9 new places in St. Louis to try in January

1. Winslow's Table
7213 Delmar Blvd., University City, 314.725.7559, winslowstable.com

Remaking an institution like Winslow’s Home is no easy task, but the new owners, Vicia’s Michael and Tara Gallina, were up to the challenge. Winslow’s Table maintains the classy-but-comfortable atmosphere of the original with some fresh updates. The Caesar is made more interesting with the addition of roasted broccoli and cauliflower and an anchovy vinaigrette. 

Classics are pitch perfect – like the fluffy but substantial Winslow’s Pancakes, served with preserved blueberries, maple syrup and whipped butter. Rotating soups and dishes like the grain salad with whipped ricotta and green goddess dressing were modified and imported from Vicia’s lunch menu with equal success. We can’t wait to see what the new Winslow’s does for dinner service – coming soon. 

2. Original J's
7359 Forsyth Blvd., University City, 314.202.8335, originaljs.com

Original J’s, the latest from restaurateurs Mike and Liz Randolph, appeals to the dive-loving, country music-singing cowpoke in us as the James Beard-nominated chef puts his spin on Tex-Mex and Texas-style barbecue. With pickled veg, peppers, tomatoes and mustard, the hot link taco is basically a Chicago-style hot dog dressed up as a taco. 

On the barbecue side, the versatile brisket pairs with almost any side offered: tangy cucumbers in pesto, creamy kale salad or a citrusy tomato salad. We loved every sauce presented, from the sesame salsa served with the chips to the sour cream-based J’s sauce, and yearned for more with every subsequent bite. 

3. Moussalli's Prime
7415 State Route 143, Edwardsville, 618.656.0281, moussallisprime.com

The legacy of Andria’s Countryside Restaurant lives on at Moussalli’s Prime. The three Moussalli brothers, who serve as executive chefs and general manager, preserve longtime customer favorites like the decadent crab-stuffed mushrooms. 

Buttery soft steaks range from a $35 petit filet to a $49 rib-eye, but don’t pass on other entrees. A sunchoke and lobster risotto appears to contain the meat of an entire crustacean. A side of twice-fried garlic Parmesan steak fries is the sleeper on the menu. You’re meant to share them – good luck with that. 

4. Little Fox
2800 Shenandoah Ave., St. Louis, 314.553.9456, littlefoxstl.com

Little Fox is as darling as its name. First-time restaurateurs Craig and Mowgli Rivard offer a well-written menu of shareable plates like fried delicata squash with lemon and scallions, and larger entrees like a whole grilled trout. 

Along with solid cocktails and designated fortified wine sections, we are happy to report that the drink menu boasts almost 100 natural wines. You’ll find us at the bar often with a bottle of pét-nat and marinated olives since bar manager Kelly Nyikes finally created the St. Louis natural wine destination we’ve been waiting for. 

5. Jack Nolen's
2501 S. Ninth St., St. Louis, Instagram: Jack Nolen’s

Soulard probably doesn’t need another bar and grill, but we’re glad it got one. We’re here for the CGBG loaded fries, which come drowning in a tangy beer cheese along with diced, grilled onions and chunks of bacon, but this is truly a burger spot. You can’t go wrong with any number of 4-ounce smash patties with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle and fry sauce on a Martin’s potato roll. 

6. High Low
3301 Washington Ave., St. Louis, 314.533.0367, kranzbergartsfoundation.org/high-low

High Low combines Blueprint Coffee and the literary arts in a lofty Grand Center space. The coffee is expectedly on point, but High Low’s secret weapon is the food ported from Bulrush chef Rob Connoley’s now-closed Squatter’s Café. We enjoyed the aromatic vegan cherry-sesame biscotti, the respectably spicy peanut butter cookies and the buoyant brown sugar-cinnamon Squat-Tarts. 

7. Wild Olive Provisions
2201 S. 39th St., St. Louis, 314.300.8089, Facebook: Wild Olive Provisions

Every neighborhood deserves a Wild Olive Provisions. The cheese case is stocked with some of the best local producers, from Marcoot Creamery to Baetje Farms. The wine wall features bottles primarily from Australia and California, with a few available by the glass each day, and a small selection of gifts is also offered, including some great Cape Woolamai Australian wool cooler bags. 

8. Southside Wine + Spirits
5017 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, 314.779.6294, southsidewineandspirits.com

This tiny bottle shop in south St. Louis offers a great selection of some popular grapes, along with some unexpected finds. Almost everything in the shop costs less than $30, making it a great last-minute stop for those in the neighborhood. If you’re not into vino, a shelf of spirits and a refrigerator stocked with Rockwell Beer Co. brews is also available.

9. Hook & Reel
4680 Chippewa St., St. Louis, 314.282.0770, hookreel.com

St. Louis can’t seem to get enough seafood boils. Select your favorites, from scallops to crawfish, then choose your sauce. Pro tip: Get one bag with a spicy original Cajun and another with classic garlic butter to cool you down. 

Some restaurants turn out tough, rubbery shellfish, but the peel-and-eat shrimp at the first Missouri location of this national chain were totally tender. The boil bags come with corn and potatoes, and you have the option to add extras like andouille and hard-boiled eggs.