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35 Must-Visit Dining Destinations Chosen by RFT Readers

By on Wed, Sep 28, 2016 at 6:09 pm

As our 2016 Best of St. Louis issue proves, there are so many reasons to love St. Louis -- and nobody knows that better than readers like you. That's why we recruited you to vote for your favorite places in and around our beloved city. Here we've compiled your picks of the best aspects of our dining scene. From barbecue to baked goods, we have it all -- and even threw in an award for Best New Chef. Warning: you may be a little hungry after you take a look at all this food porn. Want to see the other category winners in this year's Best of St. Louis Reader's Choice Poll, including Arts & Entertainment, Bars & Nightlife and City Life? Check them all out right here.

As our 2016 Best of St. Louis issue proves, there are so many reasons to love St. Louis -- and nobody knows that better than readers like you. That's why we recruited you to vote for your favorite places in and around our beloved city.

Here we've compiled your picks of the best aspects of our dining scene. From barbecue to baked goods, we have it all -- and even threw in an award for Best New Chef. Warning: you may be a little hungry after you take a look at all this food porn.

Want to see the other category winners in this year's Best of St. Louis Reader's Choice Poll, including Arts & Entertainment, Bars & Nightlife and City Life? Check them all out right here.

September 28, 2016
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Best Restaurant Anthonino’s 2225 Macklind, 314-773-4455 Readers love this Italian-Greek hybrid — it’s a perennial winner in our Best Of issue and our Restaurant Guide as well. Good food, warm service and an inviting atmosphere keep people coming back year after year. A recent revamp of the dining room is just the cherry on top. Photo by Eric Frazier.
Best Restaurant
Anthonino’s
2225 Macklind, 314-773-4455

Readers love this Italian-Greek hybrid — it’s a perennial winner in our Best Of issue and our Restaurant Guide as well. Good food, warm service and an inviting atmosphere keep people coming back year after year. A recent revamp of the dining room is just the cherry on top. Photo by Eric Frazier.
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Best New Chef Ben Welch Big Baby Q and Smokehouse It’s fitting that Welch, whose six-month-old Big Baby Q and Smokehouse won “Best New Restaurant,” would also win our readers’ nod for “Best New Chef.” A Johnson & Wales graduate, Welch toiled for a series of kitchens needing a hired hand until finally opening a place of his own — and now he’s got lines coming out the door. Remember his name; someday you’ll brag you voted for him. Photo by Mabel Suen.
Best New Chef
Ben Welch
Big Baby Q and Smokehouse

It’s fitting that Welch, whose six-month-old Big Baby Q and Smokehouse won “Best New Restaurant,” would also win our readers’ nod for “Best New Chef.” A Johnson & Wales graduate, Welch toiled for a series of kitchens needing a hired hand until finally opening a place of his own — and now he’s got lines coming out the door. Remember his name; someday you’ll brag you voted for him. Photo by Mabel Suen.
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Best New Restaurant Big Baby Q and Smokehouse 11658 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights; 314-801-8888 RFT food critic Cheryl Baehr gave this Maryland Heights spot a rave review this summer, and readers agree, calling it the best new spot to open this year in addition to two other top spots in this poll. The tiny barbecue shack serves up expert brisket, smoked chicken wings and pork steak. Delicious. Photo by Mabel Suen.
Best New Restaurant
Big Baby Q and Smokehouse
11658 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights; 314-801-8888

RFT food critic Cheryl Baehr gave this Maryland Heights spot a rave review this summer, and readers agree, calling it the best new spot to open this year in addition to two other top spots in this poll. The tiny barbecue shack serves up expert brisket, smoked chicken wings and pork steak. Delicious. Photo by Mabel Suen.
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Best Late-Night Eats Courtesy Diner Multiple locations including 1121 Hampton Ave, 314- 644-2600 Other greasy spoons in town may boast that they’re fancier, or tinier, or even greasier. But for that classic diner experience without an ounce of fuss, nothing beats Courtesy Diner. It’s big enough that you can spread out with your newspaper in a booth but friendly enough that you’ll be just as happy elbow-to-elbow at the counter. Order up an omelet and see why readers love it so much. RFT photo.
Best Late-Night Eats
Courtesy Diner
Multiple locations including 1121 Hampton Ave, 314- 644-2600

Other greasy spoons in town may boast that they’re fancier, or tinier, or even greasier. But for that classic diner experience without an ounce of fuss, nothing beats Courtesy Diner. It’s big enough that you can spread out with your newspaper in a booth but friendly enough that you’ll be just as happy elbow-to-elbow at the counter. Order up an omelet and see why readers love it so much. RFT photo.
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Best Brunch (tie) Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria 9568 Manchester Road, Rock Hill; 314-942-6555 Three Monkeys 3153 Morgan Ford Road, 314-772-9800 Readers’ picks for “Best Brunch” offer two different, but equally delicious, experiences. At Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria (pictured), Katie Collier serves her signature fresh Italian cooking in a strikingly attractive environment. At Three Monkeys, the portions are huge and the vibe totally laidback. Either way, once you’re sipping on a bloody mary or mimosa, you simply can’t go wrong. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
Best Brunch (tie)
Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria
9568 Manchester Road, Rock Hill; 314-942-6555

Three Monkeys
3153 Morgan Ford Road, 314-772-9800

Readers’ picks for “Best Brunch” offer two different, but equally delicious, experiences. At Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria (pictured), Katie Collier serves her signature fresh Italian cooking in a strikingly attractive environment. At Three Monkeys, the portions are huge and the vibe totally laidback. Either way, once you’re sipping on a bloody mary or mimosa, you simply can’t go wrong. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
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Best Barbecue Sugarfire Smoke House Multiple locations including 9200 Olive Boulevard, Olivette; 314-997-2301 Readers love Mike Johnson’s barbecue. They love the flagship in Olivette, they love the new location downtown adjoining the National Blues Museum and they love all the other restaurants in this rapidly growing chain too. Why? Get a taste of what he’s cooking and we guarantee you won’t ever have to ask again. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
Best Barbecue
Sugarfire Smoke House
Multiple locations including 9200 Olive Boulevard, Olivette; 314-997-2301

Readers love Mike Johnson’s barbecue. They love the flagship in Olivette, they love the new location downtown adjoining the National Blues Museum and they love all the other restaurants in this rapidly growing chain too. Why? Get a taste of what he’s cooking and we guarantee you won’t ever have to ask again. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
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Best Burger Bailey’s Range 920 Olive Street, 314-241-8121 David Bailey’s stylish burger-and-shake joint packs in diners downtown, with guests feasting on a range (get it?) of clever combinations. Try the “Hawaii 5-Oh!” with pineapple salsa, candied bacon and jalapeno, or the “Texas Ranger” with poblano peppers, queso and chipotle cream cheese. You’ll see why readers have chosen it as the city’s tastiest. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
Best Burger
Bailey’s Range
920 Olive Street, 314-241-8121

David Bailey’s stylish burger-and-shake joint packs in diners downtown, with guests feasting on a range (get it?) of clever combinations. Try the “Hawaii 5-Oh!” with pineapple salsa, candied bacon and jalapeno, or the “Texas Ranger” with poblano peppers, queso and chipotle cream cheese. You’ll see why readers have chosen it as the city’s tastiest. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
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Best Burger (Non-Beef) Frida’s 622 North and South Road, University City; 314-727-6500 This beloved vegetarian restaurant promises “no sugar, no butter, no bull.” But while the beef is missing, the burger isn’t — readers love Frida’s veggie burger, which comes topped with tahini-chipotle slaw and tomato on a rye sourdough bun. Photo courtesy of Instagram / fridasstl.
Best Burger (Non-Beef)
Frida’s
622 North and South Road, University City; 314-727-6500

This beloved vegetarian restaurant promises “no sugar, no butter, no bull.” But while the beef is missing, the burger isn’t — readers love Frida’s veggie burger, which comes topped with tahini-chipotle slaw and tomato on a rye sourdough bun. Photo courtesy of Instagram / fridasstl.
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Best Bakery Jilly’s Cafe and Cupcake Bar 8509 Delmar Blvd, University City; 314-993-5455 It’s not just about the baked goods — at this sunny University City cafe, you can also dine on mac & cheese, soups, salads, sandwiches or quesadillas. But make sure to save room for dessert, because the cupcakes here are truly inspired, with creative toppings and striking good looks. Readers say they’re the best in town. RFT photo.
Best Bakery
Jilly’s Cafe and Cupcake Bar
8509 Delmar Blvd, University City; 314-993-5455

It’s not just about the baked goods — at this sunny University City cafe, you can also dine on mac & cheese, soups, salads, sandwiches or quesadillas. But make sure to save room for dessert, because the cupcakes here are truly inspired, with creative toppings and striking good looks. Readers say they’re the best in town. RFT photo.
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Best Desserts Cyrano’s Cafe 603 E. Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves; 314-963-3232 Whether you’re on your way to the opera or seeing a film at Webster University, you’ll want to make time to stop by Cyrano’s — and make it long enough to grab dessert in addition to a quick bite. Desserts include a series of flambees, pastries, ice cream and sorbets. Love the cake or pie you’re eating? Get a full-size version to go. RFT photo.
Best Desserts
Cyrano’s Cafe
603 E. Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves; 314-963-3232

Whether you’re on your way to the opera or seeing a film at Webster University, you’ll want to make time to stop by Cyrano’s — and make it long enough to grab dessert in addition to a quick bite. Desserts include a series of flambees, pastries, ice cream and sorbets. Love the cake or pie you’re eating? Get a full-size version to go. RFT photo.
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Best Wings Culpeppers Grill & Bar Multiple locations including 300 N. Euclid Avenue, 314-361-2828 This local chain has a big following for its reasonable prices, solid bar food and, yes, those delicious wings. Crispy on the outside, these meaty wings come slathered in hot, gold, chipotle BBQ, sweet & spicy or honey mustard. Readers say you can’t go wrong with any of the above. RFT photo.
Best Wings
Culpeppers Grill & Bar
Multiple locations including 300 N. Euclid Avenue, 314-361-2828

This local chain has a big following for its reasonable prices, solid bar food and, yes, those delicious wings. Crispy on the outside, these meaty wings come slathered in hot, gold, chipotle BBQ, sweet & spicy or honey mustard. Readers say you can’t go wrong with any of the above. RFT photo.
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Best Tacos Fort Taco Multiple locations including 8106 Manchester Road, Brentwood; 314-647-2391 From one humble drive-through that opened two years ago, this growing St. Louis-based chain has big ambitions, and after tasting the small but perfectly executed menu, it’s easy to think world domination is in their grasp. We’ll explain why in two words: puffy tacos. They’re expertly fried and stuffed with fresh fillings, a delicious meal you’ll want to eat again and again. Photo by Mabel Suen.
Best Tacos
Fort Taco
Multiple locations including 8106 Manchester Road, Brentwood; 314-647-2391

From one humble drive-through that opened two years ago, this growing St. Louis-based chain has big ambitions, and after tasting the small but perfectly executed menu, it’s easy to think world domination is in their grasp. We’ll explain why in two words: puffy tacos. They’re expertly fried and stuffed with fresh fillings, a delicious meal you’ll want to eat again and again. Photo by Mabel Suen.
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Best Pizza Imo’s Multiple locations including 1828 Washington Avenue, 314-241-6000 The “square beyond compare” has earned St. Louis’ undying devotion, making it a perennial pick in contests like these. If you grew up in St. Louis, you almost certainly love cracker-thin pizza slathered with provel and various toppings, then cut into squares instead of slices. What can we say? Love of Imo’s has been implanted on your brain. Enjoy it! Photo courtesy of Flickr / Liza Lagman Sperl.
Best Pizza
Imo’s
Multiple locations including 1828 Washington Avenue, 314-241-6000

The “square beyond compare” has earned St. Louis’ undying devotion, making it a perennial pick in contests like these. If you grew up in St. Louis, you almost certainly love cracker-thin pizza slathered with provel and various toppings, then cut into squares instead of slices. What can we say? Love of Imo’s has been implanted on your brain. Enjoy it! Photo courtesy of Flickr / Liza Lagman Sperl.
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Best Fried Chicken Hodak’s 2100 Gravois Avenue, 314-776-7292 This south city landmark brings in hordes of diners eager to chow down on its fried chicken and classic fixings, including french fries and coleslaw. RFT readers have named it their favorite for 25 years running. We can’t stop now! Photo by Micah Usher.
Best Fried Chicken
Hodak’s
2100 Gravois Avenue, 314-776-7292

This south city landmark brings in hordes of diners eager to chow down on its fried chicken and classic fixings, including french fries and coleslaw. RFT readers have named it their favorite for 25 years running. We can’t stop now! Photo by Micah Usher.
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Best Doughnuts Strange Donuts Multiple locations including 2709 Sutton Boulevard, Maplewood; 314-932-5851 It’s been a year of change for Strange Donuts, which in the last twelve months saw the departure of one of its co-founders and its corporate chef. But one thing hasn’t changed: the affection St. Louis feels for its off-the-wall donuts, which include collaborations with local restaurants and tasty flavors like red velvet and blueberry cheesecake. Stop by and see what the excitement is about. Photo by Jon Gitchoff.
Best Doughnuts
Strange Donuts
Multiple locations including 2709 Sutton Boulevard, Maplewood; 314-932-5851

It’s been a year of change for Strange Donuts, which in the last twelve months saw the departure of one of its co-founders and its corporate chef. But one thing hasn’t changed: the affection St. Louis feels for its off-the-wall donuts, which include collaborations with local restaurants and tasty flavors like red velvet and blueberry cheesecake. Stop by and see what the excitement is about. Photo by Jon Gitchoff.
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Best Mexican Hacienda Mexican Restaurant 9748 Manchester Road, Rock Hill; 314-962-7100 Readers love this sprawling Tex-Mex joint in Rock Hill, which is known for both its beautiful patio and its tasty margaritas. Sit back, relax and tuck into some chips and salsa and a wet burrito. It’s the house specialty, and it’s been thrilling diners for more than 40 years. Photo courtesy of Instagram / sarah.youngblood.
Best Mexican
Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
9748 Manchester Road, Rock Hill; 314-962-7100

Readers love this sprawling Tex-Mex joint in Rock Hill, which is known for both its beautiful patio and its tasty margaritas. Sit back, relax and tuck into some chips and salsa and a wet burrito. It’s the house specialty, and it’s been thrilling diners for more than 40 years. Photo courtesy of Instagram / sarah.youngblood.
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Best Greek Olympia Kebob House and Taverna 1543 McCausland, 314-781-1299 This homey spot on McCausland has been in business for more than 35 years, drawing diners for its delicious Greek cuisine and laidback atmosphere. Try the flaming cheese, set on fire at your table, for the classic Greek experience, or keep things low-key with cheese, olives and lamb. Either way, you’ll leave happy — and full. RFT photo.
Best Greek
Olympia Kebob House and Taverna
1543 McCausland, 314-781-1299

This homey spot on McCausland has been in business for more than 35 years, drawing diners for its delicious Greek cuisine and laidback atmosphere. Try the flaming cheese, set on fire at your table, for the classic Greek experience, or keep things low-key with cheese, olives and lamb. Either way, you’ll leave happy — and full. RFT photo.
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Best Italian Cunetto House of Pasta 5453 Magnolia Avenue, 314-781-1135 This old-school Italian joint on the Hill is a readers’ favorite year after year thanks to its generous portions and delicious food. Try the signature “Cardinale” sauce, a creamy decadence that always feels right at home in St. Louis. Photo by Eric Frazier.
Best Italian
Cunetto House of Pasta
5453 Magnolia Avenue, 314-781-1135

This old-school Italian joint on the Hill is a readers’ favorite year after year thanks to its generous portions and delicious food. Try the signature “Cardinale” sauce, a creamy decadence that always feels right at home in St. Louis. Photo by Eric Frazier.
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Best Indian Haveli 9720 Page Avenue, 314-423-7300 Readers love this north county Indian restaurant for its delicious renderings of all the classics from the subcontinent — curries, biryanis and vindaloos, all expertly prepared. Not sure what to order? Stop by at lunch and try the buffet. You’ll find a favorite new dish in no time. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
Best Indian
Haveli
9720 Page Avenue, 314-423-7300

Readers love this north county Indian restaurant for its delicious renderings of all the classics from the subcontinent — curries, biryanis and vindaloos, all expertly prepared. Not sure what to order? Stop by at lunch and try the buffet. You’ll find a favorite new dish in no time. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
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Best Korean Seoul Taco 6665 Delmar Boulevard, 314-863-1148 This spot began as a food truck serving Korean/Mexican fusion, which should give you some idea of its quote-unquote authenticity. But while it’s not classic Korean cuisine on offer at Seoul Taco, what’s being served at this fast-casual spot is utterly delicious — and isn’t that what matters? Once you’ve tried these tacos, you may never go back to Tex-Mex again. Photo by Micah Usher.
Best Korean
Seoul Taco
6665 Delmar Boulevard, 314-863-1148

This spot began as a food truck serving Korean/Mexican fusion, which should give you some idea of its quote-unquote authenticity. But while it’s not classic Korean cuisine on offer at Seoul Taco, what’s being served at this fast-casual spot is utterly delicious — and isn’t that what matters? Once you’ve tried these tacos, you may never go back to Tex-Mex again. Photo by Micah Usher.
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