American diner$$soulardThu-Fri 09:30-14:30, Sat-Sun 09:00-15:00, closed Mon-WedUntil Thu-Sun, weekend daytime hours
In the old Eat-Rite Diner building, Fleur STL plates an elevated slinger and griddle food, carrying the Route 66 diner torch on a Thursday-to-Sunday schedule.
Try: Elevated slinger and diner food
Tip: Now Thursday through Sunday only; the prime-patty slinger remains the order. It honours the all-night Eat-Rite legend that stood in the same building.
American BBQ$$tower-grove-southMon-Thu 11:00-22:00, Fri-Sat 11:00-23:00, Sun 11:00-22:00Until Late on weekends
Steve's Hot Dogs on South Grand stays open late on weekends, loading creative toppings onto griddled dogs for the after-show and post-bar crowd.
Try: Loaded St. Louis-style hot dogs
Tip: The loaded specialty dogs hit best late at night. It is counter service with quick turnaround on busy weekends.
Burgers$$tower-grove-southMon 16:00-23:00, Wed 16:00-23:00, Thu 11:30-23:00, Fri-Sat 11:30-00:00, Sun 11:30-23:00, closed TueUntil Kitchen open late
The Royale keeps its kitchen and patio going late on the south side, pairing a strong burger with ward-themed cocktails, a reliable late bite.
Try: Burgers and ward-themed cocktails
Tip: The patio and the burger make it a good late drink-and-bite. Cocktails are named for St. Louis wards.
Taqueria$$overlandMon-Sat 11:00-21:00, Sun 11:00-20:00Until Evenings
A late-running Overland taqueria, Durango plates its famous torta ahogada and tacos into the evening, a budget late dinner near the airport.
Try: Torta ahogada and tacos
Tip: The chile-drowned torta ahogada is the late-night order. Big portions keep the price under ten dollars.
American diner$$st-louis-hillsDaily 00:00-24:00Until Open 24 hours
A 24-hour griddle institution, Courtesy Diner serves the classic St. Louis slinger and diner plates around the clock, a reliable for after-bar meals.
Try: The slinger and griddle classics
Tip: The slinger at 3am is the rite of passage here. Cash and card both work; the counter stools fill late on weekends.
Brunch$$south-countyMon-Sat 06:00-21:30, Sun 06:00-19:30Until Open 24 hours
The Laclede Station Courtesy Diner runs the same 24-hour griddle as the Hampton branch, slinging chili-and-egg slingers and breakfast in a red-vinyl room.
Try: The slinger and breakfast all day
Tip: Same slinger, same round-the-clock hours as the Hampton location. It draws the post-bar crowd from Affton and Webster.