St. Louis, Missouri, a city steeped in history and brimming with Midwestern charm, boasts a culinary landscape that extends far beyond its iconic Gateway Arch. While the city’s dining scene is evolving with innovative restaurants and award-winning chefs, it’s the deeply rooted, traditional flavors that truly define the St. Louis gastronomic experience. These classic dishes, born from local ingenuity and a love of comfort food, have woven themselves into the very fabric of St. Louis culture. From the crispy crunch of toasted ravioli to the creamy indulgence of frozen custard, these are the tastes that locals crave and visitors must experience to truly understand the spirit of the city. This article will take you on a culinary journey, exploring The 10 Most Essential Foods to Eat in St. Louis, offering insight into their origins, unique characteristics, and the best places to savor them. So, prepare your palate for a delightful exploration of the Gateway City’s most beloved eats!
1. Toasted Ravioli: A St. Louis Original
The story of toasted ravioli, or "T-ravs" as they are affectionately known, is a testament to culinary serendipity. This beloved appetizer, a staple on menus throughout St. Louis, is crafted from breaded, deep-fried pasta pockets filled with savory meat or creamy cheese. Served with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping, toasted ravioli offers a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.
Legend has it that this culinary accident occurred in the 1940s on The Hill, St. Louis’ historic Italian neighborhood. Several restaurants lay claim to being the birthplace of the toasted ravioli, but the exact origin remains shrouded in mystery. The most popular tale suggests that a harried cook mistakenly dropped a batch of traditional ravioli into a vat of hot oil instead of boiling water. The resulting crispy, golden-brown ravioli was such a hit that it quickly earned a permanent spot on the menu.
Today, a pilgrimage to The Hill is essential for anyone seeking an authentic toasted ravioli experience. Restaurants like Charlie Gitto’s, Zia’s, and Mama’s on The Hill continue to uphold the tradition, serving up delicious versions of this iconic St. Louis dish. Mama’s on the Hill, located at 5226 Shaw Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, is a great place to start. With a phone number of +1 314-772-8898, you can always call to see if there is a wait. The toasted ravioli has stood the test of time, and this is what makes it one of The 10 Most Essential Foods to Eat in St. Louis.
2. Frozen Custard: A Sweet St. Louis Tradition
When it comes to satisfying a sweet tooth in St. Louis, frozen custard reigns supreme. This delectable dessert shares similarities with ice cream but distinguishes itself with a richer, denser texture thanks to the addition of egg yolks. The result is a velvety smooth treat that melts in your mouth, leaving behind a lingering sweetness.
No discussion of St. Louis frozen custard is complete without mentioning Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. This iconic creamery, with two locations including one along historic Route 66, has been serving up frozen delights for generations. A visit to Ted Drewes is more than just a dessert run; it’s an immersion into St. Louis history and a celebration of local flavor. Located at 6726 Chippewa St, St. Louis, MO 63109, and with a phone number of +1 314-481-2652, Ted Drewes is a must-try.
While Ted Drewes’ custard is vanilla-based, the possibilities for customization are endless. Patrons can choose from a wide array of sauces, candies, fruits, and nuts to create their perfect frozen masterpiece. From classic sundaes and milkshakes to the legendary "Concrete," a concoction so thick that it defies gravity when turned upside down, Ted Drewes offers something for everyone. Signature creations like the "Fox Treat," a decadent blend of hot fudge, raspberries, and macadamia nuts, and the "Dutchman," featuring chocolate, butterscotch, and pecans, are perennial favorites. Frozen custard is truly a St. Louis staple, and a key part of The 10 Most Essential Foods to Eat in St. Louis.
3. St. Louis-Style Pizza: A Unique Slice of the City
St. Louis-style pizza is a culinary paradox – a dish that evokes strong opinions, loved by some and vehemently disliked by others. Its defining characteristics set it apart from other regional pizza styles, making it a truly unique and polarizing culinary experience.
The hallmark of St. Louis-style pizza is its cracker-thin crust, cut into squares rather than traditional slices. However, the most distinctive element is the use of Provel cheese, a processed cheese blend that combines cheddar, Swiss, and provolone with a hint of liquid smoke. Provel’s flavor is significantly bolder than mozzarella, and its texture becomes remarkably sticky when melted, creating a distinctive mouthfeel.
For those willing to embrace the unconventional, Imo’s Pizza is the quintessential destination for St. Louis-style pizza. With numerous locations throughout the region, Imo’s has become synonymous with this regional specialty. One location is One S Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102. Their phone number is +1 314-641-8899. While St. Louis-style pizza may not appeal to every palate, it remains an integral part of the city’s culinary identity, solidifying its place among The 10 Most Essential Foods to Eat in St. Louis.
4. Gooey Butter Cake: A Sweet Accident Turns Tradition
Gooey butter cake, like toasted ravioli, is a testament to the happy accidents that can occur in the kitchen. This rich and decadent dessert, a St. Louis original, is believed to have originated in the 1930s when a local baker inadvertently mixed up the proportions for a traditional coffee cake.
The resulting creation, characterized by a dense, buttery base and a sweet, custard-like topping, was an instant hit. Traditionally flavored with vanilla, gooey butter cake is now available in a variety of flavors, including chocolate, pumpkin, and other seasonal variations. The cake is typically served dusted with a generous layer of powdered sugar, adding a touch of elegance to its rustic charm.
Gooey butter cake can be found in bakeries, pastry shops, and grocery stores throughout St. Louis. For a truly exceptional experience, visit Gooey Louie Gooey Butter Cakes, a dedicated shop specializing in a wide array of gooey butter cake flavors. Russell’s Cafe is another popular spot to sample a delicious version of this iconic St. Louis dessert. The unique flavor and texture of this dessert earns it a spot on the list of The 10 Most Essential Foods to Eat in St. Louis.
5. Barbecue Pork Steaks: A Summer Grilling Staple
Barbecue pork steaks are synonymous with summer grilling in St. Louis. This affordable cut of meat, typically a blade steak from the shoulder, is slow-cooked on a hot grill and liberally slathered in barbecue sauce, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
While often enjoyed as a do-it-yourself backyard barbecue staple, pork steaks can also be found on the menus of several St. Louis-area restaurants. For a truly elevated pork steak experience, head to Gamlin Whiskey House, located at 236 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108. They serve up a generous 24-ounce pork steak accompanied by St. Louis BBQ sauce and creamy bacon mashed potatoes. Highway 61 Roadhouse is another excellent option, offering a hearty pork steak served with classic sides like green beans, coleslaw, or mac and cheese.
6. St. Louis-Style Ribs: A Barbecue Masterpiece
St. Louis-style ribs are another barbecue essential in the Gateway City. These pork spare ribs, typically fattier than baby back ribs, are slow-cooked for several hours, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat. The ribs are seasoned with a dry rub during the cooking process and can be finished with a generous coating of barbecue sauce.
Pappy’s Smokehouse is widely regarded as the premier destination for St. Louis-style ribs. Voted one of the best barbecue joints in the country, Pappy’s specializes in dry-rubbed, slow-smoked ribs that are renowned for their rich flavor and tender texture. The ribs are served with traditional sides like baked beans, potato salad, and corn on the cob. Pappy’s is located at 3106 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63103-1213 and their phone number is +1 314-535-4340.
Other notable St. Louis restaurants serving up exceptional ribs include Salt + Smoke and Bogart’s Smokehouse.
7. St. Paul Sandwich: A Chinese-American Culinary Fusion
The St. Paul Sandwich is a unique culinary creation found on the menus of nearly every Chinese restaurant in the St. Louis area. This sandwich, believed to have originated in the 1940s, consists of a fried egg foo young patty served on two slices of white bread with mayonnaise, lettuce, pickles, and tomato.
Most restaurants offer various versions of the egg foo young patty, including vegetable, chicken, beef, pork, and shrimp options. While the St. Paul Sandwich is undeniably tasty, its enduring popularity may also be attributed to its affordability. Often the cheapest entree on the menu, the St. Paul provides a satisfying and budget-friendly meal. For an authentic St. Paul experience, try Fortune Express in South St. Louis or Hon’s Wok in the Central West End.
8. Bionic Apples: A Caramel Apple Extravaganza
Merb’s Candies’ Bionic Apples are the gold standard for caramel apples in St. Louis. This beloved sweet shop has been crafting these candy-coated delights for over 40 years. The giant Granny Smith apples are coated in Merb’s homemade caramel and then rolled in salted pecan pieces, creating a harmonious blend of tart, salty, and sweet flavors.
Bionic Apples are a seasonal treat, available from early September through Thanksgiving. These delectable apples can be purchased at any of Merb’s three local locations, including the original store on South Grand, or at select grocery stores throughout the St. Louis area. Merb’s is located at 4000 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63118 and has a phone number of +1 314-832-7117.
9. Slingers: A Late-Night Diner Delight
The Slinger is best enjoyed in the wee hours of the morning, typically between midnight and 3 a.m., after a night of revelry. This quintessential diner dish, best savored at the smaller, hole-in-the-wall establishments across the city, is a symphony of comfort food ingredients.
While variations exist, the classic Slinger consists of hash browns, eggs, and a hamburger patty smothered in chili and topped with cheese and chopped onions. Some of St. Louis’ more upscale breakfast restaurants, such as Rooster and The Mud House, offer "fancied-up" versions of the Slinger with additions like andouille sausage and vegetarian black bean chili. However, for a truly authentic Slinger experience, venture to a local dive like the Eat-Rite Diner near Busch Stadium, located at 3150 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63118 and with a phone number of +1 314-772-3447.
10. Fish Fry: A Lenten Tradition for All
St. Louis boasts a significant Catholic population that traditionally abstains from eating meat on Fridays during Lent. To accommodate these dietary restrictions, many local churches began hosting fish fries to provide a communal meal. Today, attending a fish fry has become a beloved tradition for many St. Louisans, regardless of their religious affiliation.
Most local fish fries offer a similar menu of fried or baked fish, french fries, coleslaw, potato salad, green beans, and macaroni and cheese. Meals typically include dessert and coffee or iced tea. Some churches, like St. Cecilia’s, have earned a reputation for hosting some of the best fish fries in town. St. Ferdinand in Florissant, located at 5418 Louisiana Ave, St. Louis, MO 63111 and with a phone number of +1 314-351-1318, is one church that hosts fish fries year-round.
These ten foods offer a glimpse into the soul of St. Louis, showcasing the city’s rich culinary heritage and its unique approach to comfort food. From the accidental creations to the time-honored traditions, The 10 Most Essential Foods to Eat in St. Louis represent a delicious journey through the heart of the Gateway City. So, the next time you find yourself in St. Louis, be sure to embark on this culinary adventure and discover the flavors that make this city so special.
