The folks at St. Louis Magazine recently compiled an awesome list of the oldest restaurants in St. Louis. Reading through it made us nostalgic for these spots — some of which St. Louisans have loved for more than a century. These restaurants, like fine wine, only get better with age. In that spirit, here’s our tip of the hat to the best spots to stand the test of time.
Gioia’s Deli
(1934 Macklind Avenue, 314-776-9410)
YEAR OPENED: 1918
Grandparent-approved Gioia’s has been the hotspot to get hot salami since the end of World War I.
Photo credit: Jaime Lees
The Piccadilly at Manhattan
(7201 Piccadilly Avenue, 314-646-0016)
YEAR OPENED: 1901
This jewel of a neighborhood restaurant is the longest-running restaurant in all of St. Louis. It opened three years before the World’s Fair.
Photo credit: Jennifer Silverberg
Venice Café
(1903 Pestalozzi Street, 314-772-5994)
YEAR OPENED: 1988
People have been partying at the eclectic Venice Cafe since a half a decade before the Flood of ’93.
Photo credit: Caillin Murray
Crown Candy Kitchen
(1401 St. Louis Avenue, 314-623-9650)
YEAR OPENED: 1913
Ironically, they don’t sell candy crowns, but they do sell some of the best sweets and malts in town.
Photo credit: Keith Yahl / Flickr
Lombardo’s
(201 South Twentieth Street, 314-621-0666)
YEAR OPENED: 1934
Many restaurants claim to be the first to serve toasted ravioli, but few do so well as Lombardo’s, the upscale Italian trattoria next to Union Station that opened in 1934.
Photo credit: Monica Mileur
The Pat Connolly Tavern
(6400 Oakland Avenue, 314-647-7287)
YEAR OPENED: 1942
Family-owned since 1942, this bar and restaurant is one of the most beloved spots in Dogtown.
Photo credit: Kelly Glueck
Spencer’s Grill
(223 South Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood; 314-821-2601)
YEAR OPENED: 1947
This old-fashioned diner has been one of the busiest meeting spots in downtown Kirkwood since 1947.
Photo credit: Johnny Fugitt
Tony’s
(105 Carondelet Plaza, 314-231-7007)
YEAR OPENED: 1946
For more than six decades, this family-owned Italian restaurant has maintained a standard of excellence many never achieve. Originally a spaghetti house in 1946, Tony’s has been a fine-dining destination for decades.
Photo credit: Monica Mileur
Frank & Helen’s Pizzeria
(8111 Olive Boulevard, University City; 314-997-0666)
YEAR OPENED: 1956
This University City institution has remained virtually unchanged since opening in 1956. Stop in for some fabulous pizza the next time you’re near.
Photo credit: Cheryl Baehr
Charcoal House
(9855 Manchester Road, Rock Hill; 314-968-4842)
YEAR OPENED: 1906
Known as “the original St. Louis steakhouse,” this joint has been open for 113 years because it’s just that good.
Photo credit: Google Maps
Amighetti’s
(9631 Manchester Road, 314-962-6030)
YEAR OPENED: 1921
Famous for its fresh-out-of-the-oven bread, this sandwich joint has been impressing St. Louis since 1921.
Photo credit: Google Maps
Al’s Restaurant
(1200 North First Street, 314-421-6399)
YEAR OPENED: 1925
Open since Calvin Coolidge was President, Al’s Restaurant is the oldest and best spot in town to slurp down some escargot.
Photo credit: Google Maps
Kreis’ Steakhouse & Bar
(525 South Lindbergh, 314-993-0735)
YEAR OPENED: 1948
This locally-owned steakhouse on Lindbergh has been serving fancy steaks and seafood to hungry St. Louisans since 1948.
Photo credit: Google Maps
Pio’s Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge
(403 First Captol Drive, St. Charles; 636-946-2522)
YEAR OPENED: 1954
Pio’s is credited with introducing thin crust pizza, toasted ravioli and pizza burgers to the St. Charles area way back in 1954.
Photo credit: Google Maps
Farotto’s Pasta, Pizza & Catering
(9525 Manchester Road, Rock Hill; 314-962-0048)
YEAR OPENED: 1956
For great Italian food, everybody knows to hit up Farotto’s on Manchester. They’ve been doing it right since 1956.
Photo credit: Google Maps
15 of 41

Chuck-A-Burger Drive-In Restaurant
(9025 St. Ch

Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.