From months-long waiting lists to lines out the door, some restaurants always seem to be flush with diners. How do you know if you should spend your precious time waiting for a table, or pass in favor of a go-to spot where you know you can walk right in? We've rounded up this list of St. Louis restaurants that are always worth the wait so you have an answer to that question -- and so you don't miss out on some of the area's best food.
20 St. Louis Restaurants That Are Always Worth the Wait
By Riverfront Times Staff on Mon, May 1, 2017 at 9:55 pm
From months-long waiting lists to lines out the door, some restaurants always seem to be flush with diners. How do you know if you should spend your precious time waiting for a table, or pass in favor of a go-to spot where you know you can walk right in? We've rounded up this list of St. Louis restaurants that are always worth the wait so you have an answer to that question -- and so you don't miss out on some of the area's best food.
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Southwest Diner
6803 Southwest Ave., 314-260-7244
For a Southwestern twist on your typical brunch food, take a trip to Southwest Diner. You won't mind a wait here -- Southwest Diner has turned a bus into the ultimate chill-out spot, complete with unique art and complimentary coffee. Photo courtesy of Instagram / hallieeeeee.
6803 Southwest Ave., 314-260-7244
For a Southwestern twist on your typical brunch food, take a trip to Southwest Diner. You won't mind a wait here -- Southwest Diner has turned a bus into the ultimate chill-out spot, complete with unique art and complimentary coffee. Photo courtesy of Instagram / hallieeeeee.
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Must try: New Mexican Breakfast Burrito.
Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
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Lona's Lil Eats
2199 California Ave., 314-925-1888
Don't let the name deceive you -- the flavors coming from this fast-casual restaurant are anything but little. St. Louis' go-to for Asian comfort food, Lona's Lil Eats offers cuisine with influences from Thailand, China and Vietnam. These menu items don't just taste great, either -- made with fresh ingredients and no MSG, they'll make you feel great, too. Photo of owner Lona Luo by Jennifer Silverberg.
2199 California Ave., 314-925-1888
Don't let the name deceive you -- the flavors coming from this fast-casual restaurant are anything but little. St. Louis' go-to for Asian comfort food, Lona's Lil Eats offers cuisine with influences from Thailand, China and Vietnam. These menu items don't just taste great, either -- made with fresh ingredients and no MSG, they'll make you feel great, too. Photo of owner Lona Luo by Jennifer Silverberg.
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Must try: The handmade dumplings.
Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
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Black Thorn Pub & Pizza
3735 Wyoming St., 314-776-0534
You wouldn't think that some of the city's best pizza is being served in a bar -- but it's true, and its home is Black Thorn Pub. You may have to wait an hour for this deep dish pie of heaven to cook, but that lag time will be justified once you take a bite. That pizza, plus the dive-y atmosphere, will keep you coming back for more. Photo by Doyle Murphy.
3735 Wyoming St., 314-776-0534
You wouldn't think that some of the city's best pizza is being served in a bar -- but it's true, and its home is Black Thorn Pub. You may have to wait an hour for this deep dish pie of heaven to cook, but that lag time will be justified once you take a bite. That pizza, plus the dive-y atmosphere, will keep you coming back for more. Photo by Doyle Murphy.
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Must try: The 14-inch Chicago-style supreme, Black Thorn's signature pizza.
Photo by Jenna Murphy.
Photo by Jenna Murphy.
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Mission Taco Joint
Locations in the Central West End, Soulard and on the Delmar Loop
Mission Taco Joint is always busy -- and with good reason. These tacos are on a whole other level, with creative fillings such as duck and cactus in addition to your more traditional chicken and steak. The burritos and tortas are also great. Download the NoWait app, and you can get in line for a table here without even leaving your sofa. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
Locations in the Central West End, Soulard and on the Delmar Loop
Mission Taco Joint is always busy -- and with good reason. These tacos are on a whole other level, with creative fillings such as duck and cactus in addition to your more traditional chicken and steak. The burritos and tortas are also great. Download the NoWait app, and you can get in line for a table here without even leaving your sofa. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
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Must try: Beef Brisket Birria.
Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
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Half & Half
8133 Maryland Ave., 314-725-0719
Go to Half & Half for brunch, and you may wonder if the rest of the city decided to join you. But that's because everyone loves it, making it a true St. Louis staple. From savory to sweet, Half & Half has options for everyone. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
8133 Maryland Ave., 314-725-0719
Go to Half & Half for brunch, and you may wonder if the rest of the city decided to join you. But that's because everyone loves it, making it a true St. Louis staple. From savory to sweet, Half & Half has options for everyone. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
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Must try:Clara Cakes.
Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
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Sardella
7734 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314-773-7755
Need a vacation? Gerard Craft's latest endeavor, Sardella, will make you feel like you're dining off of the Amalfi coast. The outstanding food and relaxed atmosphere are the escape you didn't know you needed. Unlike a lot of places on this list, Sardella takes reservations -- just prepare to make them far in advance, especially when it comes to weekends. Photo by Mabel Suen.
7734 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314-773-7755
Need a vacation? Gerard Craft's latest endeavor, Sardella, will make you feel like you're dining off of the Amalfi coast. The outstanding food and relaxed atmosphere are the escape you didn't know you needed. Unlike a lot of places on this list, Sardella takes reservations -- just prepare to make them far in advance, especially when it comes to weekends. Photo by Mabel Suen.
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Must try: The Stout Braised Oxtail.
Photo by Mabel Suen.
Photo by Mabel Suen.
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Bogart's Smokehouse
1627 S. 9th St., 314-621-3107
When you order food at Bogart's, you know your barbecue is in good hands -- owner Skip Steele's resume includes the Memphis in May World Barbecue Championship, Pappy's Smokehouse and more. There's always a line, but at the end is always incredible food. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
1627 S. 9th St., 314-621-3107
When you order food at Bogart's, you know your barbecue is in good hands -- owner Skip Steele's resume includes the Memphis in May World Barbecue Championship, Pappy's Smokehouse and more. There's always a line, but at the end is always incredible food. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
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Must try: The beef brisket
Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
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Pastaria
7734 Forsyth Blvd., 314-862-6603
Pastaria is also one of Gerard Craft's restaurants -- do we really need to do any more explaining? This large restaurant, located in downtown Clayton, is always bustling -- and you'll understand why when you visit. Housemade pasta, Neapolitan pizza and affordable prices make Pastaria truly difficult to beat. Reservations are not accepted, but it's also on the NoWait app. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
7734 Forsyth Blvd., 314-862-6603
Pastaria is also one of Gerard Craft's restaurants -- do we really need to do any more explaining? This large restaurant, located in downtown Clayton, is always bustling -- and you'll understand why when you visit. Housemade pasta, Neapolitan pizza and affordable prices make Pastaria truly difficult to beat. Reservations are not accepted, but it's also on the NoWait app. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
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Must try: Chitarra Aglio e Olio (not pictured).
Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
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Katie's Pizza and Pasta
9568 Manchester Rd., 314-942-6555
Katie's Pizza and Pasta is a gem that can be found in the midst of a strip mall in Rock Hill. Here you'll find a modern take on regional Italian cuisine, and the results are delicious. The cozy, charming atmosphere also keeps hungry diners coming back again and again. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
9568 Manchester Rd., 314-942-6555
Katie's Pizza and Pasta is a gem that can be found in the midst of a strip mall in Rock Hill. Here you'll find a modern take on regional Italian cuisine, and the results are delicious. The cozy, charming atmosphere also keeps hungry diners coming back again and again. Photo by Jennifer Silverberg.
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Must try: Save room for dessert and try the ricotta donuts.
Photo courtesy of Instagram / ciarasantangelo.
Photo courtesy of Instagram / ciarasantangelo.
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Olive + Oak
102 W. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, 314-736-1370
Deemed one of St. Louis' best new restaurants in 2016, Olive + Oak is a restaurant you absolutely have to try. Although there is some seating available for walk-ins, reservations are your way to guarantee yourself a table. And yes, you may have to make your reservation a few months (!) out -- but when you taste the food, you'll understand why. Photo by Mabel Suen.
102 W. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, 314-736-1370
Deemed one of St. Louis' best new restaurants in 2016, Olive + Oak is a restaurant you absolutely have to try. Although there is some seating available for walk-ins, reservations are your way to guarantee yourself a table. And yes, you may have to make your reservation a few months (!) out -- but when you taste the food, you'll understand why. Photo by Mabel Suen.
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