16 Tiny St. Louis Restaurants You Should Have Tried By Now

By Riverfront Times Staff on Tue, Feb 14, 2017 at 10:50 pm

Sure, we love our big and fabulous restaurants -- nobody enjoys having to wait for a table, after all. But there's just something about eating in one of St. Louis' smaller joints that feels so much more cozy and uniquely local, where striking up a conversation with a stranger isn't so strange after all when they're dining less than a foot away. As such, we've gathered 20 of our favorite tiny dining spots for you to enjoy. They span a variety of cuisines and neighborhoods, but they do share a few things: the space is small, the seating is limited and the food is oh-so delicious.

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Melo's Pizzeria
2438 McNair Rear
St. Louis, MO 63104
(314) 833-4489

Big things are happening at this tiny shop in Benton Park. We're talking amazing Neapolitan pizza, coming to you courtesy of the same family that brought you Blues City Deli. Grab a window seat or a spot in the small courtyard and indulge. Photo by Mabel Suen.

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The Dam
3173 Morganford Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 771-3173

Priding itself in serving "slow food made fast," The Dam shares space with Amsterdam Tavern and serves food with sustainable, seasonal ingredients. Here you can get things like burgers and hot dogs, all made without antibiotics and hormones. RFT photo.

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Fozzie's Sandwich Emporium
Locations in Richmond Heights and Des Peres

This tiny counter service shop offers carryout and delivery, but there is a bit of seating for those who want to stay (including some patio space at the Richmond Heights location). Fozzie's grows fresh herbs and vegetables in its own garden, and all you order is sure to be fresh and delicious. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.

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Bek-Hee
10200 Page Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63132
(314) 426-4773

At first glance, Bek-Hee doesn't look like much -- but don't judge. Among the Americanized Chinese options on the menu are authentic dishes originally from Sha County, China. You'll never think of Chinese takeout the same way again. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.

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Milque Toast
2212 S. Jefferson Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63104
(314) 833-0085

Milque Toast's vintage-decorated storefront only has four small tables and a handful of stools along a narrow ledge. The kitchen takes up most of the space, but it isn't large either. No matter -- the delicious creations made in this tiny joint will change everything you ever thought about toast, proving it's more than just a hipster trend. Photo by Mabel Suen.

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Seedz Cafe
6344 S. Rosebury Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63105
(314) 725-7333

You'll find organic, plant-based foods at this cute cafe on Demun. It's just 700 square feet, but Seedz still finds space for seating both inside and, when whether permits, outside. Expect vegan, made-from scratch food, drinks, smoothies, juices and desserts. Photo by Mabel Suen.

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Pharoah's Donuts
200 N. 7th St.
St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 351-0285

Is your sweet tooth calling? Time to go to Pharoah's Donuts. This is the embodiment of a family-owned business, complete with a small shop downtown serving old-school goodness. Still can't get enough? Check out these eight other hole-in-the-wall donut shops around St. Louis, too. Photo by Mabel Suen.

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Peno
7600 Wydown Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63105 (314) 899-9699

Southern Italian soul food is at your service at Peno, which brings the flavors of Calabria, Italy to hungry diners in Clayton. Order at the counter and take a seat in the small dining area to try a specialty pizza or some of the soulfood sides, including handmade meatballs, roasted Italian potatoes and more. Photo by Mabel Suen.

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Kounter Kulture
3825 Watson Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63109
(314) 781-4344

Believe it or not, Kounter Kulture was born after an attempt to sell t-shirts marketed to cooks. It now has a home in Lindenwood Park in the small space that held the original Pint Size Bakery, offering contemporary Asian cuisine in a take-out only format. Photo by Mabel Suen.

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Pint Size Bakery
3133 Watson Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63139
(314) 645-7142

The name is a giveaway that this bakery is small and adorable. Although Pint Size Bakery moved from it's original carryout-only digs (now occupied by Kounter Kulture) to a space that allows for seating, it still has all the small, cute charm you could hope for. If you want to stay with the tiny theme, order some of Pint Size Bakery's delicious mini cupcakes. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.

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Al-Tarboush Deli
602 Westgate Ave.
University City, MO 63130
(314) 725-1944

Part grocery, party counter-service deli, Al-Tarboush Deli has been a St. Louis staple for decades. The small shop is tucked on a side street of the Delmar Loop and offers Middle Eastern cuisine at awesomely affordable prices. Photo by Sarah Fenske.

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Eat-Rite Diner
622 Chouteau Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 621-9621

Eat-Rite Diner is the very definition of hole-in-the-wall. Worn exterior, tiny interior, cheap, good food and customers from all walks of life make up this iconic diner. While Eat-Rite closed its doors recently, its owners are looking to hand the reigns over to a new owner or manager. Sound like you? Get the details here. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Runs With Scissors.

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Boardwalk Waffles and Ice Cream
7326 Manchester Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63143
(314) 925-8020

Jersey Shore-style waffles and Serendipity ice cream are a match made in dessert heaven at Boardwalk Waffles and Ice Cream. This Maplewood spot is tiny -- but we have a feeling there would be a line out the door no matter its size. Photo by Kelly Glueck.

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Courtesy Diner
Locations on Hampton Avenue, South Laclede Station Road and South Kingshighway Boulevard

Courtesy Diner isn't the smallest place of the bunch, but when you're part of the crowd filling the minimal booths and the stools at the counter, you'll understand why it's on this list. With cheap prices and one heck of a slinger, it's a local joint not to be missed. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Paul Sableman.

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Byrd & Barrel
3422 S. Jefferson Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63118
(314) 875-9998

The location of Byrd & Barrel used to be a Popeyes -- but while the food is served quickly, it's anything but fast-food quality. The tiny dining room is decked out in paintings depicting a man vs. chicken battle, while the kitchen serves up fried chicken and sandwiches alongside starters like south side poutine and fried pickles. And yes, the drive through is still used for all diners on the go. Photo by Mabel Suen.

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George's Diner
2539 Woodson Rd.
Overland, MO 63114
(314) 428-1143

This Overland diner is cash-only and exceptionally tiny, but don't underestimate it because of its size. George's Diner has good breakfast good and good prices -- just what you want in a no-frills restaurant. Photo courtesy of Instagram / staceylstl.

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16 Tiny St. Louis Restaurants You Should Have Tried By Now

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