22 St. Louis Neighborhood Restaurants Worth Leaving Your Neighborhood For

Layla
4317 Manchester Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 553-9252

This spot in the Grove has a little something for everyone -- terrific cocktails, great burgers, even some really good shawarma. But unlike many of its neighbors, it's also kid-friendly, with a brief but creative kids' menu and crayons for families eager to get good food even with the young'uns in tow. Be ready to fight over the milkshakes. Photo courtesy of Layla.

Lou C's
5800 Southwest Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63139
(314) 646-8722

Everyone knows this laidback Southwest Garden spot is a perfectly good neighborhood bar -- but it's also a solid neighborhood restaurant, with surprisingly creative food offerings, big portions and reasonable prices. Why no one else ever thought to serve Buffalo chicken Rangoons in beyond us, because Lou C's version is amazing. Photo courtesy of Yelp / Christie T.

Mak's Pub and Grub
6109 Gravois Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 354-8148

Mac and cheese takes center stage at Mak's Pub and Grub in Princeton Heights. Here you can choose between six creative mac and cheese options, or opt for "the Meltdown," a mac and cheese-stuffed grilled cheese sandwich. You can balance out the cheesy goodness with options such as wings, salads and hummus, or even just chill at the bar to watch the game. Photo by Sarah Fenske.

Union Loafers
1629 Tower Grove Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 833-6111

Sandwich lovers who haven't visited Union Loafers yet need to pay a visit ASAP. This bread-focused restaurant in Botanical Heights makes simply delicious salads, soups, pizzas and, of course, sandwiches. We're fans of the signature roasted pork sandwich, but really everything is good here. Photo by Mabel Suen.

Lona's Lil Eats
2199 California Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63104
(314) 925-1888

Located in Fox Park, Lona's Lil Eats is committed to using fresh ingredients and no MSG, so the food both tastes great and makes customers feel great. On the menu you'll find Asian soul food with big flavor, giving you a delicious dinner you can feel good about for those nights when you're too lazy to cook. Photo by Mabel Suen.

The Stellar Hog
5623 Leona St.
St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 481-8448

The Stellar Hog, located inside Super's Bungalow, is a no-frills spot for some of the city's best barbecue. No worries about having the kids in tow; the Stellar Hog also has an outdoor picnic area/play yard filled with toys and yard sports. And, of course, there's plenty of beer for you. Photo by Mabel Suen.

Taco Circus
4258 Schiller Pl.
St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 320-8884

If you're looking for quality at an unusually affordable price tag, Taco Circus in Bevo is your place. Plus, it's one of the few places in town offering breakfast tacos. Be sure to try the breakfast sausage taco. Photo by Mabel Suen.

Mr. X Pizza
5924 Morganford Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63116
(314) 353-7060

Located in Bevo, Mr. X serves hand-tossed pizza with the traditional toppings, but also offers Bosnian-inspired menu items. Feeling really hungry or feeding a crowd? Go for the 30-inch pizza, also known as "the big one." Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.

The Shaved Duck
2900 Virginia Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63118
(314) 776-1407

Tucked into the heart of Tower Grove East, the Shaved Duck offers food that's good enough to make it a destination, only with the sort of reasonable prices and friendly vibe that keep the neighbors coming back for more. Come for the burnt ends; stay for the live music, which keeps the place hopping every night but Friday. RFT photo.

Stacked Burger Bar
7637 Ivory Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63111

Some of the best, most creative burgers in the city are being served out of this always-bustling spot in the city's Patch neighborhood. Want your patty smothered in brisket or topped with goat cheese and onion jam? They've got you covered, as well as offering a solid menu of appetizers, salads and starters. Don't like their burger options? You can always build your own. Photo by Ian Froeb.

Seamus McDaniel's
1208 Tamm Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63139
(314) 645-6337

Anyone who has ever played hooky to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in St. Louis is bound to have found themselves along Tamm Avenue, the base of St. Louis' St. Patrick's Day festivities and home to Seamus McDaniels. But Dogtown residents know that this Irish pub isn't just a bar to be visited once a year -- Seamus McDaniels also has an impressively large menu of everything from a gyro to burgers to pasta. Complete with a big patio, it's no wonder it's a Dogtown standard. Photo courtesy of Instagram / cheryl66stl.

Square One Brewery
1727 Park Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63104
(314) 231-2537

This Lafayette Square mainstay makes for a low-key date night, but it's also a great place to bring the kids or the in-laws or just a whole group of friends. It's always just packed enough to feel bustling without being too packed to have one last table -- sometimes even on that gorgeous patio. Neighbors swear by Tuesday's burger night, where you start with a $3 base and build from there. RFT photo.

Goody Goody Diner
5900 Natural Bridge Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63120
(314) 383-3333

Goody Goody Diner in the Ville neighborhood has been a St. Louis staple since the 1940s. It's an old-school place you can count on for a great breakfast any day of the week, with a menu including omelets, catfish, slingers and more. The deliciousness has caught on, too: even celebrities and politicians have made a point to stop here while in St. Louis. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Paul Sableman.

Russell's on Macklind
5400 Murdoch Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63109
(314) 553-9994

Residents of Southampton are lucky: Russell's on Macklind is located on a central corner of the neighborhood, making it an easy walk for all the residential streets surrounding it. But Russell's is every bit worth a visit even if you don't live nearby, with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere; mouth-watering baked goods and dishes made with as many locally-sourced goods as possible. Whether you're here from brunch, lunch or dinner, it's bound to be good. Photo by Kelly Glueck.

Mac's Local Eats
1227 Tamm Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63139
(314) 479-8155

Inside Tamm Avenue Grill in Dogtown you'll find Mac's Local Eats, which focuses on great farm-to-table food without the fuss of a formal restaurant. Here you order at a window from a menu of burgers and sandwiches that would blow your mind. And don't forget to try the fries, which you can (and should) order tossed in Old Vienna's Red Hot Riplets seasoning. Photo by Mabel Suen.

Dressel's Public House
419 N. Euclid Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 361-1060

Sure, the Central West End is a dining destination -- but Dressel's is one of the few cozy, laidback spots you need when your evening calls for a chill place with great food. This neighborhood spot has a fireplace for cool days, a sidewalk patio for the warm ones and a menu that will take your interrpretation of pub food to the next level. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.

Five Aces Bar-B-Que
4000 Shaw Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 771-4001

Previously the home of Mama Josephine's, hungry customers have been coming to this neighborhood spot in Shaw for years. Now, the small storefront is home to Five Aces Bar-B-Que -- and while the food is different, it's just as delicious. Pro tip: the pulled chicken sandwich is delicious. Photo by Mabel Suen.

Onesto Pizza & Trattoria
5401 Finkman St.
St. Louis, MO 63109
(314) 802-8883

Situated on a corner of the Princeton Heights neighborhood, Onesto aims to serve fresh food with the best ingredients. Pizzas, calzones, strombolis, pasta and more are on offer, as well as excellent sangria. Photo by Carol Lara Photography for Onesto Pizza and Trattoria.

Trattoria Marcella
3600 Watson Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63109
(314) 352-7706

Excellent Italian food awaits at Trattoria Marcella. Located in Lindenwood Park, the menu of pizza, pasta, risotto and more offered here is well worth the trip outside your neighborhood -- and the vast wine menu doesn't hurt, either. RFT photo.