Nice list for the CWE neighborhood restaurants - lots of great food here in the Central West End! Plus looking forward to additions such as Shake Shack and 1764 Public House... and more...
I have my favorites - how about you?
The BBQ Saloon
Barbecue. Owners Phil and Tracy Czarnec, who also run Wild Flower Restaurant across the street, take a nonconformist approach to barbecue. Here, you’ll find spare ribs instead of baby backs, spice pastes instead of rubs, and boutique meats (wild boar, ostrich, kangaroo burgers) in addition to the usual suspects. A back bar with 600 whiskeys sparks conversation and supplies liquid courage. Our favorites include the beef ribs and the coleslaw with blueberries. Lunch and dinner daily.
4900 Laclede, 314-833-6666,bbqsaloonstl.com. $$
Bar Italia
Italian. Come spring, enjoy a gentle breeze and Negroni on the patio. The veal, salads, and pastas—such as a mushroom-studded rigatoni—are notable, as are the antipasti and drinks. It’s a perfect place for people-watching. Lunch and dinner Tue–Sun, brunch sat & sun.
13 Maryland Plaza, 314-361-7010, baritaliastl.com. $$$
The Block
American. “Meat-friendly” hardly covers it. The place has its own meat-for-sale butchery, just in case the braised pork, beef ribs, and bacon jam aren’t enough. On a nice day, consider the multilevel patio. Dinner Mon–Sat, lunch Mon–Fri.
33 N. Sarah, 314-535-5100,theblockrestaurant.com. $$
Brasserie by Niche
French. Chef Gerard Craft’s third restaurant is simply the best brasserie in town. Don’t believe us? Try those mussels, served Normandy-style with cider and leeks. Or savor the braised beef, exquisite steak frites, a glorious croque-madame—and a local draft beer to boot. It’s served in a classic, convivial atmosphere that’s indubitably Parisian. Dinner daily, brunch Sat & Sun.
4580 Laclede, 314-454-0600, brasseriebyniche.com. $$$
Café Osage
American. A hidden gem, Café Osage is tucked into a lush urban nursery where many of the café’s ingredients are grown in season. Lunch options include the Brie LT. Breakfast on the sun-dappled patio is a perfect start to the day. Breakfast and lunch daily.
4605 Olive, 314-454-6868, bowoodfarms.com. $$
Central Table
American. This cavernous hall is populated with miniature eateries producing pizza, sandwiches, pastas… It might sound weird, but it works. At lunch, the place is packed with professionals. Things are more sedate during dinnertime, in a spot that’s bound to please all appetites. Breakfast and lunch Mon–Fri, dinner thu–Sat.
23 S. Euclid, 314-449-1600,centraltablestl.com. $$$
The Chase Park Plaza
American. The historic hotel offers some of St. Louis’ most memorable dining experiences: The Tenderloin Room is known for seared steaks and sauced pepperloin à la tenderloin, gentle refinement, and stellar service.
The Preston is old-style cool and sophisticated, with a serious bar and elevated small plates, including the beautiful charred octopus. And the Chase Club provides a more affordable dining option, with a patio beside the iconic pool. See website for hours.
212 N. Kingshighway, 314-633-3000, sonesta.com. $$–$$$$
Dressel’s Public House
Bar & Grill. Few places capture the Welsh pub experience as well as Dressel’s. The dark wood–and–brick interior holds a lively crowd enjoying draft beers. Completing the effect is the food: rarebit, lamb burgers, fish and chips, soft pretzels. It’s hearty dining in a charmingly informal vintage-feel setting. Lunch Mon–Sat, dinner daily, brunch Sun.
419 N. Euclid, 314-361-1060, dresselspublichouse.com. $$
Drunken Fish
Japanese/Sushi. Everyone eventually passes the intersection of Maryland and Euclid, where there’s no better place to people-watch than at this local sushi chain. Cocktails and Japanese beers are suitable postprandial libations. Lunch and dinner daily.
1 Maryland Plaza, 314-367-4222, drunkenfish.com. $$$
El Burro Loco
Mexican. Hark back to the days when such places as Chi-Chi’s and the beloved Casa Gallardo introduced Mexican food—fajitas, chimichangas, and other then-exotic menu offerings—to the mass market. Toss in the wackiest and most whimsical Mexican décor in town, as well as fishbowl-size margaritas, and you have El Burro Loco. Celebrating an adult’s birthday? Opt for the same free birthday dessert the kids get—or a complimentary shot. Lunch and dinner daily.
313 N. Euclid, 314-224-5371. $$
Evangeline’s Bistro
Cajun/Creole. Enjoy nightly live music and food, both of which lean toward Louisiana traditions. Located at the north end of the Euclid strip, it’s a particularly fine spot for a long, leisurely brunch, especially with New Orleans–style eye-openers like brandy milk punch and a Ramos gin fizz. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sun.
512 N. Euclid, 314-367-3644, evangelinesstl.com. $$
Gamlin Whiskey House
Steakhouse. Whiskey for dinner? Genius! If you want something more than the myriad labels available at Gamlin Whiskey House, the restaurant can fix you up with prime rib, chicken and waffles, or shrimp and grits. The atmosphere’s rustic-chic, with a nice patio and cozy bar. Go early, or make reservations. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sat & Sun.
236 N. Euclid, 314-875-9500, gamlinwhiskeyhouse.com. $$$
Handcrafted by Bissinger’s
American. What’s not to like about an attractive café, chocolate shop, cocktail/wine bar that’s open all day? The spiffy wine preservation system—three temperature-controlled cabinets dispensing 2-, 4-, and 6-ounce pours—is worth the trip alone. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
32 Maryland Plaza, 314-367-7750, handcraftedbybissingers.com. $$
Juniper
Southern. Juniper feels like a pop-up restaurant that (fortunately) decided to stick around long-term. It serves some of the best fried chicken in town, along with other down-home Southern eats conjured in a delightfully uptown style. The bread basket is mandatory, as are the exceptional craft cocktails. The scene’s folksy, friendly, and wildly popular. (Note: Juniper plans to move to
4101 Laclede in spring 2018.) Dinner Mon–Sat. 360 N. Boyle, 314-329-7696, junipereats.com. $$
Kingside Diner
American. Looking for a restaurant with a great short stack? Check. How about a kale salad? Check. Whatever your order, ask for a seat on the upstairs patio. The view from this chess-themed throwback is fit for king, queen, or bishop. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
4651 Maryland, 314-454-3957, kingsidediner.com. $
Little Saigon Café
Vietnamese. This snug spot serves Saigon-flavored Vietnamese fare, including pho and other noodle dishes, soft spring rolls, and iced coffee. The outside seating is pleasant, and a wall-length window makes indoor seating equally desirable for watching the neighborhood’s movable circus. Lunch and dinner Mon–Sat.
10 N. Euclid, 314-361-8881,littlesaigoncafe.com. $$
Llywelyn’s Pub
Bar & Grill. It’s boisterously happy—and not just because of that beer menu that’s longer than a Stephen King novel. It’s suitably pub-ish, with old brick and dark wood. Llywelyn’s serves as a headquarters for all things Celtic in St. Louis. Lunch and dinner daily.
4747 McPherson, 314-361-3003, llywelynspub.com. $$
Mary Ann’s Tea Room Cafe
Yes, the Central West End has a place to have high tea. But for that experience (which can include such items as petits-fours and caviar), you’ll need to make reservations two days in advance, and it’ll run you at least $30 per person. If that’s not in the cards, you can still have a lovely lunch in a formally set greenhouse space. Do wear something nice, dear. Lunch and high tea daily.
4732 McPherson, 314-361-5303, maryannstearoom.com. $$
Mission Taco Joint
Mexican. The specialties here are house-made corn tortillas and authentic Mexican street food reminiscent of the offerings in San Francisco’s Mission District. Carne asada fries and brisket birria are also notable. And Mission Taco is a great spot for a handcrafted cocktail with its 100 percent fresh-squeezed (in-house) juices. Lunch and dinner daily.
398 N. Euclid, 314-930-2955, missiontacojoint.com. $
Pi Pizzeria
Pizza. Award-winning pizza is the specialty at Chris Sommers’ popular restaurant. Go with the deep-dish offerings: cornmeal crusted, with a delicate balance of cheese, toppings, and sauce. Lunch and dinner daily.
400 N. Euclid, 314-367-4300, pi-pizza.com. $–$$
Retreat Gastropub
American. The menu is described as “scratch-made American pub food with a modern twist.” Half the items are vegetarian (the veggie ragout with trout is flat-out delicious); the other half include such gastropub staples as mussels. Even the house salad (with butternut squash and pumpkin seeds) is superior. And if you think concrete bar tops are sooo turn-of-the-century, wait until you see this one. Lunch and dinner Wed–Mon, brunch sat & sun.
2 N. Sarah, 314-261-4497, retreatgastropub.com. $$
Scape
American. Among the reasons to visit this jewel: candlelight, starched linens, a tucked-away courtyard patio, impeccable service, great drinks, and seasonal cuisine, including English pea risotto and wild-caught striped bass. Dinner Tue–Sat, brunch Sun.
48 Maryland Plaza, 314-361-7227, scapestl.com. $$$$
Scarlett’s Wine Bar
Wine Bar. This essential neighborhood eatery has oven-scorched pizzas, unpretentiously presented upscale fare, a handsome wine list, and plenty of cocktails. Two patio areas are equally comfortable and inviting. Insiders focus on the extensive appetizers and grand cheese board. Lunch and dinner daily.
4253 Laclede, 314-797-8223. $$
The Scottish Arms
Bar & Grill. The front room’s casual, with tall tables and a roomy bar. In back, the dining is more formal. The food is grand, an interpretation of such Scottish dishes as pasties and smoked salmon. An unparalleled list of single-malt Scotches headlines the drink selection. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch sat & Sun.
6–8 S. Sarah, 314-776-1407, thescottisharms.com.$$$
Sub Zero Vodka Bar
American/Sushi. Burgers and sushi are paired with 500-plus vodkas. It’s enough to please even the most discriminating connoisseur. A frozen-drink rail, sports TV, and energetic music add up to a hip atmosphere. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch sat & sun.
308 N. Euclid, 314-367-1200, subzerovodkabar.com. $$
Taste
Small Plates. This speakeasy-inspired spot combines cool and romantic. Pair excellent tapas-style noshables with fabulously creative cocktails. Note: The place is small; waits are usually shorter on weeknights. Dinner daily.
4584 Laclede, 314-361-1200, tastebarstl.com. $$
The Tavern Kitchen & Bar
American. The Tavern serves artful comfort food. The Seafood Trio and Surf & Turf tasting boards are standouts. There are also vegetarian and gluten-free menus. And don’t miss the rave-worthy doughnuts and cocktails. Dinner Mon–Sat, brunch Sun.
392 N. Euclid, 314-696-8400, tavernstl.com. $$$
Tazé Mediterranean Street Food
Mediterranean. Located in the former Tortillaria space, the fast-casual restaurant is smaller but similar to the downtown flagship. Pick a bowl or pita, then add a protein, base, toppings, side dish, and hummus (spend the extra 75 cents for a flavored one). Lunch and dinner daily.
8½ S. Euclid, 314-932-7182, tazestreetfood.com. $
Vicia
American. Michael and Tara Gallina are introducing St. Louis to “vegetable-forward cuisine” at their avant-garde restaurant. The husband-and-wife team comes from the award-winning Blue Hill at Stone Barns. Expect good things. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Tue–Sat.
4260 Forest Park, viciarestaurant.com. $$$
West End Grill & Pub
Bar & Grill. Located beside the Gaslight Theatre, it’s convenient for dinner before a show or a postshow drink. Ask about the daily specials. Lunch Mon–Fri, dinner daily, brunch Sat & Sun.
354 N. Boyle, 314-531-4607, westendgrillandpub.com. $
Wild Flower Restaurant
American. When you can’t agree on a dining destination, go here. It’s got everything—bison steak, roast duck, wild mushroom fettuccine, in handsome presentations—not to mention one of the best patios in town. The weekend brunch is expansive. The bar’s open nightly until 1 a.m., making time for late-night conviviality. Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sat & Sun.
4590 Laclede, 314-367-9888, wildflowerstl.com. $$$
Via: www.stlmag.com/dining/neighborhood-restaurant-recs/neighborhood-restaurant-recs-in-the-central-west/