You don’t need us to tell you that Des Peres is serious about its steakhouses—but it’s also a pretty good place to find creative cuisine. Whether you want farm-to-table plates, global flavors, or you just want to get out of a dining rut, these spots can help. And food lovers, this list is for you, too. Because adventurous or not, when you want an exceptional meal, you can do much better than the usual suspects.
Village Bar
$ | (314) 821-4532 | WEBSITE
Village Bar has a very lively atmosphere that’s perfect for settling into a spacious booth with a chili burger that will end up dripping all over the place. If you’re hungry for something different, this fun burger spot also serves cheeseburgers that literally melt in the mouth, Jalapeño Bottle Caps, and fried mushrooms. The cocktails, especially those made with liquor from their distillery, are superb, and the friendly service keeps things moving quickly.
While prices may be a bit high, the consistent quality makes it a solid choice. Parking is behind the building, which visitors should keep in mind, but overall it’s always a good time.
Pretzel Boy’s
$ | (314) 835-9698 | WEBSITE
This Des Peres counter spot has a lineup of pretzel creations with such straightforward satisfaction that the occasional contented sigh is warranted. Use the pretzel wrapped brat—with savory sausage and soft dough twisted into every bite—to complement the fresh softies and brisket option, and let the enjoyment commence. Keep this place in mind for a quick lunch or casual weekend snack in the neighborhood.
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
$ | (314) 909-4772 | WEBSITE
Some of the best chicken at this Des Peres spot is simple—the classic Chicken Fingers Combo, complete with juicy tenders, crispy crinkle-cut fries, Cane’s sauce for dipping, and Texas toast for buttery contrast is a perfect example. The kid-friendly menu with smaller portions and a drink is another. And, you can always expect consistently good quality across all locations, like the same tender texture and flavor every visit.
Be sure to add on some extra Cane’s sauce for dipping, and don’t be surprised by the upbeat music filling the dining area while you enjoy your meal.
J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood St. Louis
$$$ | (314) 965-4600 | WEBSITE
At this seemingly straightforward steakhouse in Des Peres, nothing about their wood-fired meats, seafood, and special requests is straightforward at all. But the best part about J.
Gilbert’s is that their completely gluten- and dairy-free options are as satisfying as the regular menu—the prime rib on Sundays has the outer crust and inner tenderness of a classic cut, dairy-free desserts are indistinguishable from their traditional counterparts, and mushroom-accented dishes take on rich flavors sans dairy.
St. Louis Bread Co.
$ | (314) 821-1112 | WEBSITE
The menu at this bakery and restaurant spot focuses on freshly-made, kid-friendly stuff, and the accommodating staff are coincidentally the best. Case in point: fast service piping out hot, great-tasting meals, a solid lineup of dairy-allergy-friendly options for easy navigation, and a spectacular array of bakery items featuring freshly-made bread that could stop time.
And the restaurant’s sole non-bakery option—a short rotating lineup of often-kid-friendly meals—is an outstanding choice that complements all that freshness.
Dierbergs Bakery
$$ | (314) 238-0450 | WEBSITE
Grocery store bakeries don’t typically inspire devotion, but we’re here to reveal that Dierbergs Bakery’s customer service is extraordinary, and the most impressive display of retail dedication in the area. Experiencing it feels like having a personal concierge appear right when you need one, without any hidden fees ever. It has a genuine warmth from the staff, and it’s consistent with helpful, attentive care, even in the parking lot—a place that corporate policies rarely extend to.
Jersey Mike’s Subs
$ | (314) 858-1344 | WEBSITE
Most of the subs on Jersey Mike’s menu are packed with flavor, so you can build a hearty sandwich meal of classics like the #8 sub club, the #17 Mike’s Famous Philly, and the Big Kuhuna cheesesteak. Add some chips and a drink, and you’ve got yourself a satisfying lunch break (even if you’re still wearing the work clothes you rushed out of the office in).
China King
$ | (314) 821-8388 | WEBSITE
China King’s Chicken and Shrimp Lo Mein is a very satisfying and flavorful mainstay, and it’s all authentic. Not only that, but they have several different classic dishes to fill your table with, from Garlic Sauce to the famous Crab Rangoon.
Surf & Sirloin
$$$ | (314) 822-3637 | WEBSITE
The surf lineup at this steak-and-seafood spot is classic. But a fantastic filet or scallop-packed plate at Surf & Sirloin has the power to change the trajectory of your evening. Be generous with sides of wonderful vegetables and add on a chocolate-dunked cake. Those (thankfully) don’t contain seafood, either.
Sunny Street Cafe
$ | (314) 821-3447 | WEBSITE
Weighing in as a morning must-have, the corned beef hash at Sunny Street Cafe is hearty and packed with everything from freshly diced potatoes and onions to perfectly seasoned beef. You can also pair it with sides that complement the main event without overwhelming it, like crispy toast, creamy scrambled eggs, and tangy hot sauce. And while you could order virtually any breakfast plate here and leave satisfied, you need the Breakfast Quesadilla.
You’ll get a flour tortilla stuffed with fluffy scrambled eggs, melted cheese, and savory fillings that’s indulgent while still letting the eggs shine through. They whisper “hey, I’m damn delicious,” for the record.
Sarku Japan
$ | (314) 965-5327 | WEBSITE
We love what Sarku Japan does with classic Japanese flavors. We’re talking about things like chicken teriyaki with crisp steamed vegetables and savory fried rice, well-prepared dishes that deliver consistent quality at affordable prices. Show up hungry, order a satisfying meal, and get extra helpings of that crave-worthy chicken—followed by the lively atmosphere and efficient service that keeps us coming back.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
$ | (314) 821-6400 | WEBSITE
We could compose odes to Red Robin’s juicy Impossible Burger and perfectly seasoned turkey burger. But we could also pen some heartfelt verses about the crisp, fresh salads. Honestly, every patty and plate at this fantastic burger joint deserves a rave review. Red Robin is a prime spot to share towering stacks of fries with friends, and while there are plenty of classic beef options, this is the top choice in Des Peres for families.
Especially considering they offer a $15 kids’ meal deal with a burger, bottomless fries, and a drink.
Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Ice Cream
$ | (314) 924-9600 | WEBSITE
If your friends think they’ve tried every ice cream spot, take them to Clementine’s anyway, and maybe just conveniently forget to mention that the scoops are generous enough to count as a meal. This place is a reminder that naturally indulgent things like Italian Buttercookie, Gooey Butter Cake, and their rotating vegan options are delicious no matter what you think about dairy-free desserts.
And the atmosphere in the cozy seating area is like enjoying your treat inside a charming little creamery.
Da Picky Vegan
$ | (314) 709-1712 | WEBSITE
Da Picky Vegan in Des Peres specializes in plant-based comfort food, many of which do include creative flavor combinations. But some of the most fantastic options here are vegetable-based, like the savory BBQ burger with pineapple and jalapeños, gluten-free burgers with various toppings, and outstanding fries including Cajun-spicy, sweet potato maple garlic, and lemon pepper options.
Chase it all with their popcorn vegan chicken bites in different flavors, such as sweet and spicy and garlic barbecue, which happen to be made of plants, too.
