This week on The Sauce podcast, we chatted with Michael Fricker, owner of Monstera Mezcaleria & Natural Wine Bar on South Grand, and he’s shared some of his favorite spots around town with us. His picks span everything from neighborhood dives and hidden gems to refined dining rooms and beloved street food.
Akar
“One of my favorite meals in the city, just incredibly deep flavors. Warm hospitality, great wine list. Bernie [Lee] has perfected these Malaysian flavors and classics meets French technique and style that is very recognizable but also completely new and exciting. I could eat there weekly.”
7641 Wydown Blvd., Clayton, akarstl.com
Off Elm
“Delicious, well-balanced cocktails. Great little bites. Such a great spirits list as well. Pat [Gioia] and Matt [Longueville] have done a great job of making it feel like a high-end cocktail and whiskey joint but with very neighborhoody vibes and hospitality.”
8709 Big Bend Blvd., Webster Groves, offelmstl.com
Stews Food & Liquor
“Just a dope spot, amazing vibes, great staff, dope food. Sitting outside with a bunch of friends is a good night. Cocktails are tasty, tequila selection is one of the most underrated in the city. The amaros are great, but the hospitality and the staff from top down make this place run.”
1862 S. 10th St., St. Louis, stewsstl.com
Taqueria Hectorito
“Easily best torta in the city, hands down. I eat it weekly. I spend so much time in Oaxaca and Mexico City, it’s hard sometimes to eat that style of food, but Hectorito, a cart outside of El Torito on Cherokee, hits that note for me. Also, Mestiza [3279 Hampton Ave.] is the same – very Mexico City feel from the flavors and the style.”
2753 Cherokee St., St. Louis, 314.771.4049
Tick Tock Tavern
“My favorite neighborhood spot. Great beer list, walk in and see a bunch of neighborhood people. Great patio out back too. The kind of place where by your second visit the homies know your name and what beer and shot you prefer. It’s super comfy and warm. Everything right about that St. Louis style of dive/neighborhood joint.”
3459 Magnolia Ave., St. Louis, Facebook: Tick Tock Tavern
This article appears in October 2025.