the team that also gave us Bar Les Freres, I Fratellini has a playful feel that might best be described as “upscale bistro”– exposed brick walls, dramatic light fixtures, sparkling wine glasses, and grand scale mirrors. It’s a delight for the eyes. And then there’s the menu. It’s hard not to gush about it. The antipasto alone is a treat. Burrata Agrodolce (with warm radicchio, balsamic vinegar, pine nuts, golden raisins, and grilled bruschetta), grilled prosciutto-wrapped Belgian endive stuffed with mozzarella, steamed mussels in a spicy tomato broth with ‘nduju and fennel pollen. We haven’t even gotten to the Pasta or Piatti del Giorno!
7624 Wydown Blvd. | 314-727-7901 | ifratellini.com
PHOTO CREDIT: Town & Style
The Benevolent King
The Benevolent King is Ben Poremba’s newest creation. This Moroccan-inspired restaurant focuses on small plates and exquisite cocktails in a unique and lively environment. You won’t find the menu online, so head in ready for an adventure in big flavors and delicious surprises.
7268 Manchester Rd. | 314-899-0440 | thebenevolentking.com
PHOTO CREDIT: Sidney Street
Sidney Street Cafe
This beautiful James Beard Award-winning restaurant is home to outstanding service and flawless execution. Thoughtful, decadent dishes grace the menu at Sidney Street: Filet Béarnaise (stuffed with lobster, herbed pomme purée, and sauce béarnaise), Smoked Sweetbreads (with pear chutney, Indian fried bread, and an herb salad), house made charcuterie, and so much more. Sidney Street is a sure bet for the romantic restaurants in St. Louis list.
2000 Sidney St. | 314-771-5777 | sidneystreetcafestl.com
PHOTO CREDIT: Elmwood
Elmwood
Elmwood has made a quite splash since opening last year in Maplewood. Its clean-lined modern elegance and creative menu have earned it a place on many “favorites” lists. At Elmwood you’ll find dishes bursting with flavor: slow-roasted five-spice short ribs with mustard greens and daikon, sweet potato baba ghanoush with pomegranate and mint, for dessert—roasted local apple with maple, ember caramel, and vanilla ice cream. The drink menu is excellent to boot!
2704 Sutton Blvd. | 314-261-4708 | elmwoodstl.com