Food

Largest Asian supermarket in Missouri.

Memphis-style barbecue worth the sometimes long line — a true favorite in STL.

Gluten-free noodles can be substituted into any of their dishes.

The freshest seafood in town, featuring lobster boils, steamed crab, lobster rolls, poboys, and fresh oysters in a chic but casual environment.

Retro diner full of memorabilia, including an indoor carousel.

Contender for best phở in the city with plenty of other non-phở options.

Very phở-centric Vietnamese restaurant.

This locally owned company is known for their deep dish, cornmeal crust pizza (though they also have gluten-free, whole grain and thin crust available, if deep dish ain’t your thang). The Western Addition, the Kirkwood, and the Southside Classico are great options to try. Obama liked Pi so much on his visit to St. Louis in 2008, he personally called the restaurant and invited the owners to the White House to cook for the first family, making Pi the first restaurant to prepare food for the White House. This prompted the owners to open a branch in D.C.

Excellent hot pastrami sandwiches, Cubans, reubens, soup, and deli sandwiches.

Cool vibes and amazing pizza.

This is a great place for the family or a group to go since it has a lot of options.

Quick fix for poke bowls, right across the street from campus.

Folksy, upscale American in a stylish setting.

They just opened up a storefront and their items are gluten-free AND vegan, but still somehow delicious!

Where to Try It: On St. Louis-style pizza or salad (i.e., Imo’s), or buy some at Schnucks or Dierbergs.

Mention provel to newcomers and you will stir up some controversy. It’s a processed cheese combination of cheddar, swiss, and provolone. It’s tangy and mild in flavor. When baked, it becomes creamy (similar to béchamel) and when cold, it has a soft, buttery consistency. Locals (including me) think it’s great on St. Louis-style salads and pizza; newbies are often disgusted. Keep an open mind … it’s better than nacho cheese, and people eat that without batting an eye.

This has a whole foods, plant-based style. Many raw options.

East Coast-style pizza with gluten-free crust available, plus a gluten-free chocolate mousse as a dessert option.

Sit outside and people watch passersby in the Loop while you enjoy shawarma, salad and rice, and hookah if you wish. Huge portions (coming from someone with a big appetite), so if you want to stretch your pocketbook, plan on eating half and taking home leftovers!

Best Indian food in town! Quite a bit fancier than the other options. Craving Indian buffet-style dining for lunch? Rasoi has you covered, and you barely have to step outside to get there from campus.

Where to Try It: Buy some at Schnucks, Straub’s, or Dierbergs.

Spicy potato chips that are a favorite hometown product, but are sold nationally. If you prefer to be fancy, try St. Louis’ Billy Goat Chip Company Kicker Chips (also spicy but crunchier and small batch).

Unique offerings, great drinks. Outdoor seating available during nicer weather.

A great place to study and relax with friends. Fantastic ambiance with unique, artsy, liberal decors. Great coffee and food.

If you’re semi-addicted to Sunday brunches, check out Rooster. Try the seasonal Apple Pie French Toast, which features caramelized cinnamon apples, crème fraiche, and a toasty pie crumble. While some of their menu items do feature nuts, they are very accommodating of allergies, and you should have no problem eliminating or substituting any allergens in your meal.

Tender brisket and great sides (popovers!); original location in the heart of the hopping Loop neighborhood, and now with a new location in the CWE.

Delicious, affordable Afghani food with reliably good kabobs.

James Beard Award-winning chef Gerard Craft offers up new takes on Old World Italian, right next door to its more affordable sister restaurant, Pastaria.

If you’re not typically a calzone fan, Sauce On the Side will make you a convert. Tons of filling options, plus a rotating special (e.g., a turkey dinner-filled calzone called “The Mayflower” each November).

Schnucks is the flagship grocery store of St. Louis; very cost effective and convenient place to get most major groceries.

Scottish pub with fantastic lox, French toast, and traditional Scottish breakfast, amongst other options. Bottomless mimosas for $15.

Asian grocer, selling plenty more than just seafood.

South Asian.

Affordable, fast-casual, Korean-Mexican fusion, popular with WashU undergrads.

Burgers, fries, and shakes from a company started by a St. Louis native.

Solid cafeteria found in the same building as classrooms.

Where to Try It: Eat-Rite Diner, Courtesy Diner, Rooster, Southwest Diner (the first two are open late-night).

A local hangover remedy and St. Louis original that consists of layered hash browns, chili, egg, cheese, and meat.

Also a little pricey, but the chef and service are amazing. It’s a perfect option for a nice dinner out. Also has great drinks!

Every Saturday in Soulard.

Incredible Nashville-style hot chicken from the owners of Pappy’s (which is right next door).

Incredible breakfast burritos, huevos rancheros, and sopapillas. Just what the (future) doctor ordered.

STL’s first authentic boba establishment. Affordable boba and TONS of options. Also has some food if you’re hungry.

Instead of donuts, stop by St. Louis Kolache and pick up a few of these incredible Czech pastries for breakfast. Fillings include options like: St. Louis Pizza, Pappy’s BBQ, Sausage/Egg/Cheese, Meatball, Apple Pie, Cherry/Toasted Almond, and Ann & Allen Gooey Butter Cake.

Where to Try It:  Imo’s, The Pasta House Co., anywhere on The Hill.

Iceberg or romaine lettuce, pimento, artichoke, parmesan, provel cheese, and St. Louis-style, sweet Italian dressing. Goes great with St. Louis-style pizza or pasta. 

Where to Try It: Imo’s!!!

A thin, cracker crust pizza with provel cheese. A St. Louis tradition … you’ll be missing out if you don’t give it a try. Read the Serious Eats article, “In Defense of St. Louis Style Pizza” for pointers — they suggest thinking of it as a pizza-flavored nacho. The article is a great introduction to St. Louis style pizza. Imo’s is most St. Louisans’ go-to but there are lots of other options, including Cecil Whittaker’s and places on The Hill.

Where to Try It: Beast Butcher & Block, Sugarfire BBQ, Grace Meat + Three.

St. Louis-style ribs are barbecue spare ribs, which are flatter than baby back ribs, making them easier to brown; they’re ultimately grilled (rather than smoked).

Where to Try It: Mai Lee.

Truth be told, many of us haven’t tried this St. Louis original. It’s an egg foo young patty served on white bread with pickles, onions, mayo, lettuce, and tomato. It’s never called our name but maybe it’s calling yours.

Famous for steakburgers, this Midwestern chain is a go-to late night food option for many St. Louisans. The Frisco melt, chocolate shakes, chili (best with with oyster crackers and vinegar hot sauce), steak burgers, and cheese fries all hit the spot; drive thru or dine-in.

The name says it all. Expect strange flavors like Puppy Chow, Rainbow Pony, Hot Honey, and PBJ.

Where to Try It: Buy it at Straub’s in the CWE.

Straub’s is known for their homemade chicken salad and their chicken noodle soup. Have your roommate or bae pick some up for you next time you’re feeling under the weather. The chicken salad is great on King’s Hawaiian Rolls. 

Straub’s Fine Grocers is a local grocery store just a few minutes away from campus and most nearby apartments; great stop for quick purchases and some local tastes.

Great barbecue and incredible burgers. Tons of sauce options and rotating sides, so you’ll never be bored.