Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in St. Louis, Missouri, United States
1. Toasted Ravioli at Charlie Gitto's on The Hill
A classic St. Louis dish made with breaded and deep-fried cheese ravioli, served with marinara sauce. Solve hunger pangs with this tasty treat.
- Authentic Italian-American: Dished originated from an Italian family recipe.
- Popular St. Louis Icon: One of the most recognized dishes in St. Louis, often associated with the city's culinary identity.
- Versatile Appetizer Option: Toasted Ravioli can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course, depending on your preferences.
2. St. Louis-style Pizza at Imo's
Unique St. Louis pizza with a thin, cracker-like crust, Provel cheese, and a strip of gooey mozzarella in the middle. Try this city staple for a delicious meal.
- Crispy Cracker-like Crust: Thin, buttery crust that's crispier than traditional pizza crust.
- Provel Cheese: A processed cheese unique to St. Louis, giving the pizza a distinct flavor.
- Strip of Mozzarella: Melted mozzarella strip running down the middle of each slice adds gooeyness to every bite.
3. Goose Neck Barnacles at Bogart's Smokehouse
A Southern delicacy served with garlic butter and crusty bread. Satisfy your seafood cravings with these tasty barnacles.
- Southern Delicacy: Barnacles are a regional specialty, often enjoyed in the South.
- Garlic Butter Accompaniment: Buttery garlic sauce adds flavor to every bite of these briny barnacles.
- Crusty Bread Side: Dip the provided crusty bread into the delicious garlic butter for a mouthwatering experience.
4. St. Louis-style Spare Ribs at Pappy's Smokehouse
Tender, fall-off-the-bone spare ribs smoked to perfection and served with classic sides like baked beans and coleslaw. Satisfy your meat cravings with these mouthwatering ribs.
- Slow Smoked: Ribs are smoked for hours to ensure they're tender and flavorful.
- Classic Sides: Complement your ribs with traditional Southern sides like baked beans and coleslaw.
- Fall-off-the-bone Tenderness: Ribs are so tender that they easily fall off the bone, ensuring an enjoyable eating experience.
5. Sweet Potato Casserole at Pi Pizzeria
A unique sweet potato dish with a crunchy pecan topping and marshmallows. Enjoy this St. Louis twist on a classic side dish.
- Sweet Potato Twist: Creamy sweet potato casserole with a crunchy pecan and marshmallow topping.
- Side Dish Option: Perfect accompaniment to your main dish at Pi Pizzeria.
- Unconventional Marshmallow Topping: Marshmallows add a touch of sweetness and create a delightful contrast with the savory dishes.
6. Shrimp DeJonghe at The Shaved Duck
A rich and creamy pasta dish made with shrimp, spinach, and Provel cheese. Satisfy your pasta cravings with this delectable dish.
- Rich and Creamy Sauce: Creamy sauce made from a blend of heavy cream, garlic, and Provel cheese.
- Shrimp and Spinach Combo: Jumbo shrimp and spinach create a hearty and flavorful dish.
- St. Louis Cheese Touch: Provel cheese is a St. Louis staple, giving this pasta dish its unique taste.
7. Pork Steak at Adam's Smokehouse
A local specialty made from tenderized pork shoulder cooked to perfection and served with sides like mashed potatoes and green beans. Fill up on this hearty dish.
- Tenderized Pork Shoulder: Pork steak is made from tenderized pork shoulder, making it juicy and flavorful.
- Hearty Portion Sizes: Generous portion sizes ensure you'll leave the restaurant satisfied.
- Traditional Side Dishes: Mashed potatoes and green beans are classic side dishes that complement the pork steak.
8. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
Thick and creamy frozen custard served in a cone or cup. Beat the heat with this St. Louis favorite.
- Creamier Than Ice Cream: Frozen custard is denser and creamier than traditional ice cream.
- Wide Variety of Flavors: Ted Drewes offers a wide variety of flavors, from classic vanilla to seasonal specialties.
- Classic St. Louis Icon: Ted Drewes is a beloved St. Louis institution and an essential stop for visitors.
9. Bailey's Chicken at Bailey's Restaurant
Tender chicken breast smothered in a rich and creamy sauce. Enjoy this classic St. Louis dish for lunch or dinner.
- Rich and Creamy Sauce: Chicken is covered in a rich, velvety sauce made from a secret family recipe.
- Tender Chicken Breast: Juicy and tender chicken breast ensures every bite is enjoyable.
- Classic St. Louis Icon: Bailey's Restaurant has been serving Bailey's Chicken since 1984, making it a must-try for visitors.
10. Cherry Lemonade at Fitz's American Grill & Bottling Works
A refreshing and tart lemonade made with real cherries. Quench your thirst with this unique drink.
- Refreshing Lemonade: Lemony, tangy, and slightly sweet drink perfect for hot days.
- Real Cherries Used: Cherries give the lemonade a unique flavor and a pretty pink color.
- Iconic St. Louis Restaurant: Fitz's is an iconic St. Louis restaurant known for its classic American cuisine and hand-bottled sodas.
11. St. Louis-style Gooey Butter Cake at Gooey Louie
A rich and sweet cake made with a buttery crust and gooey filling. Satisfy your sweet tooth with this tasty treat.
- Buttery Crust: Buttery crust provides a nice contrast to the gooey filling.
- Gooey Filling: Gooey filling is made from cream cheese, sugar, and butter, giving it an irresistible texture.
- Classic St. Louis Dessert: Gooey Butter Cake is a classic dessert in St. Louis, often associated with the city's culinary identity.
12. St. Louis-style Beer at Schlafly Tap Room
Enjoy a wide variety of locally brewed beers at this iconic St. Louis brewery.
- Wide Variety of Styles: Schlafly offers a range of beer styles, from pilsners to stouts.
- Iconic Brewery in St. Louis: Schlafly is an essential stop for any beer lover visiting St. Louis.
- Fresh and Locally Brewed: All beers are brewed fresh, ensuring a high-quality drinking experience.
13. Salt Potatoes at Mud House
Boiled potatoes served in a cast iron pot with cream and salt. Enjoy this simple yet delicious dish.
- Simple Ingredients: Just three ingredients: potatoes, cream, and salt.
- Cast Iron Pot Presentation: Cooked in a cast iron pot, giving the dish an authentic, rustic feel.
- Comfort Food Favorite: Salt potatoes are a comfort food favorite and perfect for any meal.
14. Catfish at Bogart's Smokehouse
Crispy fried catfish served with tangy coleslaw and hush puppies. Savor this Southern-inspired dish.
- Crispy Fried Coating: Golden, crispy coating adds a satisfying crunch.
- Southern-inspired Dish: Dish originates from the Southern United States and has been adapted by St. Louis restaurants.
- Tangy Coleslaw and Hush Puppies: Classic Southern sides complement the catfish perfectly.
15. Chili at Charlie Gitto's on The Hill
A hearty and spicy chili made with ground beef, beans, and tomatoes. Warm up with this St. Louis classic.
- Hearty and Spicy: Thick and hearty chili with a kick of spice.
- Ground Beef Base: Chili is made with ground beef, giving it a meaty flavor.
- Classic St. Louis Dish: Chili is a longtime favorite in St. Louis and a must-try for visitors.