Food

The best place for barbecue is Salt & Smoke, located in the Delmar Loop. Highly recommend the mac and cheese and rib tips with the in-house barbecue sauces.

St. Louis might honestly be the best city for brunch in the entire country. And while that might sound like a bold claim, I can promise you it’s the truth. There are so, so, SO many good, or, quite honestly, great brunch spots it’s almost overwhelming. There’s The Mud House, Kingside Diner, Juniper, First Watch, and so many more. And that isn’t even counting my personal favorite brunch spot, which is Songbird in the Grove. Honestly, it’s not just my favorite brunch spot; it’s my favorite restaurant, period. Since arriving in St. Louis in August, I’ve already gone more times than I can count and have the restaurant on speed dial. Long story short, St. Louis will not disappoint in the slightest when it comes to brunch. Not in the slightest.

Burgers are probably the food I have eaten the most since arriving in St. Louis, and I have not yet been disappointed by a single restaurant (although my arteries might have some complaints)! My absolute favorite burger place so far has been Hi-Pointe Drive-In, and numerous locations are nearby. They have incredibly creative burgers and daily specials, along with great fries, shakes, and local beers. They also have Impossible burgers. If you live in CWE, Shake Shack is super close by and a delicious option. If you are looking for something fancier, I love the cheeseburger from Yellowbelly, which comes on a homemade Hawaiian roll with aged cheddar, miso onions, and sauce. This is perfectly paired with their fantastic beef fat fries and a cocktail (or mocktail)! I also have had great burgers from John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub & Garden, Urban Chestnut, and Coma Coffee Roasters. Lastly, although I haven’t gotten around to trying it yet, I have heard great things about the burgers (and all the food in general) from Mac’s Local Eats.

Looking for a high-yield list of yummy places to eat? Your wallet is suffering because of your poor spending habits? Don’t wanna cook for the 30th time this week? Look no further. Here’s the scoop:

• Sauce on the Side has gigantic calzones for tiny prices.
• Sushi Ai has all-you-can-eat sushi during lunch for $15, decent quality.
• Wonton King has high-quality Chinese food and dim sum for less than $15 during lunch.

Other reliable places:

• Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steak burgers is always a solid option for a quick burger and fries.
• Raising Cane’s has tasty chicken tenders when you are in a pinch.
• Pharaoh’s Donuts in the Central West End has artisanal donuts for under $3.

A few recommendations for my fellow med students: West End Wok, High-Pointe Drive-In, and many more!

My favorites are Wei Hong, Vegas Wok, Tai Ke Shabu Shabu, and Cate Zone Chinese Cafe, in that order. They are all very authentic:

• Wei Hong has great dim sum and Cantonese-style roast duck but doesn’t deliver to the med campus. A sweet little Asian bakery is attached to the main restaurant. (Check if they’ve re-opened dine-in seating before you visit).
• Vegas Wok is $9-11 a dish. It’s a very small place but quick and easy for great-tasting food. My favorites are probably the Singapore noodles and anything with beef tripe. The 牛肉米粉 is also great but spicy :^)
• Tai Ke Shabu Shabu is authentic Taiwanese food and, in my opinion, has a good vegetarian menu (including blood cubes!). I’m a fan of the fried oysters and, again, anything with duck.
• Cate Zone has a lot of spicy food. They even have spiced and skewered lamb. (I know they have substitute meats but forgot what they are.) They can be empty or absolutely packed, so I suggest making a reservation either way.

P.S. I will acknowledge Corner 17 as a popular place with good food, but it is often quite busy! The staff is always really attentive and kind, though. I know Lu Lu Seafood & Dim Sum is popular, but I’ve heard it’s on the priciest end. Personally haven’t been, so not sure.

I live by the belief that you should always leave room for dessert. I have a huge sweet tooth, which all the dessert places in St. Louis have been able to easily satisfy. Some controversy exists as to what dessert places are best here. Here is my breakdown:

Ice Cream:
Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Creamery vs. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

• I prefer Clementine’s. There are more vegan flavors, the ice cream is richer, and there are naughty flavors (ice cream with alcohol).

Frozen Custard:
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard vs. Andy’s Frozen Custard

• Against popular opinion, I prefer Andy’s. The Mint Chip Concrete is to die for. There are also more choices for toppings.

Other dessert places that are unarguably yummy are Insomnia Cookies (open until midnight), Vincent Van Doughnut in Tower Grove, and froYo on the Delmar Loop.

Whether you’re a day, a year, or a whole decade into your vegan lifestyle, or you’re just trying to adopt a more whole food plant-based diet, St. Louis can satisfy your taste buds (and your wallet) to help you stay on track. The most popular vegan restaurants near campus include Lulu’s Local Eatery, PuraVegan Café, Frida’s, and Seedz Café. Also, although not exclusively vegan, almost all CWE favorites, including Pi Pizzeria, Medina’s Grill, Mission Taco, Rasoi, and Retreat Gastropub have vegan-friendly options, which has made it more than convenient to tag-along on foodie adventures with my omnivore classmates. For local produce, the Soulard Farmers Market is open year-round, and there are more than a dozen other markets in the city that are active between early spring and late fall. Conveniently, Trader Joe’s is just a 10-minute drive west from campus, and if you ever find yourself missing an essential ingredient last minute, or you’d simply like to bring cookies for your coaching group, you can easily find it at our campus-adjacent Whole Foods!

For those of you who love doing your shopping locally, Soulard and Tower Grove have some incredible farmers’ markets! Soulard is allegedly the oldest market west of the Mississippi, and is the perfect place to go on a Saturday morning if you want to hear some street music, get fresh tamales and donuts, and pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables from local farms. The same goes for Tower Grove. If you’re like me, and sometimes don’t have the time to go to farmers market every weekend, check out Find Your Farmer — it’s a delivery service that can deliver you fresh veggies from local farms every few weeks, as well as other locally made goods like farm fresh eggs and bread! It’s a more sustainable grocery delivery service and it supports local businesses, so it’s a win-win service!

There are a lot of great food options around campus! The Kaldi’s in the Farrell Learning and Teaching Center (FLTC) is a good place to snag a light lunch; just be aware that they close around 2:00 p.m. generally. Chick-fil-A is another good option that’s about a 5-to-7-minute walk from the FLTC, and you can order online beforehand to skip the line! Another great option for quick and cheap food is the St. Louis Children’s Hospital cafeteria. The best part is that they are open at almost all times, so you can grab a bite whenever!

There are so many great places to take your parents in St. Louis! If you are celebrating a big occasion, Yellowbelly and Brasserie by Niche are my personal favorites in theCWE. If you want a fancy dinner and are willing to travel out of the CWE, LOUIE in Clayton is my favorite restaurant in the entire city. LOUIE features amazing Italian food in a trendy yet approachable atmosphere and has incredible service. For more casual occasions, Salt + Smoke (barbeque) and Mission Taco Joint (West Coast-style Mexican cuisine) are really popular and tasty options with multiple locations across the city. My family really enjoyed the huge and beautiful outdoor patio seating available in the summer at John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub & Garden, but the restaurant also has a cozy and warm indoor atmosphere that is great during the cold winter months. The vast beer options, baked spinach and artichoke dip, and Guinness stew make this place another personal favorite. The many Italian restaurants in the Hill are all amazing and also popular with families, but Anthonino’s Taverna is my family’s top choice. Lastly, one of my favorite experiences while living in St. Louis so far has been going to the Food Hall in the City Foundry STL. The Food Hall features food stalls with plenty of different options, such as tacos, beer, cheesecake, poke bowls, and much more, so there is sure to be something for everyone. I suggest everyone get one or two items from different stalls and share to try a little bit of everything!

If you’re looking for a nice sit-down restaurant to bring family or visitors, Brasserie by Niche is a great place to try out. The restaurant makes a delicious crème brûlée and also serves brunch on Sundays. For more casual places to check out, City Coffee & Crêperie in Clayton is well known for its crepes, and La Bonne Bouchée on Olive Blvd. has a great selection of pastries.

Coming from UCLA, located in the gluten-free capital of the United States, my expectations for gluten-free food in Saint Louis were pretty low. I was diagnosed with Celiac in 2008, so I’ve experienced the full spectrum of having literally no options to eating meals that shouldn’t legally have been considered food. But since I moved here, I’ve been pleasantly surprised! Most pizza restaurants have a gluten-free crust option (cauliflower, brown rice, et cetera), many Italian restaurants have gluten-free pasta, and almost every restaurant I’ve been to so far has a) known what gluten is and b) known which items on the menu did not have it. Special shout-outs include Lona’s Lil Eats (everything is gluten-free except the dumplings and flour tortillas), Salt + Smoke (delicious BBQ with gluten-free sandwich bread), and Brasserie by Niche (great when the parents are in town). For drinks, Urban Chestnut and Brick River Cider both brew their own fantastic cider, and most bars around town have cider or wine options (except Rockwell, where your only option is a $14 cocktail). The administration is also pretty good about providing gluten-free options for lunch talks. Whether you’re gluten intolerant, have Celiac, or are just against gluten on principle, you won’t go hungry in Saint Louis.

When you need groceries, Whole Foods is a nearby option in a pinch, but the prices can be a bit prohibitive to go there on a regular basis. There are many other grocery stores (ALDI, Schnuck’s) within driving distance, but it’s often hard to find time to go there and select your own groceries. I use Instacart, which allows me to select my groceries in the app, communicate with the shopper buying my items, and pick them up from my apartment lobby once they’re ready. It’s worth the small fee, and you can get discounts for referring others!

St. Louis has several KBBQ places available to get your fill, from fast casual to all-you-can-eat (AYCE). Among the fast casual options, there is BOBQ, K-Bop STL, and U-City Grill, which offer various plates and bowls for a quick lunch or dinner. In terms of AYCE, Joo Joo Restaurant & Karaoke, Wudon BBQ Korean Restaurant, and Seoul Garden are among the three most popular options for cooking with family and friends. I encourage you to go around and find the one that suits your fancy!

St. Louis has a significant Central American community! Within CWE, Cocina Latina (Peruvian) is the closest option. Outside of the CWE, I recommend driving to Cherokee Street; here, you will find authentic Latin Food that you’ll definitely enjoy. Places on Cherokee Street to try are Diana’s Bakery, Taqueria Hectorito, and Sueño Latino Restaurant.

The Hill neighborhood is the place to go if you are craving pasta or other authentic Italian dishes. I highly recommend Zia’s On The Hill and Gian-Tony’s Ristorante. If you are looking for a fancier place or somewhere to have a great birthday party, Maggiano’s Little Italy is the place to go. You will even get a second portion of pasta to go!

Phở (pronounced “fuh” and not “foe”) is a Vietnamese bone broth soup consisting of rice noodles, beef/protein, and various toppings like herbs, bean sprouts, chili peppers, and lime. This flavor-packed dish has so many variations and customizations that’ll keep you on your toes every time you order it! As a Vietnamese student, phở holds a special place in my heart, and some of the restaurants in St. Louis can give my Grandma a run for her money. Saigon Cafe is an excellent option for busy medical students as it is located on Euclid Ave., just a few minutes’ walk from campus, while Mai Lee in Brentwood makes for a great stop located close to shops, cafes, and grocery stores. There are even more Vietnamese restaurants along Grand Blvd., Olive St., and Delmar Blvd. to try as you explore St. Louis. With all of these options, you’re sure to find a restaurant you won’t “phở”get!

Imo’s is the classic St. Louis-style pizza chain. A lot of people will rip on St. Louis-style pizza, but I urge you to try the pizza at OB Clark’s in Brentwood before you write it off for good. There are lots of other good pizza places here, too, for the many of you who hate on St. Louis style. Dewey’s is a favorite and more of a New York style. There is also Pi Pizzeria for folks from Chicago, and Pointer’s pizza for anyone who wants an eating challenge.

If you’re looking for something close by in the Central West End, Yellowbelly is a great Island-American fusion restaurant. The vibe is fun, the cocktails are strong, and the Brussels sprouts are covered in this cauliflower kimchi, which is divine. A different vibe, but also in the Central West End, is Juniper. It’s a bit more casual with a Southern feel. The restaurant has a variety of whiskeys and serves the best fried chicken in the city. A bit more of a drive away, but well worth it, is Indo. Better for smaller groups and a bit pricier, but it is without a doubt the best restaurant in St. Louis. Indo has amazingly fresh fish, crispy tofu dishes, sushi hand rolls, and everything in between. As someone from a big city that prides itself in its food scene, Indo is a hidden gem and perfect for any occasion (especially birthdays)!

Various Caribbean food options are available throughout the general St. Louis region. Some of those include Mayo Ketchup, Havana Cuisine, and Boogaloo. Unfortunately, these options are outside of the CWE, thus requiring a car to arrive there.

Picture this. It’s a cold, rainy day in St. Louis, and there’s nothing you want more than to slurp down a hot bowl of noodles. Nudo House in the Loop has some solid options to satisfy your cravings, along with a number of Pan-Asian dishes if you change your mind. If you’re looking for adventure and variety, the possibilities at Nami Ramen are endless — so many different broths and toppings to try. Are you a ramen purist? A dinner at Menya Rui will transport you to a humble ramen shop in Japan, but you have to secure one of the lucky 15 seats first!

Italian

• Charlie Gitto’s On the Hill: This is a staple Italian restaurant in the Hill that’s been around for over 40 years. Although a bit more expensive, the food will put you in a cheese and pasta coma, and it’s also a charming place.
• Zia’s On the Hill: A more affordable option and has great deals for cocktails and drinks too. They are known for the classic St. Louis toasted ravioli!

Barbecue

• Pappy’s Smokehouse: The ribs were named the best in America by Food Network a few years back … and they truly are. Although they serve Memphis-style barbecue, please set your St. Louis pride aside and enjoy!
• Grace Meat + Three: Voted to have the best fried chicken in Missouri, the fried chicken is seasoned to perfection! If you’re from the South, this spot will scratch every Southern cookin’ itch you might ever have. Collard greens, mac and cheese, deviled eggs, etc. It is also relatively affordable for all the food you get. Enjoy!

Diners (or similar)

• Hi-Pointe Drive-in: This classic diner will bring you back to the 1980s. Enjoy a cute atmosphere along with some delicious burgers and shakes!
• The Fountain on Locust: Yet another old-time diner experience… but this one has ice cream martinis and champagne floats! This spot was built out of an upscale car manufacturing garage and has lots of fun character.
• Crown Candy Kitchen: Classic corner shake and fries store. Although it’s located further downtown, it won’t disappoint. It’s been a famous STL spot since 1913!
• Ted Drewes: Founded by Ted Drewes over 80 years ago, this is the custard spot in St. Louis. They have special seasonal sundaes and any take on custard you could possibly fathom.

Other Great Spots

• Tap Room: A fun little microbrewery with the best sticky toffee pudding in town! Seriously, you can’t stop eating it.
• Peacemaker Lobster & Crab: If you’re missing some good seafood, this is the place to go! Known for the lobster rolls and is so worth a trip.
• SqWires Restaurant & Market: A cool spot that I would describe as an upscale Cracker Barrel. Located in an old factory and has great brunch and dinner.
• Polite Society Restaurant and Bar: A small, quiet, intimate bar and restaurant with great brunch and cocktail options.
• Frazier’s Restaurant & Lounge: A cool spot with great American food and known for cocktails.
• Nixta: This place has great upscale Mexican cuisine, not to be confused with Tex-Mex. Nixta has a wonderful selection of cocktails with some of the best margaritas you will ever have.
• Sultan Mediterranean: Great classic Mediterranean food.
• Union Loafers Café and Bread Bakery: A local sandwich shop with the best bread in town. During lunch hours, they serve sandwiches. At night, they become a pizzeria. If you’re trying to stay healthy, the Little Gem Salad is arguably my favorite salad ever.
• Cyrano’s Cafe: Great brunch and a good stop for dessert!

Further Outside of St. Louis … But Classic Visits

• The Loading Dock: This spot is really nice in the summer and clear days in the fall. It features a big outdoor dock with bar food, cheap (but good) drinks, and occasionally has live music along with other fun events!
• The Hawthorne Inn: A cute old-fashioned inn and a beautiful drive out in West County, St. Louis. This spot has a lot of character and great burgers.
• Good News Brewing Company (Defiance, MO): This is a great spot for pizza and beer! This brewery is located right along a nice path for running or biking. It’s also a beautiful drive out that way.

John and John enjoy getting sushi on the weekend to relax and catch up with friends after a busy week! One of our favorite places is Sushi Ai downtown by the Gateway Arch. The people there are very nice, and the restaurant has an all-you-can-eat menu, which — depending on your appetite — can make for a pretty affordable sushi experience. A “life hack” would be to get a workout in on the morning of your sushi feast to bring your appetite to the next level. For sushi closer to school, Kampai Sushi Bar is a good option (five blocks away), which also has nice drinks if rice and fish aren’t your thing. PokeDoke is also located in the Central West End, about three blocks from the Medical Campus, and is a great option.

As someone from Arizona, I really can be picky about Mexican food, but I have been genuinely surprised by the amazing options in St. Louis. For a really authentic experience, head to Cherokee Street (the Hispanic district in STL) and check out the mom-and-pop restaurants, such as Taqueria El Bronco and Taqueria Hectorito. STL also has tons of amazing Mexican fusion places that are extremely popular, such as Seoul Taco (Korean/Mex) and Taco Buddha (globally inspired). If you are looking for something within walking distance, check out Mission Taco Joint (West Coast style) and El Burro Loco (traditional style).

There is no shortage of Thai restaurants in St. Louis! When it comes to choosing a favorite, Thai 202 is a reliable CWE staple perfect for a quick meal in between classes or a late-night Uber Eats delivery to the library. Thai Bowl is for when you’re missing home and want to feel like you’re sitting at your mom’s kitchen table. If you’re looking for a cozy lunch spot to catch up with friends, Fork & Stix is your place. Feeling a little boujee? Sip on a specialty cocktail at Chao Baan, and treat yourself to a feast of Northern and Southern Thai cuisine.

Songbird is my all-time favorite brunch place: the breakfast sandwiches are to die for, the coffee is delicious, and, if you’re lucky, the staff will give you a couple of free appetizers. For lunch and dinner, Taco Buddha has the cutest outdoor patio with even cuter tacos, and Ramen Tei has arguably the best ramen in STL. For dessert, head to Spoonful for some bingsu!

I’ve been a vegetarian (but not a vegan) for about 17 years, and I can safely say that St. Louis is a great place for vegetarians. There are plenty of restaurants in the area that cater to people who don’t eat meat (even a sushi place!) and I’ve never had a problem finding something to eat when I’m out with my omnivorous friends.