readers' choice 2016

saucemagazine.com I SAUCE MAGAZINE I 1Readers’ Choice 2016SAUCEMAGAZINE.COM FREE, READERS’ CHOICE 2016S T. LO U IS’ I N D E PE N D E N T CU L I N A RY AU T H O R I T Y

rick lewis' southern is your favorite new restaurant of 2016

R E A D E R S ' C H O I C E

2 I SAUCE MAGAZINE I saucemagazine.com Readers’ Choice 2016

saucemagazine.com I SAUCE MAGAZINE I 3Readers’ Choice 2016


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clockwise from bottom: readers' choice favorite restaurateurs gerard craft, dave bailey, kevin nashan and nick luedde


The menus have been printed, revised, reprinted, revised … and reprinted again. The staff has been trained forward and backward. The silverware has been polished until it’s too shiny to behold. Friends and family have flown in for the soft opening with compliments fit for the pope/Shakespeare/Beyoncé of restaurant owners. But when doors finally open to the public, what’s going through a restaurateur’s mind? – Julie Cohen

winner

GERARD CRAFTOwner, Niche Food Group (Brasserie by Niche, Pastaria, Porano Pasta, Sardella, Taste)

“I think my opening of Niche was way different from any opening you will see today. In 2005, social media wasn’t really a thing. People finding out about new things were not overnight happenings. Now you open a restaurant and a million people line up out your door — definitely not with Niche. No one knew who we were. It

was me, one other cook and my pastry chef who I basically kidnapped. We opened to 12 customers, and I think six of those were from the bar across the street, who I think I convinced to come over if I would feed them for free. …

“I was 25. My wife was pregnant. I was doing something a little bit different, which certainly didn’t make it easier. I would work from 8 a.m. until 2:30 a.m. every day. It was intense – a lot of anxiety, a lot of stress. … It was this dream, but also so much reality. And I physically remember when we finally got reviewed — (former St. Louis Post-Dispatch critic) Joe Bonwich just gave us this love letter. After, I looked up and … there were so many people, we didn’t know what to do. I almost threw up. I was like, ‘Oh shit, I have to cook for all these people!’”

2nd

NICK LUEDDECo-owner, The Libertine

“We had been in the press and had such a highly anticipated opening. … Ten minutes prior to opening — the staff looks great, and we had 200 people on the books — but I’m looking at my wife (Audra Luedde), afraid no one was going to show up. We had so much money invested. This was everything. … It all comes down to whom you’ve hired. If those people are people you actually want to have a drink with, the rest takes care of itself.”

3rd

KEVIN NASHANChef-owner, Peacemaker Lobster & Crab and Sidney Street Cafe

“Obviously you want to throw up in your mouth. It’s such a big rollercoaster. You just hope people come and are so grateful when they do. It takes a village — everyone contributes to your success. … There are so many variables on opening day. The system you have sometimes completely changes during service, after service.”

honorable mention

DAVE BAILEYOwner, Baileys’ Restaurants (Baileys’ Chocolate Bar; Baileys’ Range; Bridge Tap House & Wine Bar; Rooster; Shift, Test Kitchen & Takeout; Small Batch; The Fifth Wheel)

“My seven stages of opening a restaurant for the first time:

Electric shock: Woke up early that sunny morning with no alarm clock with a surge through my body and the immediate thought, ‘I am opening a restaurant today! You’ve been working on this day and night, sleeping two hours at a time on top of the bar. It’s actually real now. Go go go!’

A burning sensation in the back of the head and neck: Is there enough time to get everything done? … What did I forget? Will anyone come? Will too many people come? Why am I doing this on a Friday? Why didn’t I do a soft opening?

Accelerated breathing and hypersensitivity to sound and touch: Almost there; we’re looking pretty good; it’s all about to happen; this is going to be amazing!

Calmness and solidarity of purpose: Ready. Everything looks right; everything feels right; everyone is in position.

Panic and self doubt: Why wasn’t there a line at the door? Is anyone going to come? Was this a terrible idea in the first place? I can’t afford for this not to work.

Total absorption in work and an extremely narrowed focus: Wow, it’s really busy. Everyone seems happy. We are almost keeping up; we need to go faster; we need to go much faster. Touch more tables. ... Make them happy no matter what.

Complete relief and a feeling of having learned and grown more in hours than in the past several years: It worked. We built it, and they came. We are going to do an even better job tomorrow.”

s t . l o u i s ' f a v o r i t e r e s t a u r a t e u r s

Restaurateurs Gerard Craf t and Dave Bailey join Sauce ar t director Meera Nagarajan this month on Sound Bites. Tune in to 90.7 KWMU as

they discuss what they have learned and what's next for their restaurant groups.


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Fried Bologna Sandwich

“It’s an in-house favorite. We smoke the bologna over apple

wood and cherry and put pimento cheese on it. Some of

our guys put it on a biscuit.”

Collard Greens“It’s the quality of the things

we use that makes them really good. We steal (neighbor) Pappy’s smoked chicken

drippings and pour some in.”

Biscuits“It’s a real buttery biscuit that

has a golden brown crunch outside and is light and fluffy inside. We whip butter with

good honey and make jams – so simple but so good.”

Fried Pickles“I took them off the menu but had to start doing them again

because people kept asking for them. … We use dill seed that

gives them a tasty, dilly flavor. I have to say, in the world of fried

pickles, they’re up there.”

Bone-In Fried Chicken“It’s the star of the show. I like it with medium heat. I prefer dark

meat, but the bone-in breasts are delicious. The way we handle the chicken, it just stays so moist

and flavorful.”

Since it opened in 2015, St. Louisans have flocked to Southern for fried chicken. “People who were in here two days ago can’t believe they’re back,” said chef-owner Rick

Lewis. “People literally get hooked.” And hooked you are. Offering more than a tasty bird, Southern took home this year’s Readers’ Choice Favorite New Restaurant award.

Here, Lewis dished on his favorite dishes. – Kristin Schultz

3108 Olive St., St. Louis, 314.531.4668, stlsouthern.com

favorite ne w restaurant

SOUTHERN


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the decadent aporkalypse pretzelwich at your favorite sandwich shop, blues city deli


FRIDAY NIGHTCleveland-HeathIt’s Friday night, and you just got paid. Time to start your tour of the best St. Louis has to offer with a trip out to Readers’ Choice Favorite Restaurant Cleveland-Heath. (Yes, it’s in Edwardsville, and, yes, it’s worth the drive.) Fridays are busy, which means you should get in line with the Nowait app before leaving, but also that the restaurant is alive with energy. When you arrive, step up to the bar and

ask bartender Andrew Dolinky to choose your first whiskey of the night, or select a well-thought-out cocktail like the Meadow Lane with gin, elderflower and ginger liqueurs, dry vermouth and oloroso sherry.

Once seated, the Favorite Wait Staff delivers specials in its signature unpretentious, attentive style. Ask any question and you can expect knowledgeable answers. Browse the menu of Cleveland-Heath’s Favorite American Traditional dishes. The thick and hearty pork porterhouse tastes like

a giant slice of Canadian bacon – maybe the best piece of pig you can remember. Mexican- and Asian-inspired dishes (like the savory pozole soup or okonomiyaki seafood-barbecue Japanese pancake) are just as good as the American offerings. Calling them better would suggest there is something on the menu that isn’t worth your time.

With Chef of the Year Ed Heath and co-owner Jenny Cleveland in the kitchen, you know what to order: the special. It doesn’t matter what it is. Get the special.

Trust that the attention to texture and flavor interplay will astonish, with each bite precise on every axis. With dishes like melt-in-your-mouth tuna poke and a foie-smeared toast dolloped with a strawberry-blueberry compote, you’re sure to find a flavor, crunch or aroma that you’ll be dreaming about well into the weekend.

As the evening comes to a close and you finish off the last perfectly puffy beignet, congratulate your servers, bussers and bartenders for their well-deserved accolades. – A.B.PH

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your favorite restaurant, cleveland-heath


SATURDAY MORNINGLa Patisserie ChouquetteEase into Saturday with a treat from La Patisserie Chouquette, winner of Favorite Cakes and Pastries. Step into the bright, Botanical Heights patisserie and order The Darkness, an over-the-top chocolate-chocolate-chocolate croissant, or go savory with the tarte Provençal with roasted tomato, fig, fontina cheese, bacon and onion. Sip a cup of The London Tea Room’s Cream Earl Grey while you nibble and discuss your weekend plan of attack.

Soulard Farmers MarketOne of the oldest and largest west of the Mississippi, Soulard Farmers Market boasts a riverboat-load of vendors hawking everything from turnips to T-shirts. Wander the four wings and be sure to grab produce from Millstadt, Illinois’ Scharf Farm and some goat cheese from Baetje Farms. With as many as 100 vendors, there’s no shortage of meat, produce, spices and baked goods, which may be why its your Favorite Farmers Market.

SATURDAY AFTERNOONBlues City DeliJust over the highway and a bit south from Soulard Farmers Market is sandwich paradise. Always generous with the meat and fixings, Blues City Deli makes your Favorite Sandwiches. There’s something for everyone at this Benton Park institution. Order the Prez Reuben, a bag of Kettle Kurls and a can of 4 Hands City Wide, or go off menu and ask for the never-disappointing Aporkalypse Pretzelwich crammed with garlic-pepper pork roast, provolone, pickles and bacon covered in zingy Boom Boom sauce on a Companion pretzel bun.

CROQUE MADAMEB R A S S E R I E B Y N I C H E

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Planter’s HouseAfter napping off lunch, head to Lafayette Square for your Favorite Craft Cocktails at Planter’s House. Co-owner Ted Kilgore and crew stir can’t-miss classics and shake up in-your-face-fun originals that capture trends and seasonal spirits. Linger inside the lush interior of the Bullock Room while you marvel at the back bar’s selections or pull up a seat on the patio and sip a Take Me With U, a fruit-forward mix of blanc vermouth, bitters, lemon, a rosemary tincture and a happy splash of bubbles.

SATURDAY EVENINGReeds American TableDinner is served at Reeds American Table in Maplewood, where chef-owner Matt Daughaday’s creatively refined classic flavors have won your heart. Less than 1 year old, Reeds is your Favorite American Nouveau. Order

one of Daughaday’s favorites: the fried lamb – a braised lamb neck breaded in chickpea flour and fried, served with a grilled little gem salad and a yogurt-creamed feta. Check out the impressive drinks menu, then let advanced sommelier Andrey Ivanov choose your wine pairing.

Strange DonutsAfter dinner, leave the car parked and hoof it a block west to Strange Donuts for dessert. From classics like the vanilla-frosted, rainbow-sprinkled Rainbow Pony to collaborative

specials featuring savory meat combinations, Strange Donuts is full of surprises. Order the gooey butter for a masterful take on the classic dessert from among your Favorite Doughnuts.

SUNDAY MORNINGKaldi’s Coffee Rise and shine – it’s time to get back out there. For a proper java jolt, hit a Kaldi’s Coffee, your Favorite Coffee Shop. A St. Louis staple for 22 years, the local shops feature fair-trade or single-origin options and flavored varieties roasted right in Midtown. Get a hand-brewed pour over or a sidecar (cappuccino with a shot of espresso on the side) and prepare to take on the day.

Brasserie by NicheBe prepared to brunch hard at Brasserie by Niche in the Central West End. Maybe it’s the eggs en cocotte – eggs poached in cream with spinach and bacon served in a little cast-iron skillet – or the Mornay sauce blanketing the ham and cheese croque madame with an egg on top. Whatever your French-inspired siren song, Brasserie

delivers a taste of Paris on a lazy Sunday morning. Perhaps that’s why you voted it your Favorite Brunch.

SUNDAY AFTERNOONInternational Tap HouseJust around the corner from Brasserie, take the afternoon to digest and relax at iTap in the CWE by people-watching on the patio or watching a game inside. Pull up a seat on any of the three floors and order a pint from the Readers’ Choice Favorite Beer List. With just about every St. Louis area brewery represented, you can drink local all day, or opt for a regional craft beer like the crisp, tart Bell’s Oarsman Ale. The beer world is yours.

SUNDAY EVENINGBarbecue BattleFor your weekend’s final dinner, two barbecue heavyweights go toe-to-toe. Sugarfire Smoke House and Pappy’s Smokehouse tied for Favorite Barbecue, so you be the judge. Stop in at Pappy’s and order the Big Ben to go: a hefty combination of ribs, a brisket sandwich, a pulled pork sandwich, a chicken quarter and four sides (opt for the baked beans, fried corn on the cob, sweet potato fries and potato salad). Then swing downtown to the Sugarfire location on Washington Avenue and get the Meat Daddy combination plate with ribs, a smoked sausage link, brisket, pulled pork and turkey. Spread a picnic blanket under the Arch and argue the meaty merits of St. Louis’ favorite barbecue. May the best rib win.

Broadway Oyster BarTo end this whirlwind tour of St. Louis’ best, grab a seat at the iconic Broadway Oyster Bar. Chill N’awlins-style with a frosty bottle of Abita beer or a boozy Sazerac, the iconic New Orleans cocktail. Dance the night away to live music, then snack on some your Favorite Creole and Cajun food like the Shrimp Voodoo once you’ve worked up an appetite. End the weekend by raising a glass to this year’s class of St. Louis favorites. – K.S.

from lef t , a t ray of canelés a t la patisser ie chouque t te , planter's house punch, bar tender mat t sor re l l shaking dr inks at planter's house, sugarf ire smoke house

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My favorite thing is our Playgirl roll. It has spicy tuna mix

and tempura shrimp rolled into rice and

topped with ahi tuna, avocado, spicy mayo, wasabi mayo and eel

sauce. A lot of flavor is packed into this roll.

– Conor Mortka, Wasabi Sushi Bar

THE BOURBON STREET STEAK IS A CAJUN-RUBBED

SHOULDER TENDERLOIN SLICED OVER A HOUSE-

MADE POTATO CAKE, FINISHED WITH AN

INTENSELY RICH CRAWFISH ASIAGO CREAM SAUCE.

– Tim Benz, Grapevine Grill at Chaumette Vineyards & Winery

Sure, you have your favorites. That’s why you voted these restaurants among St. Louis’ finest. Ever wonder, though, what servers order for themselves? Here’s the insider intel on what to

eat at the restaurants you can’t get enough of. – Compiled by Sara Graham

I'LL HAVE WHAT THEY'RE HAVING

THE STRAMMER MAX: AN OPEN-FACED SANDWICH ON

RYE TOAST WITH SWEET ONION JAM, COMTÉ AND

CITY HAM TOPPED WITH A FRIED EGG. IT GOES GREAT WITH OUR BOCKBIERS OR

OUR DUNKEL.– Jimmy Dolan,

Urban Chestnut Brewing Co.

MY FAVORITE DISH IS THE BEET

"RAVIOLI": THIN BEET SLICES

FASHIONED INTO RICOTTA- AND

ASPARAGUS-FILLED RAVIOLI SITTING ATOP A GOLDEN BEET PUREE. IT’S

REFRESHING, COLORFUL AND

BEAUTIFUL. – Lucy Swan, Taste Bar

The Omnivurger is a blend of grass-fed beef, roasted mushrooms, garlic puree,

caramelized onions, smoked paprika and a bit of salt. It's

simple but delicious. Melt some good cheese on top, get a nice bun, grab a beer and you're set.

– Jon Todd, Bolyard’s Meat & Provisions

MY FAVORITE BOWL BEGINS WITH ORGANIC SEMOLINA

PASTA TOPPED WITH SUNDAY SMOKY SUGO,

MEATBALLS AND BRUSSELS SPROUTS, FINISHED OFF

WITH FRESH HERBS, GRANA PADANO CHEESE AND

TOASTED BREADCRUMBS.– Malcom Xavier, Porano Pasta

IN THE SUMMER, MY FAVORITE DISH IS THE CAPRESE SALAD.

THE TOMATOES AND FRESH MOZZARELLA ARE DELICIOUS,

AND I LOVE THE BALSAMIC DRESSING. YEAR-ROUND, I LOVE THE CHEESESTEAK WITH WHITE

AMERICAN CHEESE. – Karley Monroe,

The Post Sports Bar & Grill

MY FAVORITE BURGER IS THE PB&J. THIS SLIGHTLY

SWEET BURGER HAS OUR ARUGULA PESTO,

HOMEMADE TOMATO JAM AND GOAT CHEESE ALL ON

A BISON PATTY. – Alex Gromacki, Baileys’ Range

I love the shrimp rolls. They are

very flavorful and fresh, the texture is incredible, and

they’re always steaming hot.– Adam Eubanks, Lulu Seafood & Dim Sum

The Fa La La La La is like the holidays in a

sandwich. Turkey joins house-made cranberry

sauce, Swiss cheese, lettuce and creamy

tarragon mayo. It comes on our ciabatta, which is

the best bread ever!– Matthew Schorr, Companion

The lobster roll, Maine-style. I like the contrast

of the warm, fresh brioche roll combined with the cold lobster

paired with hot, crispy french fries.

– Ronnie Walters, Peacemaker Lobster & Crab

The pinchos morunos - lamb skewers served with a ginger crema and salsa fresco - is my favorite plate off our spring menu. (It’s) the perfect tapa

this time of year.– Andrew Holt, Modesto Tapas

Bar and Restaurant


YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT

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chef of the year

ED HEATHCleveland-Heath, 106 N. Main St., Edwardsville, 618.307.4830, clevelandheath.com2nd: Gerard Craft, Niche Food Group3rd: Kevin Nashan, Peacemaker Lobster & Crab and Sidney Street CafeHonorable Mention: Mike Randolph, Público, Randolfi’s and Half & Half and Nate Hereford, Niche (closed) (tie)

bartender of the year

TIM WIGGINSRetreat Gastropub, 6 N. Sarah St., St. Louis, 314.261.4497, retreatgastropub.com2nd: Ted Kilgore, Planter’s House3rd: Ben Bauer, The LibertineHonorable Mention: Seth Wahlman, Eclipse

favorite restaurateur

GERARD CRAFTNiche Food Group, various locations, nichestlgroup.com2nd: Nick Luedde, The Libertine3rd: Kevin Nashan, Peacemaker Lobster & Crab and Sidney Street Cafe Honorable Mention: Dave Bailey, Baileys’ Restaurants

favorite wait staff

CLEVELAND-HEATH106 N. Main St., Edwardsville, 618.307.4830, clevelandheath.com2nd: Eleven Eleven Mississippi3rd: Planter’s HouseHonorable Mention: Sidney Street Cafe

favorite new restaurant

SOUTHERN3108 Olive St., St. Louis, 314.531.4668, stlsouthern.com2nd: Olive & Oak

3rd: Reeds American Table and Retreat Gastropub (tie)Honorable Mention: Porano Pasta

favorite restaurant

CLEVELAND-HEATH106 N. Main St., Edwardsville, 618.307.4830, clevelandheath.com2nd: Eleven Eleven Mississippi and Broadway Oyster Bar (tie)3rd: PastariaHonorable Mention: Mai Lee

favorite restaurant to take visitors

BLUEBERRY HILL6504 Delmar Blvd., University City, 314.727.4444, blueberryhill.com2nd: Broadway Oyster Bar3rd: The Shaved Duck Honorable Mention: Taste

favorite fast-casualrestaurant

PORANO PASTA634 Washington Ave., St. Louis, 314.833.6414, poranopasta.com2nd: Pappy’s Smokehouse and Lona’s Lil Eats (tie)3rd: Seoul Taco and Southern (tie)Honorable Mention: Crushed Red Urban Bake & Chop Shop

favorite date-night spot

TASTE4584 Laclede Ave., St. Louis, 314.360.1200, tastebarstl.com2nd: Vin de Set3rd: Cleveland-HeathHonorable Mention: Brasserie by Niche and Element (tie)

favorite outdoor patio

VIN DE SET2017 Chouteau Ave., St. Louis, 314.241.8989, vindeset.com 2nd: John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub & Garden3rd: Boathouse Forest ParkHonorable Mention: Billy G’s Kirkwood

favorite late-night eats

MISSION TACO JOINT Various locations, missiontacojoint.com and

PEACOCK LOOP DINER (tie)

6261 Delmar Blvd., University City, 314.721.5555, peacockloopdiner.com2nd: Uncle Bill’s Pancake and Dinner House 3rd: Courtesy DinerHonorable Mention: City Diner

favorite food truck

SEOUL TACO314.863.1148, seoultaco.com2nd: Guerrilla Street Food3rd: Completely Sauced on Wheels and Mission Taco Truck (tie)Honorable Mention: Cha Cha Chow Food Truck

favorite barbecue

PAPPY’S SMOKEHOUSE3106 Olive St., St. Louis, 314.535.4340, pappyssmokehouse.com and

SUGARFIRE SMOKE HOUSE (tie)Various locations, sugarfiresmokehouse.com2nd: Bogart’s Smokehouse3rd: Salt & SmokeHonorable Mention: The Shaved Duck

favorite brunch

BRASSERIE BY NICHE4580 Laclede Ave., St. Louis, 314.454.0600, brasseriebyniche.com2nd: Half & Half 3rd: Cleveland-HeathHonorable Mention: Nathalie’s

favorite burger

BAILEYS’ RANGE920 Olive St., St. Louis, 314.241.8121, baileysrange.com2nd: O’Connell’s Pub and Five Star Burgers (tie)3rd: Blueberry HillHonorable Mention: Stacked Burger Bar and The Dam (tie)

favorite chicken wings

SYBERG’S RESTAURANT & BARVarious locations, sybergs.com2nd: Culpeppers Grill and Bar and The Shaved Duck (tie)3rd: Three Kings Public HouseHonorable Mention: Michael’s Bar & Grill

favorite doughnuts

STRANGE DONUTS2709 Sutton Blvd., Maplewood, 314.932.5851; 107 E. Argonne St., Kirkwood, 314.394.2323, strangedonuts.com 2nd: Vincent Van Doughnut 3rd: World’s Fair DonutsHonorable Mention: Donut Drive-In

favorite sandwiches

BLUES CITY DELI2438 McNair Ave., St. Louis, 314.773.8225, bluescitydeli.com2nd: Fozzie’s Sandwich Emporium3rd: Union Loafers Café and Bread BakeryHonorable Mention: Adriana’s on The Hill and Mom’s Deli (tie)

favorite fried chicken

SOUTHERN3108 Olive St., St. Louis, 314.531.4668, stlsouthern.com2nd: Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken3rd: Hodak’s Restaurant Honorable Mention: Porter’s Fried Chicken and Byrd & Barrel (tie)

favorite frozen desserts

TED DREWES FROZEN CUSTARD6726 Chippewa St., St. Louis, 314.481.2652; 4224 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, 314.352.7376, teddrewes.com2nd: Ices Plain & Fancy3rd: Serendipity Homemade Ice CreamHonorable Mention: Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Creamery

favorite pizza

PI PIZZERIAVarious locations, pi-pizza.com2nd: Dewey’s Pizza 3rd: Peel Wood Fired Pizza and PW Pizza (tie)Honorable Mention: Pastaria and Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria (tie)

favorite seafood

PEACEMAKER LOBSTER & CRAB1831 Sidney St., St. Louis, 314.772.8858, peacemakerstl.com2nd: Broadway Oyster Bar3rd: DeMun Oyster Bar and Oceano Bistro (tie)Honorable Mention: 801 Fish and Farmhaus (tie)

bibimbap from oriental spoon, your

favorite korean restaurant


favorite steak

TUCKER’S PLACEVarious locations, tuckersplacestl.com2nd: Citizen Kane’s Steak House3rd: 801 ChophouseHonorable Mention: Annie Gunn’s

favorite vegetarian/vegan

LULU’S LOCAL EATERY3201 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, 314.300.8215, luluslocaleatery.com2nd: Tree House Vegetarian Restaurant 3rd: Small BatchHonorable Mention: Frida’s and Gokul Indian Restaurant (tie)

favorite american nouveau

REEDS AMERICAN TABLE7322 Manchester Road, Maplewood, 314.899.9821, reedsamericantable.com2nd: Niche (closed)3rd: Sidney Street Cafe Honorable Mention: Boundary and The Libertine (tie)

favorite american traditional

CLEVELAND-HEATH106 N. Main St., Edwardsville, 618.307.4830, clevelandheath.com2nd: Annie Gunn’s3rd: J McArthur’s An American KitchenHonorable Mention: One 19 North Tapas Wine Bar

favorite cajun/creole

BROADWAY OYSTER BAR736 S. Broadway, St. Louis, 314.621.8811, broadwayoysterbar.com2nd: Riverbend Restaurant & Bar3rd: Evangeline’s Bistro & Music House and The Kitchen Sink (tie)Honorable Mention: Molly’s in Soulard and Sister Cities Cajun & BBQ (tie)

favorite chinese

LULU SEAFOOD & DIM SUM8224 Olive Blvd., University City, 314.997.3108, luluseafood.com2nd: Chinese Noodle Cafe3rd: Royal Chinese BBQ and Sesame Chinese Restaurant (tie)

Honorable Mention: House of Wong and Wang Gang Asian Eats (tie)

favorite eastern european/bosnian

HANDLEBAR4127 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, 314.652.2212, handlebarstl.com2nd: Bosna Gold (closed)3rd: Stari Grad Honorable Mention: Taft Street Restaurant & Bar

favorite english/irish/scottish

THE SCOTTISH ARMS8 S. Sarah St., St. Louis, 314.776.1407, thescottisharms.com2nd: John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub & Garden 3rd: Dressel’s Public HouseHonorable Mention: Seamus McDaniel’s

favorite french

BRASSERIE BY NICHE4580 Laclede Ave., St. Louis, 314.454.0600, brasseriebyniche.com2nd: Vin de Set3rd: Bar Les Frères Honorable Mention: Café Provencal

favorite german

SCHNEITHORST’S RESTAURANT & BAR1600 S. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, 314.993.4100, schneithorst.com2nd: Urban Chestnut Brewing Co.3rd: Dreamland Palace German RestaurantHonorable Mention: The Feasting Fox

favorite greek

OLYMPIA KEBOB HOUSE AND TAVERNA1543 McCausland Ave., St. Louis, 314.781.1299, olympiakebobandtaverna.com2nd: Spiro’s 3rd: Michael’s Bar & GrillHonorable Mention: Momo’s Ouzaria Taverna

favorite indian

HOUSE OF INDIA8501 Delmar Blvd., University

City, 314.567.6850, hoistl.com2nd: India Rasoi 3rd: Haveli Indian Restaurant and India Palace (tie)Honorable Mention: Taj Indian Cuisine

favorite italian

PASTARIA7734 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314.862.6603, pastariastl.com2nd: Trattoria Marcella3rd: Cunnetto House of Pasta and Zia’s on The Hill (tie)Honorable Mention: Acero

favorite sushi/japanese

WASABI SUSHI BARVarious locations, wasabisushibars.com2nd: Nobu’s Japanese Restaurant3rd: Tani Sushi Bistro and Robata of Maplewood (tie)Honorable Mention: Café Mochi

favorite korean

ORIENTAL SPOON229 Harvard Drive, Edwardsville, 618.655.9633, orientalspoon.net2nd: Seoul Taco3rd: Seoul Garden Korean Restaurant and Asian Kitchen Korean Cuisine (tie)Honorable Mention: Kim Cheese Asian Fusion

favorite mexican

MISSION TACO JOINTVarious locations, missiontacojoint.com2nd: Chava’s Mexican Restaurant3rd: Pueblo SolisHonorable Mention: Milagro Modern Mexican and Taqueria El Bronco (tie)

favorite middle eastern

RANOUSH6501 Delmar Blvd., University City, 314.726.6874, ranoush.com2nd: Cafe Natasha’s and Aya Sofia (tie)3rd: The Vine Mediterranean Café & Market and Sameem Afghan Restaurant (tie)Honorable Mention: Everest Café & Bar

favorite soul food/southern

SWEETIE PIE’SVarious locations, sweetiepieskitchen.com2nd: Southern3rd: JuniperHonorable Mention: Old Standard

favorite south american/pan latin

MANGO PERUVIAN CUISINE1001 Washington Ave., St. Louis, 314.621.9993, mangoperu.com2nd: Público3rd: Fritanga Nicaraguan CuisineHonorable Mention: Yemanja Brasil Restaurante

favorite spanish

MODESTO TAPAS BAR AND RESTAURANT5257 Shaw Ave., St. Louis, 314.772.8272, modestotapas.com

2nd: Barcelona Tapas Restaurant3rd: Guido’s Pizzeria & TapasHonorable Mention: Público

favorite thai

FORK & STIX549 Rosedale Ave., St. Louis, 314.863.5572, forknstix.com and

KING AND I RESTAURANT (tie)3155 S. Grand Ave., St. Louis, 314.771.1777, kingandistl.com2nd: Sen Thai Asian Bistro 3rd: Thai Kitchen and Pearl Café (tie)Honorable Mention: Basil Spice Thai Cuisine

favorite vietnamese

MAI LEE8396 Musick Memorial Drive, Brentwood, 314.645.2835, maileestl.com2nd: Pho Grand Restaurant3rd: Banh Mi So # 1Honorable Mention: LemonGrass Restaurant

YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT

from top, the gim rolls and spicy pork bulgogi from oriental spoon


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s t . l o u i s ' b a r t e n d e r s o f t h e y e a r

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TIM WIGGINSRetreat Gastropub

“I was talking to a boss of a company at the bar. I’m trying to remember the exact quote. It was basically, ‘I’m excited for our new hires because I’ve already slept with everyone in the office.’”

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TED KILGOREPlanter’s House

“All of the worst things people have confessed are unfit for print. I have worked at mostly classy places and have served Nebraska farmers, exotic dancers and movie stars. The one connection is people sometimes get really weird after a few drinks. … It’s like improv sometimes.”

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BEN BAUERThe Libertine

“It’s mainly the things you see more than confessions. Most recently I had a couple sitting at the bar, and they seemed really happy when they came, but at some point during the meal they got super quiet. Then she just left, and he started slamming cocktails and talking to everyone about how she had just broken up with him.”

h o n o r a b l e m e n t i o n

SETH WAHLMANEclipse

“A robotics engineer once told me he felt bad about wiping out factory jobs and that his wife was a replacement for his first love. Other than that, it’s mostly affairs.”

– Compiled by Heather Hughes

W h a t ' s t h e w o r s t c o n f e s s i o n y o u ' v e h e a r d w h i l e t e n d i n g b a r ?

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from left, tim wiggins, ben bauer, seth wahlman and ted kilgore at retreat gastropub


f a v o r i t e f o o d t r u c k

SEOUL TACOStuffed to the breaking point with kimchi fried rice, lettuce, cheese, carrots, green onions, sour cream and Seoul sauce, the spicy pork burrito is reason enough for a pilgrimage to the brick and mortar of this Korean barbecue mecca. Throw in a couple pan-fried pot stickers for good measure.

f a v o r i t e r e s t a u r a n tt o t a k e v i s i t o r s

BLUEBERRY HILL This Loop staple serves a ridiculously good, flawlessly charred 7-ounce, 100-percent ground chuck burger. It’s worth the long wait. Stave off hunger pangs with a basket of fried cheddar cheese balls alongside salsa for proper dunking. Order your out-of-towners the fluffy toasted ravioli – some of the best in the city.

f a v o r i t e m i d d l ee a s t e r n

RANOUSHStandouts at this traditional Middle Eastern kitchen include the fried kibbe balls and cheese-stuffed grilled pita kalaj starters, along with the succulent grilled beef shawarma wrapped in a warm pita with creamy garlic sauce.

WITH SEVEN READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS ON ONE STREET, THE DELMAR LOOP IS THE TASTIEST STROLL IN ST. LOUIS .– MATT BERKLEY

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f a v o r i t e p i z z a

PI PIZZERIATake on Chicago deep-dish pizza at its cornmeal-crusted best in the South Side Classico, a supreme feast of gooey mozzarella, thick mushrooms, savory hunks of Berkshire sausage and crisp green peppers and onion.

f a v o r i t e l a t e - n i g h te a t s ( t i e )

PEACOCK DINEROrder the Loop Fling from the breakfast-all-day menu – a sinfully good slinger covered with chorizo gravy. With booze-fueled, Serendipity ice cream-laced milkshakes available well past midnight, it’s little surprise that the Peacock Diner is an after-hours favorite.

f a v o r i t e t h a i ( t i e )

FORK & STIXDelve into an overwhelming bowl of khao soi, a rich and satisfying curry noodle soup swimming with soft wonton noodles, crispy yellow noodles and chunks of beef, chicken or tofu. And be sure to make use of the nam prik num, a fiery Thai hot sauce.

f a v o r i t e m e x i c a n a n df a v o r i t e l a t e - n i g h te a t s ( t i e )

MISSION TACO JOINTMission gives Mexico’s (and Baja California’s) darling finger food serious thought. Get the killer Mango-Hop-Anero Shrimp Taco, with 4 Hands Incarnation IPA-battered shrimp and fresh mango in hand-pressed corn tortillas. It begs for a cold sip of cerveza.


your favorite bloody mary at cafe osage


YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO DRINKfavorite bar

TASTE4584 Laclede Ave., St. Louis, 314.361.1200, tastebarstl.com2nd: Planter’s House3rd: The Side Project Cellar and 21st Street Brewer’s Bar (tie)Honorable Mention: Three Sixty

favorite beer list

INTERNATIONAL TAP HOUSEVarious locations, internationaltaphouse.com2nd: The Side Project Cellar3rd: Global Brew Tap House & LoungeHonorable Mention: 21st Street Brewer’s Bar

favorite local beer

ZWICKELUrban Chestnut Brewing Co., 3229 Washington Ave.; 4465 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, 314.222.0143, urbanchestnut.com2nd: American Brown, The Civil Life Brewing Co.3rd: Citrapolis, The Modern BreweryHonorable Mention: Abraxas, Perennial Artisan Ales and Send Help, 4 Hands Brewing Co. (tie)

favorite local brewery

SCHLAFLY BEER2100 Locust St., St. Louis; 7260 Southwest Ave., Maplewood, 314.241.2337, schlafly.com2nd: Urban Chestnut Brewing Co. and 4 Hands Brewing Co. (tie)3rd: The Civil Life Brewing Co.Honorable Mention: Perennial Artisan Ales

favorite craft cocktails

PLANTER’S HOUSE1000 Mississippi Ave., St. Louis, 314.696.2603, plantershousestl.com2nd: Taste3rd: EclipseHonorable Mention: The Libertine and Sanctuaria (tie)

favorite coffee shop

KALDI’S COFFEEVarious locations, kaldiscoffee.com2nd: Sump Coffee3rd: Blueprint CoffeeHonorable Mention: Park Avenue Coffee and Comet Coffee & Microbrewery (tie)

favorite bloody mary

CAFE OSAGE4605 Olive St., St. Louis, 314.454.6868, bowoodfarms.com2nd: Hiro Asian Kitchen3rd: Sub Zero Vodka BarHonorable Mention: Rooster

favorite sports bar

THE POST SPORTS BAR & GRILL7372 Manchester Road, Maplewood, 314.645.1109;763 Old Ballas Road, Creve Coeur, 314.736.1205, thepostsportsbar.com2nd: Friendly’s Sports Bar & Grill3rd: Sportsman’s Park and Lester’s Sports Bar & Grill (tie)Honorable Mention: Amsterdam Tavern

favorite day-drinking spot

URBAN CHESTNUT BREWING CO.3229 Washington Ave.; 4465 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, 314.222.0143, urbanchestnut.com2nd: The Civil Life Brewing Co. and Blueberry Hill (tie)3rd: Sasha’s on ShawHonorable Mention: The Royale Food and Spirits

favorite wine bar

SASHA’S ON SHAW4069 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, 314.771.7274, sashaswinebar.com 2nd: Robust Wine Bar3rd: 33 Wine Shop & Bar Honorable Mention: Ernesto’s Wine Bar and Olio (tie)

favorite local winery

CHAUMETTE VINEYARDS & WINERY24345 State Route WW, Ste. Genevieve, 573.747.1000,

chaumette.com2nd: Montelle Winery3rd: Cedar Lake CellarsHonorable Mention: Chandler Hill Vineyards

YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOPfavorite bread bakery

COMPANIONVarious locations, companionbaking.com2nd: Union Loafers Café and Bread Bakery3rd: 222 Artisan BakeryHonorable Mention: Great Harvest Bread Co.

favorite butcher shop

BOLYARD’S MEAT & PROVISIONS2810 Sutton Blvd., Maplewood, 314.647.2567, bolyardsmeat.com2nd: Kenrick’s Meats and Catering3rd: Baumann’s Fine Meats and The Block Restaurant, Butcher and Bar (tie)Honorable Mention: Manninos Market and Truffles Butchery (tie)

favorite cakes/pastries

LA PATISSERIE CHOUQUETTE1626 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, 314.932.7935, simonefaure.com2nd: Pint Size Bakery & Coffee3rd: La Bonne Bouchée Honorable Mention: Sarah’s Cake Shop

favorite candy/chocolate shop

CROWN CANDY KITCHEN1401 St. Louis Ave., St. Louis, 314.621.9650, crowncandykitchen.com2nd: Kakao Chocolate3rd: Bissinger’s Handcrafted ChocolatierHonorable Mention: Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Co.

favorite caterer

HOLLYBERRY CATERING10037 Manchester Road, Kirkwood, 314.835.9977, hollyberrycatering.com2nd: Butler’s Pantry3rd: Catering St. LouisHonorable Mention: Moulin Events and Meetings

favorite cooking classes

DIERBERGS MARKETSVarious locations, dierbergs.com2nd: Kitchen Conservatory3rd: SchnucksHonorable Mention: Eckert’s Country Store and Farms

favorite farmers market

SOULARD FARMERS MARKET730 Carroll St., St. Louis, 314.622.4180, soulardmarket.com2nd: Tower Grove Farmers’ Market3rd: Kirkwood Farmers’ Market Honorable Mention: Schlafly Farmers Market

favorite grocery store

DIERBERGS MARKETSVarious locations, dierbergs.com2nd: Trader Joe’s3rd: Schnucks and Whole Foods (tie)Honorable Mention: Straub’s

favorite liquor store

RANDALL’S WINES & SPIRITSVarious locations, shoprandalls.com2nd: Friar Tuck Beverage and Lukas Wine & Spirits Superstore (tie)3rd: Total Wine & MoreHonorable Mention: Parker’s Table

favorite wine shop

THE WINE AND CHEESE PLACEVarious locations, thewineandcheeseplace.com 2nd: The Wine Merchant Ltd.3rd: Parker’s TableHonorable Mention: Bin 51 Wine & Spirits

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readers' choice 2016

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