My most recent adventure led me to the vibrant city of St. Louis. St. Louis is celebrated not only for its rich history and the iconic Gateway Arch but also for its diverse and delectable culinary scene. I will take you on a flavorful journey through the dishes I had the pleasure of savoring in this city. I will describe my experiences at three restaurants where I sampled some of the most mouthwatering dishes and recommend four more must-try dishes and the best places to enjoy them. Along the way, I’ll provide detailed insights into the flavors, the pros and cons, the overall deliciousness, and even a recommendation index for each dish. Additionally, I’ll share my thoughts on the booking platforms that can help you plan your culinary journey in St. Louis.

Must-Try Dishes in St. Louis

  • Toasted Ravioli at Mama’s on the Hill
  • St. Louis BBQ Ribs at Pappy’s Smokehouse
  • Gooey Butter Cake at Park Avenue Coffee
  • Slinger at Courtesy Diner
  • Ted Drewes Concrete at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

Toasted Ravioli at Mama’s on the Hill

Location: The Hill Neighborhood

Experience:
My culinary journey in St. Louis commenced with a classic Italian-American dish, Toasted Ravioli, at Mama’s on the Hill. The Hill neighborhood is renowned for its Italian heritage, and Mama’s is a beloved eatery that epitomizes authentic Italian cuisine.

Toasted Ravioli is a delightful crispy appetizer featuring ravioli stuffed with savory fillings, typically served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. As the plate arrived, the aroma of the golden-brown, crunchy ravioli wafted through the air, setting the stage for a delightful meal.

The first bite was a revelation. The ravioli was perfectly toasted, providing a satisfying crunch that led to a flavorful, meaty filling. The combination of textures and flavors was a true delight for the taste buds. The accompanying marinara sauce added a tangy and slightly sweet contrast, making it a mouthwatering experience.

Pros:

  • Authentic Italian flavors: Mama’s on the Hill is known for serving traditional Italian dishes, and their Toasted Ravioli lives up to the reputation. It’s a genuine taste of Italy right in St. Louis.
  • Great for sharing: The generous portion size makes it an ideal dish for sharing with friends or family, allowing everyone to savor the flavors.

Cons:

  • Can be a bit heavy: While the dish is delicious, the combination of deep-fried ravioli and a rich filling can be filling, making it a heavy appetizer. It’s advisable not to overindulge if you plan on enjoying a full meal afterward.
  • Might fill you up quickly: Given the substantial serving size and rich flavors, you might find yourself feeling full sooner than expected.

Deliciousness: 9/10

Recommendation Index: 9

St. Louis BBQ Ribs at Pappy’s Smokehouse

Location: Midtown Neighborhood

Experience:
For a true taste of St. Louis’ barbecue heritage, I couldn’t resist trying the St. Louis BBQ Ribs at Pappy’s Smokehouse. Located in the Midtown neighborhood, Pappy’s is a legendary barbecue joint that has garnered a devoted following for its mouthwatering meats.

The St. Louis BBQ Ribs were everything a barbecue lover could dream of. As the plate arrived, I was greeted by a mouthwatering aroma of hickory-smoked goodness. The ribs were tender, smoky, and coated with a flavorful dry rub that had me salivating.

The meat practically fell off the bone, and each bite was a burst of smoky, savory perfection. Pappy’s offers a variety of barbecue sauces, each with its unique flavor profile, allowing diners to customize their rib experience. I sampled a few and found them all to be finger-licking good.

Pros:

  • Succulent meat: Pappy’s Smokehouse is known for its expertly smoked meats, and the St. Louis BBQ Ribs live up to the reputation. The meat was incredibly tender and packed with smoky flavor.
  • Finger-licking good sauces: The selection of barbecue sauces adds depth and variety to the ribs. Whether you prefer sweet, spicy, or tangy, there’s a sauce for everyone.

Cons:

  • Long lines during peak hours: Pappy’s popularity means that it can get crowded during peak dining hours. Be prepared to wait in line, but rest assured, it’s worth it.
  • Might require patience: Good barbecue takes time to prepare, so be prepared for the possibility of a bit of a wait for your food. However, the wait is part of the experience and allows the flavors to develop.

Deliciousness: 10/10

Recommendation Index: 10

Gooey Butter Cake at Park Avenue Coffee

Location: Soulard Neighborhood

Experience:
My quest for delectable St. Louis dishes led me to the Soulard neighborhood, where I discovered the sweet indulgence of Gooey Butter Cake at Park Avenue Coffee. This local dessert is a St. Louis specialty, and Park Avenue Coffee is renowned for serving up some of the best in the city.

Gooey Butter Cake is a dessert lover’s dream. It’s a sweet, rich, and gooey treat that’s pure indulgence. The first bite revealed a delightful combination of buttery goodness and a sweet, gooey filling that melted in my mouth. The cake had a slightly crispy top layer that provided a satisfying contrast to the velvety center.

Pros:

  • Unique local dessert: Gooey Butter Cake is a St. Louis original, and Park Avenue Coffee is the perfect place to experience it. It’s a dessert that’s unique to the region, and trying it is a must for any visitor.
  • Perfect for those with a sweet tooth: If you have a penchant for sweet treats, Gooey Butter Cake will be right up your alley. It’s a dessert that doesn’t hold back on sweetness.

Cons:

  • High sugar content: Due to its gooey nature and sweet filling, Gooey Butter Cake is high in sugar. It might not be the best choice for those actively avoiding sugary treats.
  • Not for those avoiding sweets: If you’re not a fan of intensely sweet desserts, Gooey Butter Cake might be overwhelming. It’s a dessert that unapologetically embraces its sweetness.

Deliciousness: 9/10

Recommendation Index: 9

Slinger at Courtesy Diner

Location: Various Locations

Experience:
The Slinger is a hearty and filling dish that I couldn’t resist trying, and I found it at the Courtesy Diner, which has several locations throughout St. Louis. The Slinger is a unique and quintessentially St. Louis creation that combines various ingredients to create a satisfying and flavorful dish.

The Slinger typically consists of a base layer of hash browns, topped with a hamburger patty, two eggs (cooked to your preference), and smothered in chili. It

‘s a diverse combination of flavors and textures that promises to leave you feeling satisfied.

My Slinger arrived at the diner, and I was immediately struck by the generous portion size. The dish looked like a mountain of food, and I was excited to dive in. The first bite was a revelation of flavors. The crispy hash browns provided a textural contrast to the tender burger patty and the rich, savory chili. The eggs added a creamy element to the dish, making each bite a harmonious blend of diverse ingredients.

Pros:

  • Perfect hangover cure: The Slinger is often touted as the ideal hangover cure due to its hearty and satisfying nature. It’s the kind of dish that can revive you after a night out.
  • A blend of diverse flavors: The combination of hash browns, a burger, eggs, and chili creates a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and adventurous. It’s a dish that encapsulates the essence of St. Louis cuisine.

Cons:

  • High calorie content: Given the generous portions and the richness of the ingredients, the Slinger can be quite calorie-dense. It’s not the best choice for those aiming for a light meal.
  • Not suitable for light eaters: If you have a small appetite, the Slinger might be overwhelming. It’s a dish designed for those who have a hearty appetite and are ready for a substantial meal.

Deliciousness: 8/10

Recommendation Index: 8

Ted Drewes Concrete at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

Location: Multiple Locations

Experience:
To wrap up my culinary journey in St. Louis on a sweet note, I couldn’t miss trying the famous Ted Drewes Concrete. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, with multiple locations throughout the city, is an iconic institution known for its rich and creamy custard creations.

The Concrete at Ted Drewes is a delightful concoction of frozen custard blended with a variety of toppings and mix-ins. The range of choices is staggering, allowing you to create a custom dessert tailored to your preferences.

I opted for a classic Concrete with hot fudge and pecans, and I was immediately impressed. The frozen custard was incredibly creamy, with a velvety texture that was pure indulgence. The hot fudge added a rich, chocolatey element, while the pecans provided a satisfying crunch. It was the perfect treat on a warm day, and it wasn’t long before I found myself savoring every spoonful.

Pros:

  • Endless topping combinations: The Ted Drewes Concrete offers a vast array of toppings and mix-ins, allowing you to create a dessert that suits your exact preferences. Whether you’re a fan of fruits, nuts, chocolates, or candies, there’s something for everyone.
  • Perfect for hot days: St. Louis can get quite warm during the summer, and the frozen custard at Ted Drewes is a refreshing way to cool down and indulge in a sweet treat.

Cons:

  • May be crowded during peak summer months: Ted Drewes is a beloved local institution, and it’s not uncommon to find long lines during the peak summer months when everyone is seeking to beat the heat with a frozen custard treat. Be prepared for a bit of a wait.
  • High calorie content: While it’s undoubtedly delicious, the Concrete can be calorie-dense, especially if you opt for multiple toppings. It’s a dessert best enjoyed in moderation.

Deliciousness: 9/10

Recommendation Index: 9

My culinary exploration in St. Louis revealed a diverse and mouthwatering array of dishes that cater to various tastes and preferences. From the traditional Italian flavors of Toasted Ravioli at Mama’s on the Hill to the finger-licking goodness of St. Louis BBQ Ribs at Pappy’s Smokehouse, the city offers a culinary journey like no other.

Gooey Butter Cake at Park Avenue Coffee is a must-try, and the rich and indulgent flavors will leave you craving for more. The Slinger at Courtesy Diner is a unique St. Louis creation that offers a blend of diverse flavors and is perfect for those seeking a hearty and satisfying meal.

And when it’s time for dessert, don’t miss the Ted Drewes Concrete, where the options are virtually limitless, and you can create a custom dessert that suits your taste.

Each of these dishes and their respective eateries offers a distinct experience, and your choice will depend on your preferences. Whether you’re a fan of savory, sweet, or a bit of both, St. Louis has something to satisfy every palate.

So, why not plan your culinary journey in St. Louis, trying these dishes at the recommended eateries? You’re in for a delightful experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the city’s culinary culture and a satisfied palate. Enjoy your St. Louis food adventure!