Swade Dispensary Senior Director of Marketing Brandon Cavanagh was a recent podcast guest and a Sauce One to Watch in 2026 for good reason. And while you might think someone leading marketing for a cannabis company only has a knack for choosing the best munchies, think again because the man has impeccable taste. Below are his favorite restaurants around St. Louis.
Little Fox
“Some of the best food in the area, with even better people at the helm. From the menu to the service to the decor to the vibes, every piece feels expertly curated, and not a single detail has been overlooked. And they manage to do all of this without an air of pretension.”
littlefoxstl.com
Lona’s Lil Eats
“Another Fox Park gem here. It’s fast-casual, but Lona’s is serving some of the best food on offer in St Louis. The giant rice paper wrap is the correct move, but the menu possibilities are endless. Go for the dumplings. Stay for the brisket. Go back again and again for the bamboo stew.”
lonaslileats.com
Louie
“What can be said about this institution that hasn’t already been said? It has its own pulse. Always busy and yet always accommodating. I don’t drink anymore, but this remains one of my favorite bars to belly up to and eat my way through the menu while keeping a watchful eye on the pizza oven and the rest of the seats, as both of their contents turn over in a relentless churn until it eventually begins to quiet. It’s a special place.”
louiedemun.com
Union Loafers Cafe & Bread Bakery
“In a sandwich-crazed town, there are many contenders, but only one champion. The fact that I’m not even here to talk about them switching concepts each night for dinner service and serving a pizza which is easily among the top five pies in STL should hopefully speak volumes to how good their lunch service is. I have only had a dream about a salad once in my life, and that salad was the Little Gem at Loafers.”
unionloafers.com
El Molino del Sureste
“I thought I knew Mexican cuisine until I ate here. Like Jon Snow, I knew nothing. What the Henry brothers have done to bring Yucatan cuisine to this town should be celebrated. Pro tip is to go with a large group and jump in feet first to the menu. Over order. You won’t regret it.”
elmolinostl.com
