Top restaurants list
10 Best Family Restaurants in St Louis
- 10 restaurants
- Missouri
- Updated April 12, 2026
The top ten best family restaurants in St Louis include Sugarfire Smoke House, The Fountain on Locust, Blueberry Hill, Fitz’s Root Beer Brewery, Pappy’s Smokehouse, Crown Candy Kitchen, Mission Taco Joint, Salt + Smoke, Southwest Diner, and Seoul Taco. Family restaurants in the Gateway City often feature award-winning barbecue, historic soda fountains, and interactive craft soda bottling lines. These child-friendly dining destinations earned recognition by serving regional favorites like dry-rubbed ribs, toasted ravioli, and massive root beer floats.
Dining spots across the STL occupy historic brick buildings, retro Art Deco spaces, and colorful storefronts in the Delmar Loop. These family-oriented eateries have dedicated children's menus, high chairs for toddlers, and pop-culture memorabilia to keep young guests entertained. A majority of these dining locations provide spacious booths and large tables to accommodate strollers and multi-generational groups. A meal at a family restaurant in St. Louis averages $20 per person.
Pappy's Smokehouse ranks as the top choice due to a national reputation for slow-smoked ribs, fast service, and a welcoming environment for large parties. Crown Candy Kitchen serves thick malt shakes and oversized sandwiches for a quick, historic treat. The Fountain on Locust offers a refined dinner experience with hand-painted murals and boozy ice cream cocktails for adults. Mission Taco Joint provides plant-based portobello tacos for vegan diners, and Sugarfire Smoke House features a menu with options without wheat including smoked brisket and fresh vegetable sides.
The top family restaurants in St. Louis are listed below.
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1
Salads Sandwiches American Wings Burgers Nachos BBQ Milk Shakes Brisket Barbecue Ribs Sausage Barbecue Restaurant Barbecue & Smokehouse Shakes, Malts, and DessertsSugarfire Smoke House serves award-winning barbecue in a fast-casual, high-energy environment. The restaurant features a counter-service line where guests choose from daily smoked meats and creative side dishes.- Item Prices
- 805
- Average Item Price
- $12.81
Sugarfire Smoke House Menu PricesMore about Sugarfire Smoke House
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Barbecue
Type of Food:
Barbecue
Signature Dishes:
Pork Belly Hush Puppies
Brisket Plate
Full Rack Ribs
Location:
9200 Olive Blvd #114, St. Louis, MO 63132, United States
Special Feature:
The menu includes daily specials and unique sauces, encouraging repeat visits.
What Makes It Special:
The kitchen blends traditional barbecue techniques with creative, chef-driven twists.
What Sets It Apart:
A focus on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and a constantly rotating menu of inventive sides.
Operating Hours:
Sunday – Monday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PMTuesday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
-
2
Blueberry Hill is a landmark restaurant and music venue in the Delmar Loop. The interior is filled with pop culture memorabilia, from jukeboxes to display cases of toys and comics.- Item Prices
- 1,453
- Average Item Price
- $7.84
Blueberry Hill Menu PricesMore about Blueberry Hill
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Music Venue
Type of Food:
American Pub
Signature Dishes:
Famous 7 oz. Hamburger
Turkey Burger
The Loop Club
Location:
6504 Delmar Blvd, University City, MO 63130, United States
Special Feature:
The Duck Room, an intimate concert venue within the restaurant, has hosted legendary musicians like Chuck Berry.
What Makes It Special:
A museum-like collection of pop culture artifacts creates a fun and engaging environment.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of a classic American pub menu with a world-famous live music venue.
Operating Hours:
Sunday – Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AMWednesday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:30 AM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
-
3
Sandwiches American BBQPappy’s Smokehouse is a destination for Memphis-style barbecue in Midtown St. Louis. The dining room is casual and often crowded, with a focus on fast service and high-quality smoked meats.- 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
Signature Dishes:
Burnt Ends
Pulled Pork
St. Loius
Location:
3106 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant is known for its long lines and a policy of staying open only until the meat sells out.
What Makes It Special:
The kitchen specializes in slow-smoked, dry-rubbed ribs that are finished with a touch of sweet sauce.
What Sets It Apart:
A consistent national ranking as one of the best barbecue joints in America.
Operating Hours:
Sunday – Monday & Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PMThursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PMTuesday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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4
Mission Taco Joint serves West Coast-style street tacos in a lively, energetic setting. The dining room features graffiti art, a large bar, and a youthful, fast-paced atmosphere.- Item Prices
- 374
- Average Item Price
- $9.23
Mission Taco Joint Menu PricesMore about Mission Taco Joint
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Mexican, Tacos
Signature Dishes:
South Beach
Queso Con Chorizo
Mango Habanero Shrimp
Location:
6235 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63130, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant offers a late-night menu, serving tacos and drinks until well after midnight.
What Makes It Special:
The menu blends authentic Mexican street food flavors with a creative, modern approach.
What Sets It Apart:
A vibrant, youthful atmosphere combined with a menu of high-quality, affordable street tacos.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AMSunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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5
Salads Sandwiches American Burgers BBQSalt + Smoke is a barbecue restaurant that focuses on classic St. Louis-style smoked meats. The dining room is modern and rustic, with a large bar featuring an extensive selection of bourbon and whiskey.- Item Prices
- 252
- Average Item Price
- $20.15
Salt + Smoke Menu PricesMore about Salt + Smoke
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Barbecue
Type of Food:
Barbecue
Signature Dishes:
Brisket Sandwich
Oklahoma Double Bacon Cheeseburger
Trashed Ribs
Location:
6525 Delmar Blvd, University City, MO 63130, United States
Special Feature:
A massive selection of American whiskeys and bourbons to pair with the barbecue.
What Makes It Special:
The kitchen prepares all meats and sides from scratch, with a focus on high-quality, flavorful ingredients.
What Sets It Apart:
A more upscale, modern take on the classic barbecue joint, with a sophisticated bar program.
Operating Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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6
Southwest Diner brings the flavors of New Mexican cuisine to the Maplewood neighborhood. The dining room is a cozy, retro-style space with a classic diner counter and booth seating.- Item Prices
- 59
- Average Item Price
- $7.35
Southwest Diner Menu PricesMore about Southwest Diner
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Diner
Type of Food:
Southwestern, New Mexican
Signature Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito
Jonathan's Fiery Scramble
Fried Egg Sandwich
Location:
6803 Southwest Ave, St. Louis, MO 63143, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant is known for its authentic New Mexican green and red chile sauces.
What Makes It Special:
A commitment to serving genuine New Mexican dishes in a classic American diner setting.
What Sets It Apart:
The unique focus on a specific regional American cuisine that is not widely available in the Midwest.
Operating Hours:
Monday, Wednesday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PMSaturday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PMTuesday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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7
Seoul Taco started as a food truck and has grown into a fast-casual restaurant blending Korean and Mexican flavors. The dining room is modern and industrial, with a vibrant, youthful energy.- Item Prices
- 21
- Average Item Price
- $5.56
Seoul Taco Menu PricesMore about Seoul Taco
Type of Restaurant:
Fast-Casual
Type of Food:
Korean, Mexican Fusion
Signature Dishes:
Spicy Pork Taco
Gogi Bowl
Kimchi Fried Rice
Location:
6665 Delmar Blvd, University City, MO 63130, United States
Special Feature:
The menu is built around the unique fusion of Korean barbecue and Mexican street food.
What Makes It Special:
The creative combination of spicy, savory Korean flavors with the familiar format of tacos and burritos.
What Sets It Apart:
A successful food truck origin story and a menu that has become a local favorite for its inventive fusion.
Operating Hours:
Sunday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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8
8. The Fountain on Locust
The Fountain on Locust is a retro, Art Deco-style soda fountain and restaurant. The interior features hand-painted murals, vintage decor, and a lively, nostalgic atmosphere.More about The Fountain on Locust
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Soda Fountain
Type of Food:
American, Ice Cream
Signature Dishes:
The Fountain Cuban
Polish Dill Pickle
Pesto Chicken
Location:
3037 Locust St, St. Louis, MO 63103, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant serves a wide selection of "ice cream martinis" and other boozy desserts for adults.
What Makes It Special:
A commitment to scratch-made sauces, syrups, and ice cream toppings.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of a historic, art-filled setting with a menu of both classic and modern soda fountain treats.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
-
9
9. Fitz’s Root Beer Brewery
Fitz’s Root Beer Brewery is a restaurant and microbrewery that produces its own line of craft sodas. The main dining room features a vintage soda bottling line that operates for guests to watch.More about Fitz’s Root Beer Brewery
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
American
Signature Dishes:
River City Burger
Bottler's Burger
Wonder Wings
Location:
6605 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63130, United States
Special Feature:
A fully operational, vintage bottling line that bottles Fitz's craft sodas on-site.
What Makes It Special:
The restaurant offers massive, bottomless root beer floats and a variety of other soda flavors.
What Sets It Apart:
The unique experience of watching craft soda being bottled while enjoying a meal.
Operating Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
-
10
10. Crown Candy Kitchen
Crown Candy Kitchen is a historic soda fountain and candy shop that has been operating since 1913. The interior is a time capsule, with original fixtures, a vintage jukebox, and a classic candy counter.More about Crown Candy Kitchen
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Soda Fountain
Type of Food:
American, Sandwiches
Signature Dishes:
Heart-Stopping BLT
Turkey Bacon Melt
Fire Chief Special
Location:
1401 St Louis Ave, St. Louis, MO 63106, United States
Special Feature:
The restaurant is famous for its "Malt Challenge," where customers who drink five malts in 30 minutes get them for free.
What Makes It Special:
A commitment to preserving the authentic soda fountain experience of the early 20th century.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of a full-service lunch counter and a functioning, old-fashioned candy store.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
On the map
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Family Restaurants in St Louis Famous?
Family restaurants in St. Louis have gained recognition for their interactive dining setups, large barbecue platters, and vintage soda fountains. Chefs across the Gateway City prioritize crowd-pleasing meals like toasted ravioli, dry-rubbed ribs, and custom craft sodas. These family dining spots have dedicated kid menus, high chairs for toddlers, and coloring activities to accommodate young guests. Some of these establishments also have functioning soda bottling lines, pop-culture memorabilia collections, and century-old candy counters to provide a highly engaging backdrop for parents seeking memorable group meals.
What Types of Family Restaurants are Commonly Found in St Louis?
The types of family restaurants commonly found in St. Louis are classic barbecue smokehouses, historic soda fountains, and fast-casual taco shops. The list below describes the specialized St Louis restaurants available for groups and children.
- Barbecue Smokehouses: Casual dining rooms serve large platters of dry-rubbed ribs and pulled pork. Pappy's Smokehouse and Sugarfire Smoke House fit this category.
- Historic Soda Fountains: Vintage eateries offer classic sandwiches, malt shakes, and house-made ice cream. Crown Candy Kitchen and The Fountain on Locust provide this experience.
- Interactive Breweries: Family-friendly pubs feature functioning craft soda bottling lines visible from the dining tables. Fitz’s Root Beer Brewery exemplifies this style.
- Fast-Casual Taco Joints: Energetic storefronts deliver quick, customizable Mexican and Korean-fusion street food. Mission Taco Joint and Seoul Taco offer this approach.
- Music-Themed Pubs: Large venues display extensive pop-culture memorabilia collections alongside classic American burgers. Blueberry Hill is a prime choice for this format.
Does St Louis Have an Authentic Family Restaurant?
Yes, St. Louis features authentic family restaurants, including Crown Candy Kitchen, Blueberry Hill, and Pappy's Smokehouse. Crown Candy Kitchen preserves a genuine 1913 soda fountain experience, serving homemade chocolates and thick malt shakes in an unchanged historical interior. Blueberry Hill provides a real rock-and-roll pub atmosphere, displaying thousands of authentic pop-culture artifacts to entertain guests of all ages. Pappy's Smokehouse offers a true Memphis-style barbecue environment, smoking meats daily over apple and cherry wood until sold out.
Do Family Restaurants in St Louis Offer Easy Online Reservations?
No, family restaurants in St. Louis do not universally offer easy online reservations because the business model relies on fast-casual and counter-service formats. Guests secure meals by waiting in physical lines at popular barbecue joints like Pappy's Smokehouse and Sugarfire Smoke House. Historic spots like Crown Candy Kitchen and Blueberry Hill operate strictly on a first-come, first-served basis to manage heavy weekend traffic. A select few sit-down locations, including The Fountain on Locust and Salt + Smoke, provide digital scheduling through platforms like Yelp Reservations and OpenTable.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Family Restaurants in St Louis?
The signature dishes of the best family restaurants in St. Louis include dry-rubbed ribs, massive root beer floats, and thick malt shakes. A list of signature food in St Louis is provided below.
- Dry-Rubbed Ribs: Slow-smoked pork ribs coated in a proprietary spice blend without heavy sauce. Pappy's Smokehouse is famous for this regional staple.
- Root Beer Float: A massive glass mug filled with vanilla ice cream and freshly brewed draft root beer. Fitz’s Root Beer Brewery specializes in this classic dessert.
- Heart-Stopping BLT: A massive sandwich loaded with over a dozen slices of crisp bacon. Crown Candy Kitchen features this as a core menu item.
- Bulgogi Beef Taco: A fusion street food item combining Korean marinated beef with Mexican taco preparation. Seoul Taco is known for this inventive dish.
- Ice Cream Martinis: Adult-friendly dessert cocktails served alongside traditional sundaes for children. The Fountain on Locust is well-regarded for these sweet creations.
Does St Louis Enjoy Family Food?
Yes, residents of St. Louis have a strong appetite for family food, evidenced by the consistent queues at local smokehouses and dessert parlors. Parents and children actively seek out dining experiences that provide high-quality meals alongside visual entertainment like vintage jukeboxes and bottling lines. High volume of daily traffic at fast-casual venues like Sugarfire Smoke House confirms a desire for budget-friendly, group-oriented dining. Local economy relies on accessible barbecue pits and taco shops to feed thousands of residents and tourists daily.
What is the Average Meal Price at Family Restaurants in St Louis?
The average meal price for family restaurants in St. Louis is $20 per person. A single meal at a fast-casual taco shop like Seoul Taco or Mission Taco Joint costs between $10 and $20. A group meal for two to four people at a casual barbecue joint like Salt + Smoke or Pappy's Smokehouse runs from $60 to $100 total. A massive dessert or sandwich at a historic diner like Crown Candy Kitchen requires $10 to $20 per person. Full dinners with craft sodas at Fitz’s Root Beer Brewery cost $15 to $30 per person.
Are There Vegan Options at Family Restaurants in St Louis?
Yes, vegan options at family restaurants in St. Louis consist of meatless dishes served at Mission Taco Joint, Seoul Taco, and The Fountain on Locust. Mission Taco Joint provides a menu with several vegetable-forward tacos and portobello mushroom fillings. Seoul Taco features tofu as a protein substitute for all bowls and burritos. The Fountain on Locust modifies fresh salads and offers dairy-free sorbets suitable for vegan diners. Barbecue locations like Salt + Smoke offer fresh vegetable sides and salads to accommodate plant-based guests.
Do Family Restaurants in St Louis Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, gluten-free options at family restaurants in St. Louis provide safe choices for diners at Sugarfire Smoke House, Mission Taco Joint, and Southwest Diner. Sugarfire Smoke House serves smoked brisket and pulled pork without gluten-containing buns or sauces. Mission Taco Joint utilizes fresh corn tortillas for all taco orders to accommodate gluten-free diets. Southwest Diner prepares traditional New Mexican breakfast plates using gluten-free cornmeal. A majority of the fast-casual locations provide clear allergen labeling or chef consultations for guests with dietary restrictions.
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