From a rebranded Mexican spot in the Central West End to a Tower Grove Farmers’ Market booth’s first brick-and-mortar and a new pizza joint from an acclaimed St. Louis chef, here are the spots we’re recommending this month.
Lapez Mod Mex
Lapez Mod Mex marks a rebrand rather than a break for the team behind Session Taco, reimagining the Central West End spot to better match a neighborhood that’s evolved since the original Session location was lost to a fire several years ago. Same owners, same roots, but a more refined approach that reflects where the dining scene is now, with modern Mexican flavors, wood-grilled cooking, and a slightly dressier but still approachable feel.
The Not Another Word cocktail is a fun way to try lesser-known agave spirit sotol, mixed with Xtabentún (anise-flavored liqueur), Luxardo maraschino, and lime for a lightly sweet, citrus-forward drink that’s strong and served up, offering an easygoing alternative to tequila or mezcal. The wood grilled vegetables arrive beautifully presented with whipped goat cheese, pistachio mole, crispy sweet potato, chipotle oil, and a mix of zucchini, asparagus, tomato, carrots and mushrooms, with mini corn tortillas tucked into a tamale husk so you can build little veggie tacos at the table. The Yucatecan Chicken Salad balances dressed greens with mango, grilled pineapple, toasted pepitas and smoky pulled chicken, all tied together by a roasted tomato vinaigrette. For something heartier, the short rib barbacoa delivers tender chile-braised ribs over roasted poblano polenta with grilled vegetables and guajillo salsita, satisfying without feeling heavy. A chocolate crème brûlée closes the meal on a simple, indulgent note. Even after ordering generously, the meal lands light thanks to thoughtful portions and plenty of vegetables throughout.
398 N. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, lapezmodmex.com
TeeRak Thai
A love letter to flavors from Northern Thailand has landed in the heart of Shaw, brought to life by TeeRak Thai. What began as a beloved booth at the Tuesday and Saturday Tower Grove Farmers’ Market has blossomed into a full‑on neighborhood destination, with founder Alada Poodtajan putting authentic, herb‑rich dishes on every plate. Locals had been lining up for her wok‑fired classics for more than a year before the brick‑and‑mortar finally opened in the former SweetArt Bake Shop, and the vibe is bright and energetic, with hints of traditional Thai decor that make the space feel both fun and grounded at once.
On the plate you’ll find a family of soulful dishes that carry heat and heart in equal measure – the Thai fried rice has a touch of sweetness and good heft with chicken, while the Drunken Noodles come broad and rich with pork and greens. A chilled Crying Tiger Beef salad brings a spicy punch tempered by cucumber and tomato freshness, and the tom kha soup offers cozy coconut warmth dotted with chile oil – perfect for winter. Cocktails aren’t the main act here, but a boozy Thai tea and Tropical sip hold their own as companions to the food. Lines on a Monday and cozy packed tables are a good sign this passion project has taken strong root.
A sharp addition to the local Thai scene, it’s good to see TeeRak continuing to flourish beyond the farmers market crowd, carving out space for thoughtful Thai cooking in an ever‑blooming Shaw food landscape.
2203 S. 39th St., St. Louis, teerakthai.com
Nettie’s Pizza Den
Nettie’s Pizza Den has opened in Clayton as a playful, unfussy expression of chef Mike Randolph’s ongoing fascination with pizza, blending Neapolitan and New York styles into a hybrid that feels casual and familiar. Named for Randolph’s great aunt, the compact space leans into neighborhood energy rather than polish, with a soundtrack that might feature Bob Seger and a vibe that encourages settling in without overthinking it. It’s a small room meant for comfort, not spectacle, and that simplicity is very much the point.
The house salad comes out generously portioned and unapologetically dressed, with a creamy, herb-forward dressing, crunchy breadcrumbs, and pepperoncini adding a welcome tangy note. Toasted ravioli scratches the St. Louis itch, served with classic red sauce alongside a green arugula-and-sour-cream sauce that reads like ranch with ambition. We so badly wished they hadn’t been sold out of the burrata on our visit because it surely would’ve been a hit. The pizzas are the main draw: the mushroom pie leans earthy and cheesy with a bit of funk, albeit on the oily side, while the sausage pizza balances sweetness and gentle heat, using a noticeably higher-quality sausage than you’d find at a chain spot. Pro tip: Dip your slices in that green sauce. A small selection of canned and bottled drinks keeps things simple and in line with the laid-back approach.
33 N. Central Ave., Clayton, Instagram: @nettiespizzaden
This article appears in February 2026.
