From new openings and pop-ups finding their footing with menus that already feel fully formed to cozy neighborhood dining rooms, crispy Detroit-style pizza and dumpling stops worth the drive, these spots are giving us plenty of reasons to eat out this month (as if we needed an excuse).
Scout’s
Scout’s has breathed new life into the former Nexus space in Midtown, transforming it into a cozy, lived-in dining room perfect for your next night out. The restaurant is helmed by a team of experienced chefs from Dinner at the Loft and The Biscuit Joint, bringing a thoughtful, homey approach to fine dining that emphasizes communal sharing and seasonality. On our visit, the team was still in soft-opening mode with a limited menu, but the kitchen’s point of view was already clear. The carbonara arancini landed first: rich, salty and loaded with gooey cheese. The grilled carrots followed, dressed in harissa vinaigrette with pickled pepper-pine nut salsa, feta and herbs; they were complex and aromatic, the kind of dish that rewards slow, thoughtful bites. But the standout of the night was the grilled cabbage with ’nduja cream, a spicy, deeply flavored plate layered with sunflower seeds and sprigs of fresh dill. It was the dish we kept talking about long after the table was cleared. A special that evening, the house-made butternut squash ravioli was the best pasta dish we’ve had in a long while.
We were told the chicken dish is a must-try and look forward to ordering it next time; unfortunately, by the time that recommendation reached us, we were far too full to add one more thing. On the drinks side, the Strawberry Milk Punch stood out with its mix of vodka, lemon, vanilla, strawberry and that milk-punch smoothness we love. Dessert closed the night beautifully with a silky panna cotta, topped with plenty of crisp texture and a bright apple element for fruity freshness.
Scout’s feels like the kind of place the owners envisioned: a restaurant that balances creativity and comfort, where locally sourced ingredients shine and small, shareable dishes encourage conversation. With the menu set to expand and the kitchen already showing such a clear perspective, it’s a spot we’re already eager to revisit.
2704 Locust St., St. Louis, scouts.toast.site
Nicky Slices Pizza Club
What began as an Instagram-only take-and-bake pop-up has landed on the Hill as Nicky Slices Pizza Club, and the excitement is completely earned. They’re turning out some of the best Detroit-style pies in the city, all with that deep, crispy edge and a lineup that covers everything from playful to downright indulgent.
The Caesar salad leans into a fully funky, fish-forward dressing, complete with anchovies on top. The Trophy Nuggets pizza arrives crowned with crispy chicken pieces closer to boneless wings than nuggets, then drizzled with a honey-hot Buffalo sauce that’s balanced and not too Buffalo-forward.
The rotating specials are where things get wild. The French onion pizza we tried was the runaway favorite, basically a French dip in pizza form. Think braised short rib that feels like cold-weather comfort food, caramelized onions that are sweet with a little vinegary bite, and a mix of Gruyere and Swiss that brings tangy richness. It’s all tied together with heavy drizzles of French onion crème fraîche that amplify everything, plus a side of au jus for dipping. And the Dumps Like a Truck pizza brings an Asian-inspired mix of pork-and-chive dumpling sausage, sriracha mayo, crispy onion and garlic, and scallions. Even the classics hit hard. The cheese and pepperoni pies are kid-approved, with that signature crispy Detroit-style edge.
2240 Edwards St., St. Louis, nickyslices.square.site
Bemiston Cocktail Club
We featured Bemiston in our roundup of new bars last fall, but a recent visit made something very clear: The food program might actually outshine the cocktails, which is not what anyone expects from a spot with “Cocktail Club” in the name. It sits right next door to Louie’s Wine Dive and comes from the same ownership, with guests checking in there before slipping through the easy-to-miss door marked simply with a “B.”
The veggie dishes are the real stars. The crisp pecan Brussels sprouts with sweet serrano sauce that really packs a punch were a surprise knockout on an early bar visit, which is why we had to go back for a full diner. Then roasted gold beets with pepita dukkah is a super satisfying mix built on a peppery bed of arugula. Gold and red beets land on a cloud of whipped mascarpone, with green apple for brightness and dukkah for crunch.
On the heartier side, the herb roasted pork belly roulade is packed with roasted winter veggies, apple mostarda, lemon and arugula. It leans a little rich, but that’s the style, and the sides give it a cozy, down-home feel. The ricotta stuffed jumbo shells come in a pumpkin cream sauce that isn’t overly pumpkin-y, rounded out with basil pesto, shaved Romano and a touch of Calabrian chile. As for drinks, the Chai Colada is the one that earns its spot. The rest are solid but not nearly as memorable, and the NA options could use a boost for the non-drinkers in the group. From the Brussels to the beets, the kitchen is putting out food that’s far better than it needs to be. Reservations run through Louie’s Wine Dive before you head into the club itself, so plan ahead.
14 S. Bemiston Ave., Clayton, bemistoncocktailbar.com
Biscuit Town
What began as a temporary pop-up last winter at Neon Greens has grown into a permanent ghost kitchen inside the Grove salad spot, serving a focused lineup of biscuit sandwiches and sides.
The Hot One is our favorite, stacked with Buttonwood Farms chicken sausage, sharp white cheddar, Buttonwood Farms eggs, shredded scallions and their signature BSK (basically spicy ketchup) sauce. It brings plenty of spicy flavor without too much heat, making it approachable even for spice-averse eaters. The Sneaky Biscuit keeps things familiar but elevated, with smoked gouda, Buttonwood Farms eggs, crispy bacon and a smoked citrus honey that adds just enough sweetness. Even our dining companion who usually avoids biscuits was won over. These aren’t dry or crumbly as biscuits so often can be; they’re moist yet flaky and sturdy enough to hold up with all the fillings. Don’t skip the umami hash brown, coated in salt, sugar, sumac and a little MSG for a deeply savory crunch. Adding a side of the pickled pepper mayo is a smart move too. It’s green, tangy and vegetal, not heavy or overly mayo-forward, and works with just about anything savory on the menu. For something sweet but not overly cloying, The Strawberry Situation is lighter than it looks. The twice-baked, almond croissant-style biscuit is crisp and structured, layered with house-made strawberry jam, freshly whipped cream and strawberry sugar.
It was busy when we visited, a good sign for a concept that clearly found its audience. While you’re there, grab a salad to go for later in the day. Neon Greens grows its greens on-site in a shipping container, sending them straight to the kitchen by conveyor belt.
Inside Neon Greens, 4176 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, biscuittownstl.com
Fan’s Asian Corner
Fan’s Asian Corner is an easy win for anyone who melts a little at the words “soup dumplings,” but they’ve got an array of other offerings as well.
The cucumber salad is simple and refreshing, and while the flavor is mild on its own, a spoonful of the table chile oil wakes it right up. The beef sandwich is the sleeper hit: a crackly, flaky philo-like bread wrapped around tender beef with a flavor that pops more than you expect from such a straightforward build. It doesn’t need anything extra. The soup dumplings come flecked with sesame seeds and are solid across the board, but we always opt for pork-filled and pan-fried, though steamed is the traditional preparation. The spring rolls bring a crisp bite with a sweet chile sauce, and the rice shumai have a gentle sweetness that also shines with a touch of chile oil. For drinks, the Thai boba milk tea and Peach Dragon tea go down easy, though both are quite sweet. The oversized straws make quick work of the boba and fruit chunks, which feels a little playful.
The space is cute and unassuming, tucked into a Dierbergs strip mall with light wood, rattan accents and a bright, tidy feel. It’s a friendly spot with comforting hits and a few standout bites, perfect for casual dumpling cravings any day of the week.
2013 Zumbehl Road, St. Charles, fansasiancorner.com
This article appears in January 2026.