St Louis Great Plains, USA Travel Guide
St. Louis’s culinary identity grew from its early French and Spanish founders, then expanded significantly with waves of German, Italian, and Irish immigrants. African-American culinary traditions also profoundly shaped its food scene.
This mix led to a comfort food focus, often featuring hearty dishes with unique local twists. The city's history as a major meatpacking center contributed to its strong barbecue tradition.
"St. Louis-style" marks a distinct culinary identity. This refers specifically to its unique pizza (thin, cracker-like crust, square-cut, provel cheese), barbecue (pork steaks, sweet-tangy sauce), and other local inventions like toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake. These are not just common dishes; they embody a specific St. Louis interpretation.
Standard American dining etiquette applies. Tipping is customary and expected (15-20% for good service). Reservations are recommended for fine dining, especially on weekends. Portions can be generous, consider sharing.
Breakfast typically 7-10 AM (all-day at diners). Lunch is generally 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM. Dinner, the main evening meal, usually runs 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, extending later on weekends.
This iconic St. Louis appetizer includes breaded and deep-fried ravioli, typically filled with seasoned beef or cheese. It comes served with marinara sauce for dipping. You find it at most Italian-American restaurants and sports bars.
A local invention, a true taste of the city.
Distinct from other regional pizzas, this pizza has a very thin, cracker-like crust (often unleavened), is cut into squares ("party cut"), and features provel cheese.
Imo's Pizza is the most famous chain serving this style.
Known for its pork steaks and spare ribs, St. Louis barbecue frequently includes grilling over charcoal and basting with a sweet, tangy, and smoky sauce.
Pappy's Smokehouse and Bogart's Smokehouse are highly regarded.
Large, soft, and salty pretzels, often served with yellow mustard or nacho cheese sauce. A local street food favorite since 1920, available at various locations.
A quintessential St. Louis experience, especially in warmer months. Visit for its famous frozen custard, a beloved local institution.
For a refined culinary experience, consider places like Cinder House at the Four Seasons Hotel, featuring South American-inspired cuisine with stunning Arch views. Annie Gunn's and Olive + Oak are also highly regarded.
Numerous options exist across all St. Louis neighborhoods. The Hill is a must-visit for authentic Italian food, with places like Charlie Gitto's, Rigazzi's, or Zia's "On The Hill".
The Soulard Farmers Market is a great spot for a casual lunch or to gather picnic supplies. Food trucks offer a variety of cuisines at budget-friendly prices.
Historically a Bosnian neighborhood, offering authentic Bosnian cuisine.
Explore this district for unique flavors.
You will also find excellent Mexican, Indian, Ethiopian, and Mediterranean restaurants throughout the city.
The Hill is famous for its Italian fare.
Available at culinary schools or specialty food shops.
Explore specific neighborhoods or culinary themes, offering tastings and insights. Book a food tour here.
Surrounding areas feature farms, wineries, and craft breweries with tours and tastings (e.g., Augusta, Hermann wine regions).
Numerous festivals year-round celebrate barbecue, Italian heritage, craft beer, and regional produce.
Local culinary schools or specialty food shops conduct short-term workshops or classes. These present a hands-on way to engage with local artists and learn new skills.
The Craft Alliance Center of Art + Design often hosts public workshops.
Several companies conduct food tours focusing on specific neighborhoods, like The Hill, or broader culinary themes. These tours include tastings and insights into the local food scene.
Look for tours that specialize in St. Louis-style BBQ or Italian cuisine on The Hill.
A historic market, one of the oldest public markets west of the Mississippi River. Open Wednesday through Saturday.
While not a formal food hall, this district has a concentration of diverse, casual eateries.
The Anheuser-Busch Brewery has free tours and tastings, demonstrating the history of brewing in St. Louis and the production of Budweiser.
Places like Alamo Drafthouse Cinema feature a full menu and beverage service (including alcoholic drinks) brought directly to your seat during films.
Visiting Ted Drewes for its famous frozen custard is a quintessential St. Louis experience, especially in warmer months.
Embrace the local specialties, even if they seem unusual. Toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake are must-tries.
Don't depart St. Louis without sampling them.
Always check local event calendars (e.g., Explore St. Louis website, local news publications) for festivals coinciding with your visit.
These events permit a concentrated way to sample local flavors and experience the city's festive spirit.
St. Louis barbecue is unique, with a focus on pork steaks and a distinctive sweet-tangy sauce. It's a part of local food culture.
The city's culinary identity grew from immigrant communities, leading to a comfort food focus evident in its hearty dishes.
"St. Louis-style" specifically denotes its unique pizza and barbecue interpretations, central to the city's food scene.
Embrace the local specialties, even if they seem unusual.
