Support these Black-owned restaurants and businesses during Black History Month and beyond

4 Hens Creole Kitchen

As the name would suggest, 4 Hens Creole Kitchen focuses on Creole cuisine for both lunch and dinner. For something to share, turn to the starters; choose from Southern classics, such as the fried green tomatoes that Brandi serves drizzled with remoulade and served with a Creole ranch for dipping. When it comes to entrées, Brandi offers a menu of both New Orleans classics and custom creations like shrimp and grits, a po’boy and more. 

City Foundry STL, 3730 Foundry Way, Midtown, St. Louis, Missouri, 4henscreolekitchen.com

AAA Fish House

AAA Fish House has been serving up some of the best tripe in St. Louis since 2003. They also sell wings, burgers and an array of sandwiches. Swing by on the weekends for their weekly barbecue offerings. 

3360 Union Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri, 314-385-3811, aaafish.net

Alibi Cookies

At Alibi Cookies in St. Louis’ Dogtown neighborhood, visitors can find warm cookies with crispy edges and soft centers any time of the day. Choose from chocolate chunk cookies, snickerdoodles, triple berry, red velvet and specials (think a sprinkle-filled birthday cake cookie with a vanilla buttercream center), all available individually or in packs. They can also be sandwiched with Prairie Farms ice cream in flavors such as strawberry cheesecake, mint chocolate chip and cookie dough. 

1136 Tamm Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, 314-376-4095, alibicookies.com

Ari’s Ice Cream Parlor and Cafe

We won’t judge if you eat dessert before breakfast for lunch at this ice cream parlor. Ari’s hand-crafted ice cream comes in classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, moose tracks, cookie dough and more. Enjoy them by the scoop, in a sundae or banana split. Looking for something a little more savory? Try the salmon croquettes in a sandwich or as a plate, or spring for Ari’s One Pounder if you have an appetite; this monstrous sandwich is piled high with sliced turkey breast, chicken breast and roast beef and served with your toppings and bread of choice.

Ari’s Ice Cream Parlor and Cafe, 5572 Natural Bridge Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, 314-328-2992, arisicecreamparlorandcafe.com

Baby Kakez

Baby Kakez will satisfy your sweet tooth most days of the week with their cupcakes, brownie pops and chocolate-dipped strawberries, but they can also satisfy your barbecue cravings on Saturdays. That is when the shop sells barbecue from Gary Jones, the husband of baker Michelle Jones. The barbecue on Saturday allows the couple to each chase one of their passions. 

3305 Olive St., Midtown, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-358-5880, babykakez.net

Bar Italia

Bar Italia brings a piece of Europe to the Central West End. Whether you are looking for a patio to sip wine and enjoy a cheese plate or sit down to a fine Italian dinner, Bar Italia is bound to have something for you. Pasta options range from fettuccine with fennel sausage, veal and chicken to rigatoni with an assortment of wild mushrooms. If you’re looking for fewer carbs, other entrees include steak medallions, grilled New Zealand lamb chops and roasted salmon with polenta. 

13 Maryland Plaza, Central West End, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-361-7010, baritaliastl.com

Beyond Sweet Kitchen & Bar

Beyond Sweet in the Delmar Makers’ District is a delight, with sweet and savory menus loaded with decadent fare. Choose small plates, salads, and entrées from the savory side of things – there’s even a special menu for Sunday brunch – or go right for dessert with over-the-top shakes. 

5143 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri, 314-601-3628, beyondsweetkitchenandbar.com

B. Juiced Cold Pressed Juice Bar 

B. Juiced juice shop opened to rave reviews in Florissant thanks to the rainbow of fresh cold-pressed juices, smoothies and wellness shots made daily. Also on the menu are smoothie bowls, waffles and fancy toasts. 

605 S. Florissant Road, Florissant, Missouri, 314-265-8833, shop.bjuicedmo.com

Blissfully Popped Popcorn

Blissfully Popped in Maplewood is whirling everyone’s favorite movie snack into an endless array of sweet and savory options. Go classic with flavors like butter and cheddar to more offbeat options like cookies and cream, very berry strawberry shortcake, tuxedo and caramel cashew, to name a few. 

7318 Manchester Road, Maplewood, Missouri, 314-495-5782, blissfullypopped.com

Bold Spoon Creamery

This small-batch creamery just started this year, but you can find them at upcoming farmers markets in the St. Louis area and can order their indulgent pints online. Creative flavors include goat cheese with fig jam, lemon curd, garden mint, salted chocolate, and more. 

Bold Spoon Creamery, boldspooncreamery.com

BusLoop Burgers

The historic BusLoop Burgers was originally located in the Wellston Loop and now makes its home in St. Ann, Missouri, offering guests the same classic burgers and fries regulars have loved for years. For a burger joint, the menu is vast, with a wide variety of toppings. Round out your order with wings and dessert. 

BusLoop Burgers, 10462 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Ann, Missouri, 314-395-0344, busloopburgers.com

Caribbean Delight

Husband-and-wife duo Danny Roofa and Chrisanna Little, along with co-owner Pierre Miller, opened this authentic Jamaican spot on Gravois Avenue in 2017. The traditional island dishes bring the heat (except for the oxtails and the brown-stew chicken), so make sure you are ready to sweat it out. Whether you are looking for your fill of curry, saltfish or boiled ackee, you’ll find what you’re craving here. 

3526 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, 314-799-1463, facebook.com/CaribbeanDelightJamaicanRestaurant

Caribbean Soul

Caribbean Soul offers a combination of soul food and Jamaican specialties like curry goat, a stuffed grilled fish and tender oxtails. Wings also grace the menu in a variety of spices like Jerk, Caribbean, Curry and Haitian, and the restaurant abounds with sides and desserts. 

6201 Michigan Ave., Carondelet, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-925-8434, Caribbean Soul order link

Cathy’s Kitchen

Cathy’s Kitchen chef and co-owner Cathy Jenkins was inspired to open the restaurant during a cross-country road trip, and the rest is history. The diner-style joint continues to serve up dishes inspired by St. Louis, California, New Mexico, Texas, Chicago and more. Be sure to try one of Jenkins’ signature dishes: The Cajun seafood macaroni and shrimp and grits are both sure to take your tastebuds on a trip down south. 

250 S. Florissant Road, Ferguson, 314-524-9200, facebook.com/CathysKitchenrestaurant

CC’s 2 Seriously Good

When CC’s Vegan Spot closed, it left a hole in the plant-based dining scene. Now, CC’s has a new home and a new name, but it’s bringing fans the same stellar vegan fare. Choose from favorites like the CC’s BBQ Brinjal Burger, Papa Joe’s Ish Bites or Ultimate NaChos, or choose your own adventure with CC’s expansive menu of burgers, sandwiches, appetizers and Mexican favorites. 

CC’s 2 Seriously Good, 211 Village Square, Hazelwood, Missouri, ccseriouslygood.com

City Foundry STL’s Food Hall is packed with flavor thanks to an array of restaurants serving stellar cuisine. One of the best is Chez Ali, which combines chef-owner Alioun Thiam’s Senegalese upbringing and his longtime passion for Caribbean cuisine into dishes like jerk chicken, red beans and rice, and veggie and beef samosas. 

City Foundry STL, 3730 Foundry Way, Midtown, St. Louis, Missouri, cityfoundrystl.com

Chillax Tap & Co.

Chillax Tap & Co. serves craft beer in an atmosphere where you can, well, chillax. This beer hall has 30 rotating taps of craft beers and ciders from both St. Louis and around the country. Wondering if they have the beer you’re looking for? They have their tap list online so you can browse before you go. 

714 W. Pearce Blvd., Wentzville, Missouri, 636-887-0387, chillaxstl.com

Cream Coffee Bar 

Cream Coffee Bar on Cherokee Antique Row features a unique combination of seasonal and signature lattes, lemonade, matcha and vintage goods. In addition to standards such as Americanos, mochas and cappuccinos, the shop offers signature hot and iced coffee options including a brown sugar oat milk latte and a white chocolate rose macchiato. Matcha and lemonade also abound, which you can sip on as you shop. 

1912 Cherokee St., Marine Villa, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-853-9245, creamcoffeebar.com

Creole With a Splash of Soul

Creole With a Splash of Soul offers high-quality, Creole-inspired dishes from chef-owner Ronda Walker. Appetizers include fried green tomatoes, crab cakes and house wings. For entrées, choose from po’boys, catfish or St. Louis-style gumbo with chicken, shrimp, sauce, rice and spicy creamy Cajun broth. 

4353 Manchester Ave., The Grove, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-349-2566, creolemeetsoul.com

Gourmet Soul Restaurant and Catering

Just around the corner from the City Museum in downtown St. Louis, Gourmet Soul Restaurant and Catering is a destination for gourmet soul food. Look for crispy fried swai, smothered pork chops and baked chicken served alongside classic sides like mac ‘n’ cheese, green beans, sweet potatoes and cornbread dressing. In late May, Gourmet Soul reopened for takeout and curbside pickup and is also offering delivery through DoorDash; the restaurant also partnered with Purina to feed first responders during the pandemic.

1620 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri, 314-339-5658, gourmetsoul.com

Gulf Shores Restaurant & Grill

Gulf Shores brings the fresh and Cajun-inspired seafood of the southern coast to Creve Coeur and Edwardsville. The Edwardsville location is still closed due to COVID-19, but you can still get plenty of seafood, sandwiches and more at Gulf Shores. Check out their new family packs: Feed your whole family shrimp, crab, fish or chicken with all the fixings for a discounted price. 

Gulf Shores Restaurant & Grill, multiple locations, gulfshoresrestaurantandgrill.com

House of Jollof

House of Jollof is bringing Florissant a unique twist on West African, East African and American fusion cuisine via its wraps, bowls, soups and sides. Favorites include the Jollof wrap, whole tilapia, and warmly spiced peanut soup. The sides take center stage alongside the mains; choose from fried plantains or suya chicken, beef or goat. 

503 Paul Ave., Florissant, Missouri, 314-384-9153, myhouseofjollof.com

La Patisserie Chouquette

Pastry chef Simone Faure owns La Patisserie Chouquette, one of St. Louis’ best bakeries. The Botanical Heights bakeshop specializes in French treats, including impeccable French macarons in flavors both traditional (salted caramel, raspberry, rose) and creative (Fruity Pebbles, fig and goat cheese with port, cilantro-chile-lime). After a brief closure due to COVID-19, Chouquette is now accepting online orders for its macarons as well as flaky croissants, cakes, brownies, pecan buns and more.

1626 Tower Grove Ave., Botanical Heights, St. Louis, Missouri. 314-932-7935, simonefaure.com

Latte Lounge & HG Eatery

Latte Lounge was our 2022 Feast 50 Award Winner for Best New Restaurant, and once you eat there, you’ll understand why. Its all-day brunch menu offers plenty of Southern comfort favorites, including shrimp and grits, biscuits and gravy and chicken and waffles. Be sure to try its Lamb and Eggs: The meat is marinated overnight and then broiled for a tender, deeply savory breakfast. 

2617 Washington Ave., Suite A, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-833-3087, llhgstl.com

Lefty’s Fried Rice

Lefty’s Fried Rice has a menu that reflects its particular brand of Americanized Chinese food, blended with a couple of classic American items like burgers and fries. Customers can go for the assortment of fried rice – plain, pork, ham, chicken, beef, shrimp, duck, special (chicken, beef, pork, shrimp) and seafood (shrimp, crab, lobster) – or one of the spot’s variations on lo mein or the St. Louis classic St. Paul sandwich. Love crab rangoons? Make sure to try Lefty’s take on a spicy crab rangoon, or the fancier lobster rangoon. 

3000 S. Jefferson Ave, Benton Park, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-899-0169, leftysfriedrice.com

Levels Nigerian Cuisine

For the uninitiated, co-owner Ono Ikanone describes the cuisine at Levels as spicy and deeply savory due to the blend of tomatoes, peppers and onions that go into many of the dishes. Nigerian food typically revolves around meat, but at Levels, the core of the menu is vegetarian to appeal to a wider audience, with proteins added to dishes later in the cooking process. Choose from popular dishes like Party Jollof rice, efo riro, egusi soup, and the suya burger, which puts a spin on a street food classic. 

1405 Washington Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, 314-571-9990, levelsstl.com

Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant

Meskerem has been serving up authentic Ethiopian cuisine on South Grand since 2007. Whether you get a vegan or meat dish to scoop up with your injera, you can be sure that it will be packed with flavor. Leave your forks at home; you won’t need them to pig out on the feast of your choice. 

3210 S. Grand Blvd., Tower Grove South, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-772-4442, meskeremstl.com

My Just Desserts

Given that the place is named for desserts, you might be surprised to learn that this Alton spot was first known for its chicken salad recipe. But when the chicken salad isn’t bringing customers back, the pies are. Up to a dozen pies are available for order each day, but if you want your pick of the litter, you might want to go early before someone swipes your favorite. 

31 E Broadway, Alton, Illinois, 618-462-5881, myjustdesserts.org

My Marie debuted on Cherokee Street in September 2022, offering a menu of Haitian specialties for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The concept comes from chef-owner Marie Louis Jeune, a native of Port-au-Prince who developed a passion for cooking at an early age, and shares her home-cooked food with family and friends.

3147 Cherokee St., St. Louis, Missouri, My Marie on Facebook

Northwest Coffee Roasting Co.

Northwest Coffee offer a laid-back atmosphere and great outdoor seating and the coffee shop roasts its beans to perfection in an antique roaster. Northwest also offers a light breakfast menu, featuring items like Liege waffles and egg burritos. 

4251 Laclede Ave., Central West End, St. Louis, 314-371-4600, northwestcoffee.com

Patty’s Cheesecakes

Pat Upchurch does one thing – cheesecake – and she does it well. Upchurch makes both traditional and petite cheesecakes while also dabbling in cheesecake “creations” that range from cheesecake-stuffed cookies to cake pops to whoopie pies. Her creative and seasonal flavors include key lime, Champagne-strawberry and s’mores. 

City Foundry STL, 3730 Foundry Way, Midtown, St. Louis, Missouri, pattyscheesecakes.com

Pharaoh’s Donuts

Pharaoh’s Donuts owner Amon Aziz has been making donuts in St. Louis for two decades, but he’s only had Pharaoh’s Donuts downtown since 2014. Keep an eye out because the sign is hard to find, but once you step into this little donut shop, you’ll be a return customer. 

multiple locations, facebook.com/pharoahsbakery

Prime 55 offers fine dining with Cajun influences in the Delmar Loop. Look for New Orleans flair in dishes like the lobster fries, Cajun fries topped with a lobster cheese sauce, or the vegetable alfredo pasta tossed in a Cajun-spiced alfredo sauce. The menu also offers a char-grilled rib eye and salmon or chicken stuffed with shrimp, cream cheese and spinach.

6100 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri, 314-553-9595, prime55stl.com

Rated Test Kitchen

The 1,600-square-foot, 28-seat space chef-owner Juwan Rice chose for Rated Test Kitchen invokes the personal dining experience he strives to impart. The restaurant specializes in experimental fusion cuisine, resulting in memorable meals guests get to savor and then rate – hence the name – the dishes via a QR code. Menus rotate monthly with multiple seatings available. 

 313 N. 11th St., St. Louis, Missouri, 314-200-5866, rated-tk.com

Royally Baked

At Royally Baked, veganism is king – and you won’t believe their treats are vegan until someone tells you so. Cookies with stately names like the Duke (chocolate chip with pecans or walnuts), the Jester (sugar with royal icing) and the Countess (peanut butter topped with chocolate) are the star of the menu, but Royally Baked also caters a full vegan menu for whatever event you are hosting. Vegan takes on mac ‘n’ cheese, potato salad and cheesy garlic bread are all options. Local delivery is available in the greater St. Louis area. 

Royally Baked, 314-332-3248, royallybaked.net

Simply Delicious

Simply Delicious features breakfast, lunch and brunch fare in a casual setting. The menu is packed with hits, including the Bad and Boujee Burger, shakshuka inspired by co-owner Brandi Artis’ Lebanese heritage, and salmon croquettes, an homage to her grandmother.

1115 Pine St., St. Louis, Missouri, simplydeliciousstl.com

Sister Cities Cajun

If you’re looking for solid, delicious Creole and Cajun fare, head to Sister Cities on Broadway for classics done right. Start with the steamed mussels or shrimp remoulade, then make your way through a menu of chicken tenders, fried catfish, tacos, or specialties like curry-encrusted redfish and low country cioppino. 

3550 S. Broadway, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-405-0447, sistercitiescajun.com

Saint Louis Hop Shop

We know that Saint Louis Hop Shop is not a restaurant, but aside from being a beer store with an wide selection, it serves as a community gathering place for events like tastings and releases. You can find both local and national beers from across the realm of craft beer, whether you are looking for something light, dark or even non-alcoholic. There are also six taps so you can enjoy a draft beer right in the shop if you have the time to stick around. 

2600 Cherokee St., St. Louis, Missouri, 314-261-4011, saintlouishopshop.com

Steve’s Hot Dogs

Owner Steve Ewing, who many know as the frontman for The Urge, specializes in gourmet hot dogs, from andouille to Italian sausage to chorizo. The hot dog spot is so popular that it’s landing a second location in the Delmar Maker’s District in 2024, and its successful ghost kitchen, Steve’s Meltdown, will be heading to a brick-and-mortar location inside the City Foundry STL Food Hall. 

3145 South Grand Blvd., Tower Grove South, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-403-0053, steveshotdogsstl.com

SweetArt has become a staple both in the Shaw neighborhood and in St. Louis’ vegan and vegetarian community. Whether you are looking for a vegan sweet – a raspberry-lemon cupcake, cinnamon roll or fudge brownie – or a vegan dish – like the signature Sweet Burger or a Philly “cheezesteak” – SweetArt has food that will satisfy both vegans and carnivores alike. 

2203 S. 39th Street, Shaw, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-771-4278, sweetartstl.com

Taco Drip is a family business serving what chef Steph Boyd has been cooking her entire life – Afro-Latina soul food. The semi-mobile restaurant, which is currently popping up at Open Concept, offers birria of all sorts, including chicken, shrimp, steak and jackfruit alongside quesorrias, crispy “birri-tos” (burritos), loaded birria fries, loaded nachos and a ramen bowl.

4130 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, tacodripstl.com

If you consider yourself a tea expert, Teatopia is the place to go. The Cherokee Street spot stocks more than 80 teas from around the world. Teas are then brewed for their ideal amount of time and served hot or iced. Whether you are more of a chamomile gal or chai guy, you are bound to find a tea to fall in love with. 

2606 Cherokee St., St. Louis, Missouri, 314-669-1464, teatopiastl.com

The Biscuit Joint

Biscuits are hitting Midtown in a big way, thanks to The Biscuit Joint, a bustling breakfast spot from chef Elliott Brown. Head in for your a selection of biscuit sandwiches, including The Biscuit Joint’s signature sausage, egg and cheese. The menu also offers biscuits and gravy, cinnamon rolls, and a host of a la carte items for you to build your own perfect morning.

2649 Washington Ave. Ste. A1, Midtown, St. Louis, Missouri, order.toasttab.com/online

The Crooked Boot

The Crooked Boot started out as a food truck because of its low overhead and risk during the start of the pandemic. Many a po’boy line the menu, made with either fried shrimp, catfish or a mix of the two. Louisiana gumbo is another classic, along with the Big Easy Bread Pudding, a cinnamon crunch bread pudding topped with white chocolate ganache. Try the best selling Caribbean-infused jerk chicken fries, featuring crispy fries smothered in cheese, jerk chicken, barbecue sauce, sour cream and cilantro.

2012 Campus Dr., St. Charles, Missouri, 636-219-1210, the-crooked-boot.square.site

The Fattened Caf

This Filipino barbecue company can be found slinging up their food at Earthbound Beer, and now have a new place to call home inside Bytes Cafe at Washington University in St. Louis. This husband and wife duo cook dishes inspired by classic Filipino dishes. Expect to find a lot of meat on sticks cooked over coal. 

mutliple locations, facebook.com/TheFattenedCaf

Tooties on Washington

If you’re looking for fast-casual classics, Tooties on Washington has you covered. The restaurant has easygoing appetizers, salads and grilled plates with your choice of protein and one or two sides. Also on the menu are fish plates, sandwiches, and a host of sides to keep in rotation. 

1933 Washington Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, 314-226-9095, instagram.com/tootiesonwashington

You usually don’t think of the phrases “comfort food” and “health centered” in the same sentence, but that’s what chef-owner David Kirkland brings to Grand Center with Turn. Dinner features dishes such as ciopinno with halibut, mussels, snapper shrimp and scallops, and gnocchi with seasonal Ozark Forest mushrooms, but brunch is a real star at this spot. The D.L.T., Kirkland’s twist on the classic sammy, features Nueske’s smoked duck breast, Brie, tomato jam, arugula and poached eggs on an English muffin. Looking for something a little more classic? Turn also has biscuits and gravy, steel cut oatmeal and a typical diner breakfast with all the fix-ins. 

3224 Locust St., Grand Center, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-240-5157, turnstl.com

Whiskey on Washington

If you’re a whiskey lover, make time for Whiskey on Washington, a bar built around owner David Shanks’ love for the spirit. Guests can indulge in a full spectrum of cocktails from the bar, but whiskey takes center stage here, with nearly 200 choices available sourced from all over the world. 

1321 Washington Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, 314-925-8409, WOW on Instagram

Wine Down Cafe

Wine Down Cafe has become a neighborhood favorite, offering a menu of casual favorites in a relaxed setting. Grab appetizers like roasted Brussels sprouts and deep fried pickle chips or sandwiches like the grilled chicken club or crispy buffalo chicken. 

7529 Michigan Ave., St. Louis, Missouri, 314-696-2205, winedowncafestl.com