Top restaurants list
10 Best Casual Restaurants in St Louis
- 10 restaurants
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Updated March 15, 2026
The ten best casual restaurants in St Louis, MO include Pappy’s Smokehouse, Gioia’s Deli, Blues City Deli, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, Scout's Restaurant, Little Fox, The Bellwether, Milo’s Tavern, The Boathouse at Forest Park, and Biggie’s. Casual dining restaurants in the STL often feature beloved local recipes like Dry-Rubbed Ribs, Hot Salami Sandwiches, and Frozen Concretes. Chefs are famous for preparing slow-smoked barbecue and Italian-American comfort food. Pappy’s Smokehouse cooks Memphis-style ribs, Gioia’s Deli prepares century-old sandwich recipes, and Ted Drewes Frozen Custard blends thick dessert treats along Route 66.
St. Louis’ casual restaurants occupy restored neighborhood storefronts, spaces next to active bocce ball courts, and waterfront decks directly on the lakes of Forest Park. Dining venues range from neighborhood smokehouses, Italian-American delis, classic sports taverns, and modern bistros. The mood ranges from the bustling, counter-service setting at Pappy’s Smokehouse to the plush, velvet-lined dining room at The Bellwether. Dining costs at a casual restaurant in St. Louis fall between $10 and $60 per person.
Pappy’s Smokehouse ranks number one for casual dining, because of its award-winning dry-rubbed ribs, slow-smoking techniques, and a lively atmosphere. The Bellwether is another top choice, famous for its refined dinner setting featuring creative New American cuisine and a large outdoor patio. The top casual restaurants in St. Louis are listed below.
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1
Sandwiches American BBQPappy's Smokehouse serves Memphis-style barbecue in a relaxed, counter-service setting. The kitchen slow-smokes meats over apple and cherry wood.- Item Prices
- 35
- Average Item Price
- $11.54
Pappy's Smokehouse Menu PricesMore about Pappy's Smokehouse
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Barbecue
Type of Food:
Barbecue, American
Signature Dishes:
St. LouisRack of RibsBeef Brisket Sandwich
Location:
3106 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103, United States
Special Feature:
The kitchen smokes meats for up to 14 hours daily and closes when the food runs out.
What Makes It Special:
The restaurant prepares Memphis-style dry-rubbed ribs rather than traditional wet-sauce St. Louis ribs.
What Sets It Apart:
A consistent ranking among the top barbecue destinations in the United States separates the venue from standard smokehouses.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday: ClosedMonday, Wednesday, Sunday: 11:00 AM–4:00 PMThursday: 11:00 AM–6:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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2
Gioia's Deli operates as a family-owned sandwich shop in The Hill neighborhood. The establishment prepares hot salami sandwiches using a century-old family recipe.- Item Prices
- 40
- Average Item Price
- $12.31
Gioia's Deli Menu PricesMore about Gioia's Deli
Type of Restaurant:
Deli, Fast Casual
Type of Food:
Italian, Sandwiches
Signature Dishes:
Hot Salami SandwichItalian TrioHot Roast Beef Sandwich
Location:
1934 Macklind Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
Special Feature:
The deli makes fresh hot salami from scratch daily using a proprietary mix of beef and pork.
What Makes It Special:
The shop holds a James Beard Foundation America's Classic award.
What Sets It Apart:
A continuous operation since 1918 makes the deli one of the oldest eateries in St. Louis.
Operating Hours:
Sunday: ClosedMonday–Tuesday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PMWednesday–Saturday: 10:00 AM–3:45 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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3
Biggie's operates as a family-owned neighborhood restaurant and bar serving St. Louis-style Italian-American food. The kitchen prepares steaks, pastas, and sandwiches in a casual, old-school environment.- Item Prices
- 509
- Average Item Price
- $14.72
Biggie's Menu PricesMore about Biggie's
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Bar and Grill
Type of Food:
American, Italian
Signature Dishes:
Steak SandwichToasted RavioliCannelloni
Location:
3332 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63139, United States
Special Feature:
The dining room features classic, dark-wood decor and sports memorabilia, maintaining a nostalgic atmosphere.
What Makes It Special:
The establishment delivers consistent, hearty portions of local comfort food using recipes passed down for decades.
What Sets It Apart:
A long-standing reputation for serving top-tier steak sandwiches keeps the restaurant a local favorite.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Tuesday: ClosedWednesday–Thursday, Sunday: 11:00 AM–12:00 AMFriday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–1:00 AM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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4
4. Blues City Deli
Blues City Deli serves po'boys, muffulettas, and Italian sandwiches in the Benton Park neighborhood. The venue features live blues music and music-themed decor.More about Blues City Deli
Type of Restaurant:
Deli, Casual Dining
Type of Food:
American, Italian
Signature Dishes:
Original Roast BeefSt. Louis PrimoMike's Spicy Beef N' Cheddar
Location:
2438 McNair Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States
Special Feature:
The dining room hosts live blues and jazz bands on Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons.
What Makes It Special:
The menu merges traditional Italian deli meats with Southern barbecue and Cajun flavors.
What Sets It Apart:
The integration of a live music venue within a daytime sandwich shop creates a unique dining environment.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Saturday: 10:30 AM–3:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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5
5. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard functions as a walk-up dessert stand along Route 66. The shop serves thick frozen custard blended with custom mix-ins called concretes.More about Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
Type of Restaurant:
Dessert Shop, Fast Food
Type of Food:
Ice Cream, Desserts
Signature Dishes:
Strawberry Shortcake Ice CreamVanilla CustardHot Fudge Sundae
Location:
6726 Chippewa St, St. Louis, MO 63109, United States
Special Feature:
The custard is served so thick that employees flip the cup upside down before handing the order to the customer.
What Makes It Special:
The stand provides a nostalgic, roadside attraction experience along Route 66.
What Sets It Apart:
A continuous family operation since 1929 cements the stand as a St. Louis cultural landmark.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Sunday: 11:00 AM–10:30 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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6
6. Scout's Restaurant
Scout's Restaurant operates as a New American gathering place in Midtown. The kitchen prepares house-made pastas, fresh seafood, and roasted meats with Mediterranean influences.More about Scout's Restaurant
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, New American
Type of Food:
New American, Italian-Mediterranean
Signature Dishes:
Flank SteakBucatiniGnocchi
Location:
2704 Locust St, St. Louis, MO 63103, United States
Special Feature:
The space features distinct areas including a lounge-style living room, an intimate dining room, and a communal kitchen table.
What Makes It Special:
The restaurant evolved from an intimate supper club into a permanent brick-and-mortar destination.
What Sets It Apart:
A focus on communal dining experiences and heartfelt hospitality creates a feeling of eating in a private home.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday–Wednesday: ClosedMonday, Thursday, Sunday: 5:00 PM–9:00 PMFriday–Saturday: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
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7
7. Little Fox
Little Fox is a neighborhood restaurant and wine bar located in the Fox Park area. The kitchen serves modern American and Italian-inspired dishes with a focus on seasonal ingredients.More about Little Fox
Type of Restaurant:
Neighborhood Bistro, Casual Dining
Type of Food:
New American, Italian
Signature Dishes:
Crispy Delicata SquashFlat Iron Steak'Nduja Croquetas
Location:
2800 Shenandoah Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant features a dedicated wine bar with an extensive list of natural and biodynamic wines.
What Makes It Special:
The establishment merges the approachability of a neighborhood corner spot with refined, chef-driven cooking.
What Sets It Apart:
A strong emphasis on natural wines paired with inventive, seasonal small plates separates the venue from traditional bistros.
Operating Hours:
Sunday: 10:00 AM–1:00 PMMonday–Thursday: 5:00–8:30 PMFriday: 5:00–9:30 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, 5:00–9:30 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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8
8. The Bellwether
The Bellwether operates as a stylish restaurant located in Lafayette Square. The menu features creative New American cuisine, pastas, and steaks in a plush, contemporary setting.More about The Bellwether
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, New American
Type of Food:
New American
Signature Dishes:
Pork SteakBacon Fried RiceEgg Benedict Florentine
Location:
1419 Carroll St, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States
Special Feature:
A large, wrap-around outdoor patio provides scenic views of the surrounding neighborhood.
What Makes It Special:
The kitchen presents highly inventive flavor combinations and artistic plating within a relaxed environment.
What Sets It Apart:
The location inside a renovated 19th-century building paired with modern, velvet-lined decor creates a distinct visual contrast.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday–Thursday: 5:00 PM–9:00 PMFriday: 5:00 PM–9:30 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, 5:00 PM–9:30 PMSunday: 10:00 AM–2:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
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9
9. Milo’s Tavern
Milo's Tavern functions as a classic neighborhood sports bar and restaurant situated in The Hill. The venue serves Italian-American pub fare, including pizzas, toasted ravioli, and sandwiches.More about Milo’s Tavern
Type of Restaurant:
Sports Bar, Tavern
Type of Food:
Italian-American, Pub Food
Signature Dishes:
Toasted RavioliHot Chicken WingFlorentine
Location:
5201 Wilson Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
Special Feature:
The property features outdoor bocce ball courts where patrons play and watch local leagues.
What Makes It Special:
The tavern provides a casual, lively gathering spot in the heart of St. Louis's established Italian neighborhood.
What Sets It Apart:
The integration of active bocce ball courts with a traditional sports bar setting creates a unique recreational dining experience.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Saturday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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10
10. The Boathouse at Forest Park
The Boathouse at Forest Park sits directly on Post-Dispatch Lake, offering a menu of American comfort food. Guests enjoy salads, sandwiches, and flatbreads in a scenic, park-centric setting.More about The Boathouse at Forest Park
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Waterfront
Type of Food:
American
Signature Dishes:
Sweet Potato Waffle FriesPulled Pork SandwichBrisket Toasted Ravioli
Location:
6101 Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
Special Feature:
Diners rent paddleboats and kayaks directly from the restaurant's dock before or after meals.
What Makes It Special:
The restaurant provides a tranquil, waterfront retreat right in the middle of the city's largest public park.
What Sets It Apart:
The pairing of lakeside dining and on-site boat rentals makes the venue a complete recreational destination.
Operating Hours:
Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–8:00 PMSaturday–Sunday: 8:00 AM–7:00 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
On the map
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Casual Restaurants in St. Louis Famous?
Casual restaurants in St. Louis have built a reputation by serving dry-rubbed barbecue ribs and Italian-American comfort meals. Chefs utilize regional ingredients like Provel cheese to prepare specific local creations such as toasted ravioli and St. Louis-style pizza. Another defining regional characteristic involves operating century-old sandwich shops and custard stands along the famous Route 66. Restaurants in STL earn recognition by providing hearty portions inside restored brick buildings and neighborhood taverns.
What Types of Casual Restaurants are Commonly Found in St. Louis?
The kinds of casual restaurants commonly found in St. Louis include neighborhood smokehouses, Italian-American delis, and classic sports taverns. These different types of St Louis restaurants shape the local dining experience.
- Neighborhood Smokehouses: Venues like Pappy's Smokehouse focus on slow-smoked ribs and pulled pork served in relaxed, counter-service settings.
- Italian-American Delis: Places such as Gioia's Deli and Blues City Deli serve hot salami sandwiches and muffulettas inside old brick buildings.
- Sports Taverns: Spots like Milo's Tavern and Biggie's offer toasted ravioli and cold beer alongside active bocce ball courts or sports broadcasts.
- Modern Bistros: Restaurants like Little Fox bring seasonal, chef-driven small plates to cozy neighborhood corners.
Does St. Louis Have an Authentic Casual Restaurant?
Yes, St. Louis has genuine casual restaurants, including well-regarded venues like Gioia's Deli, Pappy's Smokehouse, and Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. Gioia's Deli has operated on The Hill since 1918, maintaining a reputation for serving hot salami sandwiches using a century-old family recipe. Pappy's Smokehouse provides a true taste of Midwestern barbecue by slow-smoking dry-rubbed ribs over apple and cherry wood daily. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard delivers a consistent nostalgic experience by serving thick frozen concretes from a classic Route 66 roadside stand.
Do Casual Restaurants in St. Louis Offer Easy Online Reservations?
Yes, casual restaurants in St. Louis provide easy online reservations through platforms like Resy and OpenTable. Little Fox and The Bellwether manage bookings through Resy. Scout's Restaurant utilizes OpenTable for securing tables in advance. High-volume or counter-service spots like Pappy's Smokehouse, Gioia's Deli, and Ted Drewes Frozen Custard operate strictly on a first-come, first-served basis and do not accept reservations.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Casual Restaurants in St. Louis?
The beloved menu items in the best casual restaurants in St. Louis range from slow-smoked ribs to thick frozen custard. The following list describes notable food in St Louis’ casual restaurants.
- Dry-Rubbed Ribs: Pork spare ribs coated in a proprietary spice blend and slow-smoked over fruitwoods. Pappy's Smokehouse is famous for this specific dish.
- Hot Salami Sandwich: Thick-sliced, house-made hot salami served on crusty bread with cheese and garnishes. Gioia's Deli specializes in this century-old recipe.
- Toasted Ravioli: Breaded and deep-fried meat or cheese ravioli served with marinara dipping sauce. Milo's Tavern serves this classic local appetizer.
- Frozen Concrete: Extremely thick frozen custard blended with various sweet mix-ins. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard prepares this famous dessert.
- Muffuletta: A large sandwich layered with Italian cold cuts, provolone cheese, and olive salad. Blues City Deli features this New Orleans-inspired item.
Does St. Louis Enjoy Casual Food?
Yes, locals in St. Louis enjoy casual food because of its strong working-class heritage and relaxed Midwestern lifestyle. The presence of major sports teams and large public parks creates a constant demand for accessible, high-quality meals near Busch Stadium and Forest Park. Diners prioritize comfortable environments and generous portions that accommodate groups for weekend lunches or evening outings. This demand sustains a robust market for barbecue joints, Italian delis, and neighborhood taverns throughout the city.
What is the Average Meal Price at Casual Restaurants in St. Louis?
The standard cost for a meal at casual restaurants in St. Louis spans from $10 to $60 per person. A single meal at a fast-food dessert stand like Ted Drewes Frozen Custard costs between $5 and $10. A group meal for two to four people at a mid-range deli or tavern like Blues City Deli or Milo's Tavern requires between $30 and $80. A meal at a budget-friendly spot costs $10 to $20 per person. A full dinner with drinks at an upscale-casual restaurant such as The Bellwether or Little Fox costs $30 to $60 per person.
Are There Vegan Options at Casual Restaurants in St. Louis?
Yes, plant-based selections exist at casual restaurants in St. Louis at places such as Little Fox, The Bellwether, Scout's Restaurant, and The Boathouse at Forest Park. Little Fox provides seasonal vegetable plates and modifies salads to accommodate plant-based diets. The Bellwether offers creative vegetable-forward appetizers and pasta dishes. Scout's Restaurant prepares roasted vegetable sides and fresh salads suitable for vegan guests. The Boathouse at Forest Park serves a black bean burger and fresh fruit options.
Do Casual Restaurants in St. Louis Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, a lot of casual dining venues in St. Louis offer gluten-sensitive alternatives at spots such as Pappy's Smokehouse, Little Fox, The Bellwether, and The Boathouse at Forest Park. Pappy's Smokehouse identifies gluten-free smoked meats and sides on the menu. Little Fox accommodates dietary restrictions by adjusting seasonal entrees and vegetable plates. The Bellwether modifies steak and seafood dishes to exclude wheat ingredients upon request. The Boathouse at Forest Park offers gluten-free buns for burgers and sandwiches.
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