Hello and welcome back to the blog! We’re wrapping up our Vacation Staycation-St. Louis series with part three today featuring some of the best places in the Lou to eat! I’m going to give you breakfast, lunch, dinner, and of course, dessert options. Don’t think that all I am going to recommending are chain restaurants and BBQ joints either (even though St. Louis has some top-notch places to get that smokey deliciousness!). Did you know that the ice cream cone was invented in St. Louis? St. Louis is more than just toasted ravs, gooey butter cake, and square-sliced pizza. Read on below and start making plans to hit up these eateries.
Breakfast
Kick start your day by dining at one of St. Louis’s breakfast hot spots. Egg & Rooster both offer a wide-ranging menu covering everything from biscuits and gravy to egg scrambles to delicate crepes. With two locations to choose from for each restaurant, you shouldn’t have to wait too long for a table.
If you’re craving a more intimate cafe experience, hit up The Mud House and take advantage of their patio dining! The menu features an English breakfast option, a thick burrito, or keep it light with some granola. If grab and go is more your thing, pick up a dozen of St. Louis’s finest donuts from Old Town Donuts. Well, maybe not quite a dozen, because these things are pretty massive!
Lunch
Once you’ve finished whatever adventures your morning has led to, it’s time for the midday meal. Stop off at the historic Crown Candy Kitchen and get their heart-stopping BLT. Don’t forget to pair it with one of the classic milkshakes they have on the menu. If you’re looking for something a little more grab-and-go-friendly (but only just a little), hit up Gioia’s Deli, where they’ve been cranking out hot salami sandwiches since 1918!
I know I said I wasn’t going to mention just BBQ, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t put at least ONE STL smokehouse on this list and Pappy’s made the cut. It is Memphis style, but they do lay claim to some of the best ribs in the Lou. If your looking for a burger, look no further than Stacked Burger Bar STL. If it can be formed into a patty and put between two buns, it’s probably on the menu here. Or if you’re feeling froggy, use their checklist to create your own burger masterpiece!
Dinner
St. Louis isn’t just about toasted ravioli, square-cut pizza, and BBQ pork steaks. Nope, St. Louis is home to a wide range of culinary delights. If you’re cruising Delmar Loop, hit up Three Kings Public House. Get anything on the menu for your main (it’s all pretty delicious!), but start your meal with the Captain Crunch Shrimp. Dead to real, you WILL NOT regret it! But, if you’re feeling like something a little more outside the box, head to Fork & Stix Thai restaurant. You will not be disappointed!
If you’re looking for a more romantic, fine dining experience, then head to Olive & Oak or The Crossing. Olive & Oak’s menu can change daily based on what seasonal, fresh ingredients are on hand, but the James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef in the Midwest chef is guaranteed to have something prepared to wow your taste buds with. If you want to feel extra fancy, make a reservation at The Crossing and try out their dinner tasting menu. Fresh, locally sourced food with a French and Italian influence is the theme.
Dessert
Saving the best for last, of course! If you’re looking for something to hit that sweet spot, look no further. Feeling like you might want a cocktail & dessert? Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Creamery has you covered. Featuring booze-inspired ice creams, they’ll have something to float your boat. They also have a wide range of vegan and dairy-free options as well! Pick up a delicious baked good from Nathaniel Reid Bakery and enjoy decadence at home or on a picnic. Seriously, who can pass up a macaron or pastry, especially one called the Caramello? Or stop by the gelato bar at Pastaria. These rich, creamy gelatos will have you feeling like you’re wandering the cobblestones of Florence.
And on that note, that’s a wrap! Vacation Staycation-St. Louis Part 3, the food edition comes to a close. Check out part one and part two here for ideas on how to wrap up these last weeks of summer without having to travel too far from home. As always, thanks for reading! Sign up below to have the latest posts delivered straight to your inbox, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!
