4 new St. Louis restaurants to try in July

1. Barg Continental Restaurant
6417 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, 314.338.1234

Barg Continental Restaurant is an education in perfectly executed Afghan cooking. Starters like bolani, a traditional flatbread stuffed with seasoned mashed potatoes and scallions, and sambosas, a thin wonton-like pastry filled with a spiced potato mixture then fried, are both heavenly dipped in the verdant, cilantro-packed chutney. The soltani – skewers of lamb and beef perfectly cooked and shockingly tender – put any kebab you've ever made to shame. Barg’s precise hand with seasoning is also evident in mantu, a delicate pasta filled with ground beef and onions, topped with a rich split pea sauce and garlic yogurt. Your homework: Try these dishes as soon as possible.

2. Maypop Coffee & Garden Shop
803 Marshall Ave., Webster Groves, 314.764.2140, maypopshop.com

We’re into the magical secret garden vibe at this new nursery/coffee shop in Webster Groves. The brick home was converted to a bright, spare coffee shop with a sprawling nursery out back, complete with soaring greenhouse and patio. Sip on a solid Blueprint Coffee cappuccino at a bright yellow table surrounded by a jungle of beautiful plants and flowers available for purchase. The local-focused cafe also offers Big Heart Tea and baked goods and snacks from the Living Room in Maplewood. 

3. Earthbound Satellite
1921 S. Ninth St., St. Louis, Facebook: Earthbound Satellite

When you hear Earthbound Beer opened a cocktail bar, you go. When you walk past the place twice because it’s hidden inside Soulard Preservation Hall with no sign (coming soon, we hear), you persevere. Though the boxy space lacks the atmosphere of the Cherokee Street brewery, the Earthbound team had its way with the bar itself, which sports space-themed illustrations and gold foil-lined shelves. Check out the daily rotating spritz special or order the Shut Up and Dance. Made with dark rum, mezcal, Fernet-Vallet, Velvet Falernum, lime juice and mole bitters, it’s smooth, smoky and richly spiced.

4. The Corner Street Food
2605 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, 314.802.7800, Facebook: The Corner Street Food

The corner of Washington Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue just became our go-to for a quick burger fix. You can build your own, or let the pros guide you with one of the extreme specials. We’re partial to the cheesy overkill of the Mac 10, a half-pound beef patty stacked with lettuce, tomato, mayo, candied bacon, cheddar and mac and cheese. Vegetarians can get in on the burger madness with a tasty house-made chipotle black bean patty spiced up with pepper jack cheese and roasted sweet cherry pepper aioli, as well as avocado, lettuce, tomato, pickles and red onion. Add a side of sweet-spicy-creamy mango cole slaw, or indulge your sweet tooth with funnel cake fries – a more manageable bite-size take on the carnival classic.