RFT's 'Best Of St. Louis' Food and Drink in 2021 [PHOTOS]

By Riverfront Times Staff on Thu, Oct 14, 2021 at 4:54 pm

For our annual Best of St. Louis edition, we here at the RFT have gathered the best food and drink spots both near and far in 2021. Whether you're in a pinch on a day trip and need some pizza or want to take a short walk to get some coffee, we have you covered.

As our food editor Cheryl Baehr writes, "These are fraught times for the industry, which is why we take the time to celebrate the following chefs, restaurateurs and industry professionals who refuse to be deterred from sharing their craft."

Baehr hits the nail on the head, so without further ado, here are the food and drink spots we're glad to have -- both close to home and at a distance.

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Best-Kept Secret: Tacos La Jeffa

(3301 Meramec Street)

We can't believe we're letting you in on this, but because we're all friends here, Tacos La Jeffa is a place you need to get familiar with.

Photo credit: Mabel Suen

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Best Burger: Brasswell’s

(1320 South Vandeventer Avenue; 314-256-1657)

Even just the photo of the burger is making our mouth water. Food editor Cheryl Baehr writes what makes this burger the best is that Brasswell's "double cheeseburger doesn’t break the mold but instead shows you why it was created in the first place — and why there’s no reason to mess with perfection."

Photo credit: Mabel Suen

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Best Deli: Al-Tarboush

(602 Westgate Avenue, University City; 314-725-1944)

An icon of the St. Louis deli scene, Cheryl Baehr writes Al-Tarboush Deli has the best falafel, shawarma and numerous other Lebanese delicacies. Oh, and that tantalizing garlic sauce. Yum.

Photo credit: Jen West

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Best Bakery: La Pâtisserie Chouquette

(1626 Tower Grove Avenue; 314-932-7935)

Let's be real, would we have survived the past nineteen months without access to owner Simone Faure's Darkness croissant? Cheryl Baehr doesn't think so.

Photo credit: Mabel Suen

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Best Chinese Restaurant: Chef Ma’s Chinese Gourmet

(10440 Page Avenue, Overland; 314-395-8797)

Chef Ying Jing Ma may be gone, but his employees are carrying on his legacy. Read about his "otherwordly recipes" that will carry his memory here.

Photo credit: Mabel Suen

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Best Cocktails: Narwhal's Crafted

(multiple locations including 3906 Laclede Avenue; 314-696-8388)

In a fun-sucking year-and-a-half, Narwhal's Crafted has provided us a bit of joy in their flights. The adult slushy bar achieves a perfect balance of fun and serious.

Photo credit: Kelly Glueck

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Best Restaurant Success Story: Taqueria Durango

(10238 Page Avenue, Overland; 314-429-1113)

Taqueria Durango was already having a hard year before the COVID-19 pandemic struck. A fire destroyed their building, then the pandemic complicated matters further. Read about how they bounced back here.

Photo credit: Mabel Suen

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Best Italian: Noto

(5105 Westwood Drive, St. Peters; 636-317-1143)

Cheryl Baehr argues for Noto as the Best Italian in St. Louis due to "the handmade pastas, Kendele’s pastries" and more being the stuff dreams are made of.

Photo credit: Mabel Suen

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Best Thai: Chiang Mai

(8158 Big Bend Boulevard, Webster Groves; 314-961-8889)

"Nothing fails to impress at this gem of a restaurant," Cheryl Baehr writes. Read why here.

Photo credit: Mabel Suen

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Best Sandwich: Cubano at Coffeestamp

(2511 South Jefferson Avenue; 314-797-8113)

No spoilers for you, but the Cubano simply has to be added to your list of food to try in St. Louis. Read about how delicious the Cubano is here.

Photo credit: NAME

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Best Neighborhood Restaurant: The Pine Room

(1102 Perry Street, St. Charles; 636-754-6237)

A hidden gem tucked into a neighborhood between Lindenwood University and the St. Charles historic district, the Pine Room hits on our "far" side of the spectrum. Read why Cheryl Baehr thinksthe spot is worthy of a place on our Best Of list.

Photo credit: Kevin Korinek

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$Best Comfort Food: Zenwich (8 ½ South Euclid; 314-833-3165) Jack Probst requests the attention of stoners near and far who are looking for some comfort food that doesn't break the bank. He says Zenwich is the best way to go for its modern takes on Asian cuisine. Photo credit: Mabel Suen$

Best Comfort Food: Zenwich

(8 ½ South Euclid; 314-833-3165)

Jack Probst requests the attention of stoners near and far who are looking for some comfort food that doesn't break the bank. He says Zenwich is the best way to go for its modern takes on Asian cuisine.

Photo credit: Mabel Suen

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Best Food Truck: Izumi

izumistlouis.com

Izumi sells Japanese sandwiches based on traditional English tea fare, courtesy of a tiny red Japanese firetruck. Read more here.

Photo credit: Courtesy Kurt Bellon

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Best St. Louis-Style Pizza: Nick and Elena's

(3007 Woodson Road, Overland; 314-427-6566)

Daniel Hill makes a convincing case for the Overland spot as the best St. Louis-style 'za joint in town.

Photo credit: Google Maps

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Best Chicken Wings: Michael’s Bar and Grill

(7101 Manchester Avenue; 314-644-2240)

The bar and grill has some of the best Greek dishes around, according to Jack Probst, but also has some killer wings.

Photo credit: Andy Paulissen

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Best Breakfast: Songbird

(4476 Chouteau Avenue; 314-781-4344)

Songbird has perfected the breakfast sandwich, Cheryl Baehr writes.

Photo credit: Mabel Suen

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Best Restaurant Service: Little Fox

(2800 Shenandoah Avenue; 314-553-9456)

The New York Times agrees with us on this one. Cheryl Baehr provides further elaboration on just why this is one of America's favorite restaurants here.

Photo credit: Mabel Suen

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Best Pizza That Isn’t St. Louis Style: Pizza Tree

(909 Cherry Street; Columbia, Missouri; 573-874-9925)

Another spot on the "far" side, Pizza Tree is a must-visit if you find yourself in Columbia. Jaime Lees tells you why this spot is worth the drive. Spoiler alert: It's not because we don't have plenty of great spots in St. Louis.

Photo credit: Google Maps

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Best Outdoor Dining: 9 Mile Garden

(9375 Gravois Road; 314-390-2806)

Movies, live music and great food: What else could you ask for? Danny Wicentowski writes "the seeds of great food and family entertainment have clearly grown into something special."

Photo credit: Courtesy 9 Mile Garden

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Best Chef: Nick Bognar of Indo

(1641 D Tower Grove Avenue; 314-899-9333)

Despite the challenges the pandemic has presented, Nick Bognar has still managed to hit several career-high notes, Cheryl Baehr explains.

Photo credit: Mabel Suen

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