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Southwest Diner
Favorite Coffee
Favorite Doughnuts/Pastry
Favorite Omelets
Cof fee Ca r t el
St r a n ge Donut s
Now that it seems like everybody’s got their own Keurigs, coffee has become a lot less social. What used to be a time to meet up and chat has been replaced by impersonal machines that take up valuable kitchen-counter real estate. (Not to mention the havoc those wee plastic cups are wreaking on the environment.) The good news is there’s Coffee Cartel, open 24 hours a day, anchoring the heart of the Central West End at Maryland and Euclid avenues. Rejoin civilization with a cup of coffee, from the medium-bodied Colombian, to the robust Ethiopian, or just chill with some decaf. (There’s also a flavored option that varies daily; ask your barista for details.) Check out Coffee Cartel’s webcam: Look! There’s people! Even at 2 a.m.! Actual sentient human beings, laughing, socializing, bonding over cups of coffee – exactly as it should be.
If Austin has dibs on “Keep Austin Weird,” it’d be cool if St. Louis could somehow get in on Strange Donuts’ motto: “Be nice. Stay Strange.” After all, Strange Donuts is one of the area’s greatest success stories. After its much-hyped opening in October 2013, the Maplewood shop has managed to meet – and surpass – high expectations. Since then, stores in Kirkwood and Columbia have gotten in on the fun, Strange Trap Kitchen recently opened in the CWE, and the company continues to make headlines: Nerdist Chris Hardwick stopped by the Maplewood outpost to grab some dones after his set at the Pageant. Classic glazed and long-john doughnuts have their rightful place on the menu, but so do pizza and hog dones, as well as specialty ones that are topped with roast beef and fried chicken. Amid all this delightful craziness, Strange Donuts’ quest to buy the Rams this winter seems downright normal. Can Strange world domination be far behind?
Unc le Bi l l’s Pa nc a ke & D i n ner Hou s e
RUNNERS
UP 2. 3. 4. 5.
Sump Coffee Hartford Coffee Company Park Avenue Coffee The Mud House
30 | RESTAURANTS 2015 | riverfronttimes.com
RUNNERS
UP 2. 3. 4. 5.
World’s Fair Doughnuts Vincent Van Doughnut Donut Drive-In Piccione Pastry
If you’ve ever tried to make an omelet yourself, you’ll notice a few things right off the bat. First, the recipe likely calls for just a couple of eggs. Second, that trying to fold those suckers is just the worst. Of course, Uncle Bill’s ably takes care of the folding part, but the omelets – pick from among Western, veggie, turkey and cheese, and more – are especially impressive because they’re made with not two, but three eggs. And as if that weren’t generous enough, UB’s serves them with a side of biscuits, toast or three buttermilk pancakes (see Favorite Pancakes for more on those) for about $9. And because Uncle Bill’s is open all day (see Favorite 24-Hour Breakfast), you can get them ‘round the clock.
RUNNERS
UP 2. 3. 4. 5.
Chris’ Pancake & Dining Southwest Diner City Diner The Shack