Schlafly Beer Head Brewer Jared Williamson – our podcast guest this week and one of our Ones to Watch stars in the February issue – may be one of the biggest beer experts in town, but he also knows good food. Below, he shares five of his favorite St. Louis spots.
Louie
“Everything they do is top shelf, from the execution of the food to the attention to detail with service. It’s everything you want from a high-end dining experience, and they deliver that experience with consistency.”
706 De Mun Ave., Clayton, louiedemun.com
Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria
“What can I say, Katie’s is my wife’s favorite and one of mine too. We’ve been fans since the original location in Clayton and continue to visit the Rock Hill location multiple times a month. Seasonal ingredients, fantastic flavors, great staff. They are a go-to for us and our families.”
Multiple locations, katies.com
Mai Lee
“Simply the best at what they do. Their menu is so expansive that we’re still discovering new-to-us dishes after years of dining with them. Recently, we fell in love with dish #151, one of the best eggplant dishes I’ve ever had.”
8396 Musick Memorial Drive, Brentwood, maileestl.com
Southwest Diner
“For me, these guys serve some of the best breakfast and brunch food in the area. Simple dishes that are elevated and comforting, from their huevos rancheros to their tortas to their stacked enchiladas plate, you can taste the love that goes into their cooking. And when they ask if you want red chile or green chile on your plate? You want both, Christmas style.”
6803 Southwest Ave., St. Louis, southwestdinerstl.com
Olive + Oak / Perennial on Lockwood
“One kitchen and two fabulous restaurants. Olive + Oak is another gem of the St. Louis dining scene, with inventive seasonal dishes that are both whimsical and grounded. And Perennial Lockwood, nominated for best brewpub in the country, is low-key putting out one of the most interesting combinations of innovative brews and seasonal plates. Big fan of what they’ve brought to the STL scene.”216 W. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, oliveandoak.oohosp.com, perennial.oohosp.com