Every city is known for their signature dishes and St. Louis is no different. There are many tasty dishes in St. Louis. In our city we enjoy a wide array of cuisine. From The Hill and its original Italian dining, to our South City diners, St. Louis offers many choices when it comes to places to eat. Below are nine dishes you must eat in St. Louis before you die:
1. Sporty's Wings
Sportsman's Park is located at 9901 Clayton Road in the town of Ladue. Opened in 1974 by Norman Probstein and St. Louis Cardinals great Jackie Smith, Sportsman's is still going strong today. Norman's son Jim now owns and operates the establishment and has successfully built a "Cheers" like atmosphere the local's love. Long time bartenders of Sportsman's Park such as Shelly Pogue, work hard to ensure their customers are number one. Sportsman's Park not only boasts an inviting atmosphere, but also some of the best wings in St. Louis. There are six types of wings including "trashed." They also make their Ranch and Bleu Cheese dipping sauces homemade, and they are delicious! If you are hosting a party you can order off the Sportsman's party menu. Sporty's wings are another St. Louis favorite dish you must try before you die.
2. Charlie Gitto's Toasted Ravioli
Toasted Ravioli is a St. Louis special. Charlie Gitto's on "The Hill" claims to be the original creator of this delicious appetizer. Open for close to 40 years, Charlie's Italian cuisine is undeniably some of the best in St. Louis. Charlie Gitto's was voted time and time again number one when it comes to their original St. Louis appetizer. If you live in St. Louis and haven't tried Charlie Gitto's they have several locations. You can find them on "The Hill" at 5226 Shaw Avenue, St. Louis 63110.
3. Monte Bello Pizzeria Thin Crust Pizza
Monte Bello Pizzaria is located at 3662 Weber Road in St. Louis. Opened in 1950, the pizzeria uses the same recipes as they did then. They keep it simple including their dining experience. Even though they are not fancy, one thing is for sure. It is hard to top their St. Louis style thin crust pizza.
4. Hodaks Fried Chicken
You haven't experienced fried chicken until you try St. Louis Hodak's fried chicken. Voted number one in St. Louis 26 years in a row, it is the best fried chicken you will ever eat. Hodak's is located at 2100 Gravois Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104.
5. Gus' Pretzels
Third generation St. Louis pretzel twisters, Gus' Pretzels is still going strong since opening in 1920! Starting in school yards and with street corner peddlers, they now have a shop at 1820 Arsenal Street, St. Louis, 63118. You can view the whole "pretzel process" there several times a day. Gus' Pretzels offers many different types of custom pretzels and is an all-time St. Louis favorite.
6. Smallcakes Cupcakes
If you are like me, you're not well versed on cupcakes. Who knew a cupcake was so complex! One visit to Smallcakes convinced me all cupcakes are not created equal. Smallcakes offers all different types of cupcakes and fillings. You can order specialty cupcakes for parties and events. Located at 343 S. Kirkwood Road, 63122, Smallcakes is a must try for cupcake lovers. You deserve to try one of their amazing cupcakes before you die, they are unbelievably delicious!
7. Sybergs Shark Chunks
Syberg's Gravois at 7802 Gravois Rd in St. Louis is an extremely popular establishment in St. Louis and opened in 1975. With six locations it is clear they know what they are doing. Syberg's also offers live music events from local bands and catering. One of their signature dishes is their Shark Chunks. They are absolutely tasty. Syberg's is also known for their amazing wings with the distinct Syberg's wing sauce. Syberg's wings and shark chunks are definitely two St. Louis dishes you must try before you die.
8. St. Louis Slinger
The St. Louis Slinger is a part of hangover history. It is common after a night on the town to find the people of St. Louis at Courtesy Diner enjoying a good ole' Slinger. This tasty tradition consists of a hamburger patty or sausage, eggs cooked your way, hash browns, chilli, onions, cheese, and any other thing you would like to throw in. Whatever your taste, a Slinger is a weird combination of ingredients with a surprising combined taste! You can try a St. Louis Slinger at one of Courtesy Diner's locations: 1121 Hampton Avenue, 3153 South Kingshighway Boulevard, or 8000 South Laclede Station Road.
9. Pappy's Smokehouse Ribs
You can't make a list of St. Louis favorite foods without BBQ ribs. Putting out 6,000 lbs of smoked ribs a day, Pappy's Smokehouse is a BBQ force in St. Louis that is hard to beat. The numbers don't lie, the Ribs here are crazy awesome. You can try them out for yourself at 3106 Olive St. in St. Louis.
St. Louis offers some of the best food in the Midwest. You can’t go wrong with these all-time favorites whether you are in town visiting or a local. If you are traveling in Missouri and love fried chicken, check out our Ultimate Missouri Fried Chicken Bucket List! What are some of your favorite St. Louis dishes that didn’t make our list?
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.