Chef Alec Schingel has built a reputation in St. Louis for thoughtful, ingredient-driven cooking rooted in strong hospitality values. After cooking at Vicia and Winslow’s Table, Schingel launched The Robin Project as a pop-up, which eventually evolved into Robin Restaurant in Maplewood, where his seasonal tasting menus balance refinement with approachability. On a recent episode of The Sauce podcast, Schingel talks with Sauce executive editor Lauren Healey about his culinary path, opening Robin, and the places around town that continue to inspire him. Before diving into his picks below, give the episode a listen for more insight into how he thinks about the local dining scene. While we typically run a list of five spots for our podcast guests, Schingel wanted to include some honorable mentions as well.
TOP 5
Blues City Deli
“Still my favorite sandwich spot in the city. Plus, it’s just such a vibe.”
2438 McNair Ave., St. Louis, bluescitydeli.com
Little Fox
“I really wanted to name somewhere else because it feels like every other guest has mentioned it, but it really is our favorite spot for a nice night out. Everything is always on point and it feels like it keeps getting better every time we come back. Plus, the wine list is my favorite in the city.”
2800 Shenandoah Ave., St. Louis, littlefoxstl.com
Porter’s Fried Chicken
“Old-school fried chicken joint – needs more love with all the other overhyped places opening [in my opinion].”
3628 S. Big Bend Blvd., Maplewood, porterschicken.com
Side Project Pizza
“Our current go-to pizza place near us.”
2657 Lyle Ave., Maplewood, sideprojectbrewing.com
The Royale
“Favorite neighborhood bar; perfect for any season, any occasion.”
3132 S. Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, theroyale.com
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Damn Fine Handpies
“Gene Bailey helped work [front of house] the first year I was doing The Robin Project while he and Madeline were hustling on their project.”
4000 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, damnfinehandpies.com
Mortar & Pestle
“My friend Nhat Nguyen and his partner Remy just opened this spot, celebrating their shared backgrounds. Really great spot.”
4611 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, mortarandpestlestl.com
Scout’s
“I worked with both Elliot and Brandon at Vicia and then Brandon was my sous at Winslow’s. Really proud of their growth as people and hospitality pros. I hope to get a day off to go check them out, but I’m sure they’re gonna crush it.”
2704 Locust St., St. Louis, scouts.toast.site
The Vandy & Off Elm
“I worked here before Robin, but love them both. Great concepts executed by [STL Barkeep] Matt Longueville, Pat Gioia, Parker and team.”
1301 S. Vandeventer Ave., St. Louis, thevandystl.com; 8709 Big Bend Blvd., Webster Groves, offelmstl.com