10 St. Louis takeout menus to help get you through the coronavirus pandemic

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article included Morning Glory. They have since temporarily suspended all service.

Updated Monday, March 26 at 3 p.m.

When carryout’s good, it’s really good. I love eating at restaurants as much as the next person, but there’s something amazing about being able to sit on your couch in your loungewear, throw on your favorite TV show or album and eat food that’s most likely beyond what you’re capable of making yourself. It’s just one of the great luxuries of living in the world today. 

With St. Louisans receiving a 30-day stay-at-home order, restaurants have been forced to adapt to the coronavirus pandemic. While many have made the difficult and respectable choice to close down and weather the storm, others have built new menus and set up unique carryout programs. Some have simply remained on course with an already-strong to-go situation. 

Here are a few to keep in mind. 

Elmwood
2704 Sutton Blvd., Maplewood, 314.261.4708, elmwoodstl.com
Our No. 2 restaurant of 2019 has adapted to a closed dining room with a collection of new and old delights. The Dinner For Two allows you to choose from options like coal-roasted pork shank, spice-roasted chicken, hot fried chicken or pasta of the day; veggie options include broccoli Caesar, twice-fried potatoes and coal-roasted carrots. Otherwise, the grill-centric menu features octopus barbacoa tacos, buffalo wings and charred eggplant orecchiette. And yes, the burger is available. Enjoy with a 750-ml bottled cocktail, a bottle of wine or some beer. For the full Elmwood experience at home, spin some hip-hop and turn the lights down. 

Louie
706 De Mun Ave., Clayton, 314.300.8188, louiedemun.com
In one of the more surprising turns we’ve seen this month, Louie (our Best New in 2018) has pivoted to carryout. A modified menu includes a new buttermilk salad, as well as old classics like the white bean hummus and focaccia. Six pizzas are on the docket here, as are three pastas and the roast chicken main. One silver lining in these trying times is that Louie’s beloved cookie trio has temporarily come out of retirement. And with their wine list still in play, you can likely get very close to recreating your ideal lineup of Louie favorites for a wonderful night in. 

The Bellwether and Polite Society
1419 Carroll St., St. Louis, 314.380.3086, thebellwetherstl.com
According to an announcement on their website, The Bellwether and Polite Society have consolidated into one kitchen and are offering a menu that features burgers, pastas, pork steak, a kale Caesar and more. Falafel with vegan tzatziki is an appealing addition here. Though you can’t enjoy The Bellwether’s beautiful, city-overlooking patio right now, at least you can still eat their food. And if the weather’s nice, open a window and just pretend you’re up there. 

Acero
7266 Manchester Road, Maplewood, 314.644.1790, acero-stl.com
Acero’s classic, upscale Italian food will find a new home in your living room with the robust carryout menu currently available. Numerous salads are available, and the gnoccho fritto promises to be a comfort. The five pastas on the menu include spaghetti amatriciana, egg raviolo and a garganelli with ragu of the day, while entrees include the Acero burger, branzino, a chicken Milanese sandwich and more. Pasta packs include housemade pasta, real Parmigiano-Reggiano and a choice between two ragus – present options are ragu Bolognese and mushroom ragu.

Cate Zone Chinese Cafe
8148 Olive Blvd., University City, 314.738.9923, Facebook: Cate Zone Chinese Cafe
I mean, it’s Cate Zone. I had to include it. Order everything. 

Katie’s Pizza and Pasta Osteria
various locations, 314.942.6555, katiespizzaandpasta.com
In addition to offering the normal menu for carryout, Katie’s now offers house-made frozen pizzas for delivery Monday through Friday. Frozen pie options include four-packs of the following: margherita cheese, black garlic and artichoke, meatball and roasted chicken. A combo box featuring one of each is also available. So maybe you can’t enjoy a wood-fired pizza in Katie’s dining room these days, but this seems like a great alternative.

Comet Coffee & Croissanterie 
5708 Oakland Ave., 314.932.7770, St. Louis, cometcoffeestl.com
Tired of your Mr. Coffee and your sad, individually packaged grocery store pastries? Maybe you’re bored with using your Hario V60 twice a day and baking a couple times a week. Either way, Comet has got your back. Snag your favorite brew alongside a breakfast sandwich, grain bowl, cookie or croissant. When home, put on the new Big Thief album, get out the newspaper or the book you’re currently reading and pretend you’re sitting in their beautiful café – you basically are.

Farmhaus
3257 Ivanhoe Ave., St. Louis, 314.647.3800, farmhausrestaurant.com
Planning a fancy evening while homebound and craving a real-deal tasting menu? Farmhaus is currently doing one, complete with a wine pairing option. Current courses include chermoula-rubbed carrots, scallops, sirloin and more. They’re also offering a modified menu that includes tacos, cioppino, chicken liver mousse and more. Grab a bottle of wine; elevate your home’s bread situation with their sourdough loaf. 

Gioia’s Deli
various locations, 314.776.9410, gioiasdeli.com
If you’re craving your favorite sandwich from Gioia’s, you’re in luck. Place your normal order, or check out the new Family Pack, which contains five sandwiches and five cookies. If it’s the meat you’re missing, order a hot salami log to make in your crockpot or a house-made hot salami frozen pizza. Those following Lent can check out the fried cod pizza, which includes Red Hot Riplets. 

Noto Pizza
5105 Westwood Drive, St. Peters, 636.317.1143, notopizza.com
Noto Pizza has only been open a few months, but that was clearly enough time to be ready to pivot from full service to carryout. Family meals include dishes like fried eggplant caprese, pork ragu tagliatelle and their Noto salad; most of the pizza menu is still available as well. Bottled wines and six packs of beer are available, meaning your pizza night is still in session for the foreseeable future. 

Adam Rothbarth is staff writer at Sauce Magazine.