Ask anyone in St. Louis to name the “best” restaurant, and the likely answer will be Tony's . At the sight of the formally attired valet and doorman, it's clear that a very special occasion is about to begin. Filet mignon in a Chianti sauce and linguine with lobster and shrimp are two entrée highlights. You'll want to dress up for the occasion.
Crown Candy Kitchen, just north of downtown, often has a line winding out the door and down the sidewalk; it's very popular during the lunch hour and on weekends. Crown's has one of the oldest soda fountains in the country, and they still make their own ice cream. The lunch menu—sandwiches, soups, hot dogs, chili—is simple but hits the spot. And it's affordable; most lunch and dinner entrées are in the $4-$7 range.
Many folks say Hodak's Restaurant & Bar serves the city's best fried chicken, and the chicken platter with fries and coleslaw is a great value. Weekday luncheon specials offer everything from pot roast to breaded pork loin. On Friday a choice of cod or Jack Salmon is served with spaghetti and a rotating vegetable. And one of the appetizer choices is (naturally) toasted ravioli, a St. Louis favorite.
Imo's Pizza is where St. Louis-style pizza—square-cut pieces of thin, crispy crust with tomato sauce and Provel cheese—originated. There's nothing fancy here, just good pizza; their calling card is “the square beyond compare.”
The Hill, St. Louis' Italian neighborhood, is where you'll find Dominic's . Attentive service and an extensive wine list go toward ensuring an elegant dining experience. You can't go wrong with dishes like veal with capers and mushrooms or linguine with fresh clams, and for dessert the Jackie's Cassata cake is yummy.
Summer is the time to head to Boathouse Forest Park enjoy lakeside patio dining, cold drinks, live music and beautiful sunsets. Dogs are always welcome (outside dining only) and are given their own water bowl and treats. In cold weather, dine indoors by the large stone fireplace. The menu offers the usual fish and chips, Angus beef burgers, flatbreads, salads and house-made soups along with such brunch offerings as chorizo and egg burritos and handmade biscuits topped with a sunny-side-up egg, hash browns, cheddar cheese and sausage gravy. Be prepared to wait at this very popular spot if you haven't made reservations.
Students and theatergoers congregate at Dressel's Public House, a lively pub that serves traditional Welsh dishes as well as a variety of sandwiches, soups and salads. The homemade deep-fried potato chips are perfect with some malt vinegar sprinkled on top. There's sidewalk dining in season.
At the family-operated Frank Papa's Ristorante in Brentwood, candlelight and white tablecloths welcome casual diners as well as those celebrating special occasions. The menu covers the expected Italian bases—spaghetti pomodoro, risotto milanese, grilled shrimp scampi, veal saltimbocca. Portions are generous, prices are reasonable and the staff will make you feel right at home.
West of the city in the suburb of Chesterfield is Annie Gunn's , which has been in business since 1937. The upscale pub atmosphere is a nice backdrop for traditional barbecue gussied up with gourmet touches. Smoked pork chops with a barbecue glaze is a local favorite, as is the bread pudding for dessert. It's usually busy, and you may have to wait for a table.
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