Mary Andino
Nestled among the residential areas and shopping centers of Brentwood, Glendale and Rock Hill lie some of St. Louis’s most exciting and diverse restaurant concepts. Whether you’re looking for a quick, fresh lunch or a sit-down dinner at a steakhouse, these areas have it all. Check out our food-lover’s guide below.
Amighetti’s special sandwich.
Christina Kling Garrett
The vibe: A beloved classic Italian deli that’s bound to be bustling during lunch. The menu: The hallmark sandwich, the Amighetti’s Special, includes sliced ham, roast beef, salami, cheese, lots of veg and the deli’s signature dressing. Toasted sandwich options include chicken Parmesan and meatball subs. Online ordering: Available here. More info: instagram.com/amighettis
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9631 Manchester Road, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-962-6030, amighettis.com
The vibe: A small dining room with neon signage and cozy booths. The menu: Brick-oven pizza is the star of the show here; it’s available in New York, Chicago or St. Louis style varieties. Subs and hearty pasta dishes like lasagna round out the menu. Online ordering: Available here. Lunch specials: Visit from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for deals on pasta and sandwiches.
9824 Manchester Road, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-963-1822, amispizza.com/rockhill.html
Carl’s Drive-In burger and root beer.
Nancy Stiles
The vibe: This St. Louis institution has been around for 60 years and will take you back to a simpler time. The menu: This simple and short menu is all about the burgers, fries, hot dogs and floats and shakes. Things to know: Carl’s is cash only. More info: instagram.com/stlcarlsdrivein
9033 Manchester Road, Brentwood, Missouri, 314-961-9652, carlsdrivein.com
Chicken Scratch.
Mabel Suen
The vibe: Charcoal House has the feel of a classy vintage steakhouse you imagine would appear in “Mad Men.” The menu: Premium cuts of steak cooked to perfection, plus salmon, lobster and shrimp cocktail. Reservations: Call to reserve a table. More info: instagram.com/stlcharcoalhouse
9855 Manchester Road, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-968-4842, stlcharcoalhouse.com
The vibe: Casual, counter-service joint that’s popular with the lunch crowd and families alike. The menu: Nate Hereford’s rotisserie chicken is the star here. Get a quarter, half or full bird, or enjoy it in sandwiches and salads. Online ordering: Available here. More info: instagram.com/chxscratchstl
9900 Manchester Road, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-274-2254, chxscratchstl.com
The vibe: An old-school, family-run Mexican joint with great daily food and drink specials. The menu: Quesadillas, taquitos, burritos and enchiladas plus house specialties like stuffed poblanos. Online ordering: Available here. Drink specials: Visit Mondays and Tuesdays for $3.50 house margaritas.
9865 Manchester Road, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-968-9012, elindioauthenticmexican.com/homestl
The vibe: Open since 1956, Farotto’s is a family-friendly restaurant that’s popular for celebrating birthdays, graduations and other special events. The menu: Thin and crispy St. Louis-style pizza is one of the main draws here. If pasta is more your speed, don’t miss the wild mushroom risotto or the baked rigatoni alla vodka. Online ordering: Available here. More info: facebook.com/Farottos
9525 Manchester Road, St. Louis, Missouri 314-962-0048, farottos.com
Photography by J. Pollack Photography
Frank Papa’s Ristorante
The vibe: An elegant, old-school Italian spot with dim lighting and white tablecloths. The menu: Beloved Italian favorites like carbonara and cannelloni populate the menu here alongside lesser-known dishes like fried escarole greens and pasta with wild game ragù. Reservations: Call 314-961-3344 to reserve a table. More info: facebook.com/FrankPapasRistorante
2241 S. Brentwood Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri, 314-961-3344, frankpapas.com
Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
The vibe: Open since 1968, Hacienda is beloved for its colorful, cheery vibe and gorgeous patio. The menu: Tex-mex classics like chimichangas and quesadillas, plus chile relleno, birria and tamales. Sip on sangria and more than 10 varieties of margaritas. Happy hour: Get $5 select cocktails and half-off dips Monday through Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m. Online ordering: Available here.
9748 Manchester Road, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-962-7100, haciendastl.com
Brittany Dixon | Getty
The vibe: Brick and wood elements give the inside an organic feel, and the outdoor patio is flush with greenery. The menu: This global menu has got everything: sushi, tacos, nachos, Cajun pasta and burgers. Sip on craft cocktails, wine and local beer. Reservations: Available here. More info: instagram.com/hangarkitchenbarstl
9528 Manchester Road, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-473-1221, hangarkitchenandbarstl.com
The vibe: Low-key restaurant with generous portions and friendly staff. The menu: Nepalese and Indian favorites including biryani, butter chicken, pakora and samosas. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options here. Online ordering: Available here.
9814 Manchester Road, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-962-3555, himalayanhutmanchester.com
Katie’s.
Jonathan Gayman
The vibe: A sleek, stylish restaurant with a patio that’s bound to be full when the weather is nice. The menu: Updated Italian classics made with fresh ingredients. Think pancetta and fig pizza, burrata with prosciutto and huckleberry mostarda and tomato and watermelon caprese. Online ordering: Available here. Reservations: Reserve a table here.
9568 Manchester Road, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-942-6555, katies.com/pages/rock-hill
Mai Lee’s Pho Ga.
Jennifer Silverberg
The vibe: Mai Lee was St. Louis’s first Vietnamese restaurant, and its staying power comes from its excellent hospitality and thoughtfully prepared cuisine. The menu: The extensive menu here offers a diverse array of traditional Vietnamese dishes, from rice plates to bun (noodle bowls) to chao (rice porridge). Vegetarians rejoice: There are pages of dishes here to choose from. Online ordering: Available here. More info: instagram.com/maileestl
8396 Musick Memorial Drive, Brentwood, Missouri, 314-645-2835, maileestl.com
A selection of arepas from Maize & Wheat.
Maize & Wheat Colombian Cafe
The vibe: A relaxed, bright counter-service restaurant that you can tell is family-owned and operated. The menu: Traditional Colombian dishes like empanadas, plantain soup and churrasco (steak with chimichurri sauce). Don’t miss the arepas, which are available in over 10 varieties. Online ordering: Available here. More info: facebook.com/maizeandwheat
1912 S. Brentwood Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri, 314-749-1687, maizeandwheat.com
Momo Coffee Champagne Kitchen
The vibe: A fun and funky breakfast and lunch spot with bright colors and a large, centerpiece leather banquette. The menu: Leveled-up versions of standard breakfast fare. Think French toast made with focaccia, whipped herb goat cheese, strawberries and espresso balsamic fig reduction. More info: instagram.com/momocoffeechampagnekitchen
9500 Manchester Road, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-942-2172, momocoffeechampagnekitchen.com
The vibe: Open since 1994, Nacho Mama’s delivers on nostalgia and fast, affordable Tex-Mex. The menu: Although the chalupas, burritos and nachos here are great, those in the know go for the wood-roasted chicken, available in quarter, half or full birds. Online ordering: Available here. More info: www.instagram.com/nachomamas_stl
9643 Manchester Road, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-961-9110, nachomamas-stl.com
Revel Kitchen.
Mabel Suen
The vibe: A simple, modern space with counter-service and grab-and-go for athletes on the move. The menu: Build-your-own bowls and wraps made with organic, locally-sourced ingredients, plus smoothies and cold-pressed juices. Online ordering: Available here. More info: instagram.com/eatrevel
8388 Musick Memorial Drive, Brentwood, Missouri, 314-647-2222, eatrevelkitchen.com
The vibe: A casual, homey breakfast joint with great service. The menu: Alongside its namesake pancakes, the menu here includes all your breakfast favorites like skillets, omelets, French toast and waffles. Order ahead: Call to place an order for pickup. More info: instagram.com/silverpancakehousemo
9983 Manchester Road, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-858-9091, silverpancakehouse.com
joe hidalgo photgography | Getty
The vibe: A Western-themed tavern that’ll take you back in time. The menu: Hearty bar classics like burgers, wings and nachos plus wraps and salads. Happy hour: Score $1 off beer, wine and apps Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. Online ordering: Available here.
9243 Manchester Road, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-962-8148, trainwrecksaloon.com
Vangel’s Restaurant & Bar
The vibe: An approachable yet refined spot that’s great for post-work drinks or a dinner date. The menu: Italian dishes meet global flavors here, with dishes ranging from tortellini with prosciutto and cream sauce to miso-glazed chicken with ginger-citrus noodles. Sip on classic cocktails like espresso martinis and Manhattans. Reservations: Available here. More info: instagram.com/vangelsrestaurant
10017 Manchester Road, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-698-2060, vangelsrestaurant.com