by Embarking on a culinary exploration of St. Louis unveils a treasure trove of gastronomic delights waiting to be discovered. I embarked on a flavorful journey through the city’s diverse culinary landscape.
Toasted Ravioli at Charlie Gitto’s on the Hill:
Location: Charlie Gitto’s on the Hill, nestled in St. Louis’s historic Italian enclave known as “The Hill.”
My culinary adventure in St. Louis commenced with a visit to Charlie Gitto’s on the Hill, an establishment revered for its authentic Italian fare. Keen to immerse myself in the city’s culinary heritage, I wasted no time in ordering their famed Toasted Ravioli—a local delicacy synonymous with St. Louis cuisine. As the golden-brown ravioli arrived at my table, accompanied by a zesty marinara sauce, I eagerly took my first bite. The crunch of the crispy coating gave way to a savory filling, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that danced on my palate. Paired with a glass of robust Italian wine, the experience was nothing short of culinary bliss.
Pros: Charlie Gitto’s on the Hill offers a delightful rendition of Toasted Ravioli, capturing the essence of St. Louis’s culinary heritage. The restaurant’s charming ambiance and attentive service further elevate the dining experience, making it a must-visit destination for discerning food enthusiasts.
Cons: While the Toasted Ravioli at Charlie Gitto’s on the Hill is undeniably delicious, the restaurant can experience high demand, particularly during peak dining hours. Securing a reservation in advance is recommended to ensure a seamless dining experience.
I secured a reservation through the restaurant’s official website, which provided a convenient and user-friendly booking process. The confirmation email included all pertinent details, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
BBQ Ribs at Pappy’s Smokehouse:
Location: Pappy’s Smokehouse, a beloved barbecue establishment located in St. Louis’s vibrant Midtown neighborhood.
No culinary journey through St. Louis would be complete without indulging in the city’s famed barbecue, and Pappy’s Smokehouse is a beacon of barbecue excellence. Upon entering this unassuming eatery, the aroma of slow-smoked meats permeated the air, tantalizing my senses. Eager to sample the best of St. Louis barbecue, I ordered their signature BBQ ribs—a dish that has garnered acclaim far and wide. As the tender, succulent ribs arrived at my table, glazed with a smoky-sweet sauce, I knew I was in for a treat. Each bite was a revelation, the meat falling off the bone and bursting with flavor. Accompanied by classic barbecue sides like coleslaw and baked beans, it was a feast fit for a barbecue connoisseur.
Pros: Pappy’s Smokehouse is renowned for its mouthwatering BBQ ribs, which embody the essence of St. Louis barbecue. The restaurant’s laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff create a welcoming environment for diners of all stripes, adding to the allure of the dining experience.
Cons: Due to its popularity, Pappy’s Smokehouse can experience long wait times, especially during peak dining hours. Arriving early or opting for takeout can help mitigate wait times and ensure a more enjoyable dining experience.
Pappy’s Smokehouse operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations accepted. I arrived early to beat the crowds and enjoyed a relatively short wait before being seated.
Gooey Butter Cake at Park Avenue Coffee:
Location: Park Avenue Coffee, a quaint café located in St. Louis’s picturesque Lafayette Square neighborhood.
As a self-professed dessert enthusiast, I couldn’t resist indulging in one of St. Louis’s most iconic sweet treats—the gooey butter cake. Park Avenue Coffee is renowned for its delectable variations of this beloved dessert, and I was eager to see what all the fuss was about. With eager anticipation, I sampled a slice of their gooey butter cake, and it exceeded all expectations. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cake base was topped with a gooey, sugary filling that was pure decadence. Paired with a piping hot cup of coffee, it was the perfect indulgence to cap off a memorable meal.
Pros: Park Avenue Coffee offers an array of irresistible gooey butter cakes, each more indulgent than the last. The café’s cozy atmosphere and welcoming staff create a charming backdrop for enjoying this quintessential St. Louis treat.
Cons: While Park Avenue Coffee’s gooey butter cakes are undeniably delicious, they can be quite rich and indulgent. It’s best to enjoy them in moderation to avoid overwhelming your palate with sweetness.
Park Avenue Coffee operates on a walk-in basis, with no reservations required. I simply stopped by during my explorations of Lafayette Square and was delighted to find a table available.
Recommendations:
St. Louis-style Pizza at Imo’s Pizza:
Location: Imo’s Pizza, a local institution known for its unique take on St. Louis-style pizza.
St. Louis-style pizza is a culinary phenomenon unto itself, characterized by a thin, cracker-like crust and a distinctive cheese blend. Imo’s Pizza is celebrated for its interpretation of this iconic dish, offering an array of toppings to suit every palate. As a pizza aficionado, I couldn’t resist sampling this local specialty, and I was not disappointed. The crispy crust, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese melded together harmoniously, creating a flavor profile that was uniquely St. Louis. Whether enjoyed as a late-night snack or a satisfying meal, St. Louis-style pizza is a must-try for visitors to the city.
Pros: Imo’s Pizza offers a unique twist on traditional pizza, with its St. Louis-style pies winning over locals and visitors alike. The restaurant’s convenient locations and efficient service make it a popular choice for diners seeking a taste of local flavor.
Cons: While St. Louis-style pizza may not appeal to everyone’s taste buds, it’s worth stepping out of your comfort zone to experience this regional delicacy. The thin crust and unconventional cheese blend may take some getting used to, but the bold flavors are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Imo’s Pizza operates on a walk-in basis, with no reservations required. I simply stopped by one of their many locations scattered throughout the city and enjoyed a delicious slice of St. Louis-style pizza.
Frozen Custard at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard:
Location: Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, an iconic dessert destination located along historic Route 66.
No visit to St. Louis would be complete without indulging in a frozen custard treat from Ted Drewes. This legendary roadside stand has been serving up creamy, decadent custard since 1929, delighting generations of locals and tourists alike. As I approached the bustling stand, I was greeted by the sight of long lines—a testament to Ted Drewes’ enduring popularity. After patiently waiting my turn, I eagerly ordered a “concrete,” a dense and creamy concoction of frozen custard blended with various mix-ins. From classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla to inventive combinations featuring cookies, candies, and fruits, the options were endless. With each spoonful, I savored the velvety texture and rich flavor of the custard, reveling in its nostalgic charm.
Pros: Ted Drewes Frozen Custard offers a wide selection of flavors and mix-ins, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth. The stand’s retro charm and efficient service add to the overall experience, making it a favorite spot among locals and visitors alike.
Cons: The popularity of Ted Drewes Frozen Custard can result in long lines, particularly during peak hours and on warm summer days. Plan accordingly and be prepared to wait for your frozen custard fix—it’s well worth it.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard operates on a walk-in basis, with no reservations required. Simply stop by one of their two locations in St. Louis and treat yourself to a scoop (or two) of creamy, delicious custard.
St. Louis-style Slinger at Eat-Rite Diner:
Location: Eat-Rite Diner, a beloved greasy spoon diner located in downtown St. Louis.
For a taste of true St. Louis comfort food, look no further than the St. Louis-style Slinger—a hearty and indulgent dish that’s sure to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Eat-Rite Diner is renowned for its rendition of this local specialty, which combines hash browns, eggs, chili, and cheese into a savory symphony of flavors. As I settled into a cozy booth at the diner, I eagerly awaited the arrival of my Slinger, eager to see what all the fuss was about. When the steaming plate arrived, piled high with crispy hash browns, gooey cheese, and spicy chili, my taste buds tingled with anticipation. With each forkful, I reveled in the comforting blend of textures and tastes, savoring the rich flavors and hearty satisfaction that only a St. Louis-style Slinger can provide.
Pros: Eat-Rite Diner’s St. Louis-style Slinger is the ultimate comfort food indulgence, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day. The diner’s retro ambiance and friendly service add to the overall experience, making it a favorite spot among locals and visitors alike.
Cons: The St. Louis-style Slinger may not be suitable for those with dietary restrictions or preferences, as it’s a heavy and indulgent dish. However, Eat-Rite Diner offers a variety of other menu options to accommodate different tastes and dietary needs.
Eat-Rite Diner operates on a walk-in basis, with no reservations required. Simply stop by the diner during your explorations of downtown St. Louis and treat yourself to a taste of true local flavor.
Exploring the culinary delights of St. Louis was a culinary odyssey filled with unforgettable flavors and memorable dining experiences. From savory toasted ravioli to indulgent gooey butter cake, each dish offered a tantalizing glimpse into the city’s vibrant food scene and rich culinary heritage. Whether dining at iconic eateries or discovering hidden gems off the beaten path, St. Louis proved to be a paradise for food enthusiasts, with something to satisfy every palate and craving.
