7 food and drink deals around St. Louis worth trying right now

Times are tough out there. Restaurant costs have never been higher – for restaurant proprietors and patrons alike. We’re always on the lookout for reliable, low-cost favorites, happy hours and any other ways to justify an indulgence or try an upscale place that might otherwise feel out of reach. Here are seven local deals we’re stoked about right now.

Tacos at Mi Tierra Bonita
We’ve already made it known how much we love the al pastor tacos at Mi Tierra Bonita and, on top of that, they might just be one of the best deals in town. Order a la carte tacos with your choice of standard protein for $2.49 each, or with premium proteins for $3.49. They also offer a plate of three tacos with a side of beans and rice, with standard proteins starting at $9.99, and premium proteins starting at $10.99. 
3203 Collinsville Road, Fairmont City, Illinois, 618.271.7311, ordermitierramexicanstore.com

Happy hour at Brasserie
Just in time for prime patio season, Brasserie’s happy hour is back for the first time since 2020. From 5 to 6 p.m., or Cinq a Six, as they like to call it, enjoy rotating $10 classic cocktails, select wine specials ($6 glasses, $20 carafes, $30 bottles) and $5 bottled beers. Brasserie’s famous cheeseburgers are discounted to nearly half price at $12 for a single or veggie and $16 for a double. A selection of snacks like pomme frites and cured olives are $3 to $4 cheaper than dinner prices.
4580 Laclede Ave., St. Louis, 314.454.0600, brasseriebyniche.com 

Classic diner fare at Chuck-A-Burger Drive-In
Chuck-A-Burger is a throwback in every sense of the word, from the vintage neon and kitschy interior (although it’s worth noting the dining room hasn’t been open for dine-in since 2020) to the prices. Their signature crispy-edged smash burgers are $3.50 for a single, $5 for a double, and $6.50 for a triple. Add curly fries for $3 and a large shake for $3.50. No single item on the menu will set you back more than $8. Happy times are here again, indeed. 
9025 St. Charles Rock Rd #4245, St. Louis, 314.427.9524, facebook.com/Chuckaburgerdrivein

Sushi happy hour at Robata Maplewood
Visit Robata Maplewood on weekdays between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. for half off select nigiri and sushi rolls and house sake. On Mondays, you can also get $8 bowls of ramen. Flash a student ID and get 10% off every day. 
7260 Manchester Road, Maplewood, 314.899.9595, robatamaplewood.com

Half price pizza at Riley’s Pub
Riley’s Pub is a Tower Grove East staple for a reason. Come for the charming dive bar vibes – and prices – and stay for the housemade St. Louis-style pizza. Everyday prices are already reasonably low at $7 for a 10-inch pie, $10 for 12-inch and $14 for 14-inch, but you can visit on Monday or Tuesday between 5 and 10 p.m. for half off any large 14-inch pizza (dine-in only). Other days of the week offer rotating $3.50 craft beer pint specials. 
3458 Arsenal St., St. Louis, 314.664.7474, facebook.com/rileyspubstl

Dip Trip at Mission Taco Joint
Mission Taco Joint answered our collective plea when they made the Dip Trip a permanent addition to the menu. For $14, you get chips, fire-roasted poblano salsa, hand-smashed guacamole, and queso con cerveza. Ordering each a la carte would set you back $21. 
Multiple locations, missiontacojoint.com

Spritz Hour at Bistro La Floraison
They had us at “spritz.” Visit Bistro La Floraison from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday for $9 DIY spritzes with your choice of liqueur, vermouth and/or bitters added to sparkling wine and club soda. You get more choices than the regular drink menu and for $1 less. Can’t make a decision? Order one of three signature spritzes for the same price, a $6 NA option or $8 wine of the day – your choice of sparkling, rosé, white or red. Select items from the Bistro’s delightful snack menu are available a la carte, including French onion financiers and gougeres for $3 each and raw oysters for $3.75 each. 
7637 Wydown Blvd., Clayton, 314.725.8880, bistrolafloraison.com