The riverfront core under the Gateway Arch, home to the Schlafly Tap Room, the Three Sixty rooftop and the original Imo's downtown.
Sugarfire serves creative, award-winning barbecue across several metro spots, from brisket and burnt ends to daily specials, a casual counter-service chain.
Order: Brisket, burnt ends and a spiked shake.
Tip: Check the daily special board; the brisket and burnt ends are the staples. Save room for a spiked shake.
The chain that made St. Louis-style pizza a city standard, Imo's tops cracker-thin crust with Provel cheese, cut in squares, an essential local taste.
Order: St. Louis-style Provel pizza, tavern-cut.
Tip: Order it tavern-cut into squares. Provel is the defining St. Louis cheese; this is where to try it.
Atop the Hilton at the Ballpark, Three Sixty offers 360-degree skyline views, including down into Busch Stadium, across a big indoor and outdoor terrace.
Signature drink: Cocktails with skyline views
Food: Shareable plates
Tip: Go at sunset or during a Cardinals game for the stadium view. It is the marquee downtown rooftop, so expect a crowd.
St. Louis's original craft brewery, the Schlafly Tap Room pours the full range in a brick downtown brewpub that has anchored the local beer scene since 1991.
Signature drink: Pale ale and seasonal beers
Food: Pub food
Tip: The pale ale year-round and the pumpkin ale in autumn are the calls. The brewpub kitchen does solid pub food.
The chain that made St. Louis-style pizza a city standard, Imo's tops cracker-thin crust with Provel cheese, cut in squares. A handy first taste.
Try: St. Louis-style Provel pizza
Tip: Order it tavern-cut into squares to eat it the local way. Provel is the defining St. Louis cheese; this is where to try it.
Schlafly is St. Louis's original craft brewery, and its downtown Tap Room pours the full range in a brick brewpub that has anchored the scene since 1991.
Tip: The pumpkin ale in autumn and the pale ale year-round are the calling cards. The brewpub kitchen does solid pub food.
The region's biggest food festival gathers more than 40 local restaurants, from Salt + Smoke to Beast BBQ, with chef demos and live music over an August weekend downtown.
The chain that made St. Louis-style pizza a city standard, Imo's tops cracker-thin crust with Provel, cut in squares, a cheap and essential local taste.
Try: St. Louis-style Provel pizza
Tip: Order it tavern-cut into squares to eat it the local way. A large feeds a group for not much money.
Chef Cassy Vires's Washington Avenue brunch spot builds its menu around specialty crepes and European comfort plates, with a second South Grand branch.
Order: A savoury crepe and a Bloody Mary.
Tip: The savoury crepes and the breakfast cocktails are the orders. Weekend mornings draw a wait, so go early.