INNER-RING SUBURBS 801 CHOPHOUSE
AVENUE
BILLIE-JEAN
STEAKHOUSE.
This restaurant is a throwback to the days when green-coated servers pushed guéridon carts through fine dining rooms. A magnificent oval bar anchors the restaurant, the fifth location of the Des Moines, Iowa– based chain. DINNER DAILY. 137 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton, 314-875-9900, 801restaurant group.com/st-louis. $$$$
Chef Bryan Carr’s reliable newest outpost serves modern and homestyle fare with French accents. Ask for a seat in the back room, with its fireplace and chandelier; it’s a great spot for a quiet business breakfast. BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AND DINNER DAILY, BRUNCH SAT & SUN. 12 N. Meramec, Clayton, 314-727-4141, avestl.com. $$$
AMERICAN. A stone’s throw from owner Zoë Robinson’s other two restaurants (I Fratellini and Bar Les Fréres) is her newest, named after her parents. The culinary focus is American and Asian; the black walls and white accents conjure a 1940s New York supper club. D I N N E R T U E – SAT . 7610 Wydown, Clayton, 314-797-8484, billejeanstl.com. $$$
801 FISH
BARCELONA TAPAS RESTAURANT
BILLY G’S KIRKWOOD
At St. Louis’ most lavish seafood restaurant, everything is posh and sleek, and the wine list shines. The oceans’ best appears with a minimum of fussiness—the emphasis is on the fish itself. 801 boasts the best chilled shrimp and fried clams this side of the Mississippi. Go early for the felicitous happy hour. LUNCH MON–FRI, DINNER DAILY. 172 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton, 314-875-9636, 801fish.com. $$$$
This high-energy spot is famous for its sangria, small plates, and sidewalk tables. It’s well suited for a night out watching the game or a first date. LUNCH AND DINNER DAILY. 34 N. Central, Clayton, 314-8639909, barcelonatapas.com/st-louis. $$
AMERICAN. It looks like the Taos Pueblo outside. Inside are burgers the size of your head, decent BBQ, pizzas, and nachos. The bar is comfortable, and the terrace is spacious, with attractive fire pits. It’s a family-type place, though a younger crowd moves in as the night deepens. LU N C H A N D D I N N E R DA I LY. 131 W. Argonne, Kirkwood, 314-984-8000, billygskirkwood.com. $$
SEAFO OD.
ACERO Cucina povera is glorious at this simple-yet-trendsetting place, where lighter pasta portions and affordable wine quartinos contribute to satisfying, memorable dinners. The four-course prix fixe is inevitably worthwhile. D I N N E R M O N – SAT. 7266 Manchester, Maplewood, 314-644-1790, fialafood.com/acero. $$ I TA L I A N .
AMERICAN.
S M A L L P L AT E S.
BAR LES FRÈRES FRENCH. Despite the name, Bar Les Frères is not your brothers’ bar. (It’s actually across the street from I Fratellini, also owned by restaurateur Zoë Robinson.) One of the most romantic restaurants in town, the tiny storefront is the perfect spot for a glass of Champagne, whether to make a first impression or to celebrate a special occasion. DINNER MON– SAT. 7637 Wydown, Clayton, 314-725-8880, barlesfreres.net. $$$
On the increasingly competitive fried-chicken scene, this popular inexpensive haunt—which also boasts many notable New Orleans–influenced dishes— continues to shine. LUNCH TUE–FRI, DINNER TUE–SAT. 8127 Maryland, Clayton, 314-725-1019, almondsrestaurant.com. $$
AMIGOS CANTINA
BIG SKY CAFE
This fun, informal eatery is perhaps the best margarita bar in town. You’ll find the usual Mexican offerings, including some excellent fajitas. The lunch specials are tasty, too. The restaurant is often busy and can get loud, so opt for the rear patio (El Porche) if weather permits. LUNCH AND DINNER DAILY. 120 W. Jefferson, Kirkwood, 314-8210877, amigoskirkwood.com. $$
AMERICAN. The presentations here are among the most artistic in town—they can actually distract diners from the wildly decorated interior. Seasonal menus guarantee return visits. Favorites include the salmon burger and the passing freight trains. The service is snappy, so Big Sky’s an ideal destination when you have plans for later in the evening. LUNCH TUE–FRI, DINNER TUE–SUN, BRUNCH SAT & SUN. 47 S. Old Orchard, Webster Groves, 314-962-5757, bigskycafe.net. $$$
AMERICAN.
MEXICAN.
AMERICAN. This Loop landmark is known for its pop culture memorabilia and darts tournaments. But it’s also a destination for hearty bar food, all-day breakfast, and a latenight menu. The Duck Room downstairs was a fixture for the late Chuck Berry. LUNCH AND DINNER DAILY. 6504 Delmar, University City, 314-727-4444, blueberryhill.com. $
BASSO ITALIAN. The draw here, at one of the hippest bistro-type eateries in town, is smallportion Italian fare: roasted Brussels sprouts, seared pork belly, creamy burrata. Pizzas are topped with unexpected ingredients like duck egg and shrimp sausage. And happy hour doesn’t cease till 7 p.m. DINNER DAILY. 7036 Clayton, Richmond Heights, 314932-7820, basso-stl.com. $$
ALMONDS RESTAURANT
BLUEBERRY HILL
BOUNDARY A M E R I C A N . The flagship restaurant at The Cheshire (formerly The Restaurant) rebranded, adding a raw bar and an array of comfortable seating options. The open kitchen and the chef ’s table remain for those who like to see the back of the house at work. LU N C H M O N – SAT, D I N N E R DA I LY, BRUNCH SAT & SUN. 7036 Clayton, Richmond Heights, 314-932-7818, boundary-stl.com. $$$
BRICKTOP’S A M E R I CA N. This attractively appointed, dimly lit place near Plaza Frontenac fills the bill, no matter what sounds good for dinner. Fresh seafood is delivered daily, and you can find classics such as meatloaf, prime rib, salads, and burgers. Don’t miss the candied bacon–and–deviled egg appetizer. L U N C H A N D D I N N E R D A I LY. 10342 Clayton, Frontenac, 314-567-6300, bricktops.com/st-louis. $$$
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