Take a Foodtrip Around St. Louis

Heading to St. Louis for a vacation or weekend getaway this summer?  Your taste buds will be on vacation, too, so why not treat them to something exciting and new there? St. Louis’ choice of restaurants with unique offerings — and old favorites — is almost limitless.

For all-American food that reminds you of the way we used to eat, head for Bailey’s Range in downtown St. Louis. This eatery specializes in burgers — Bailey’s beef is 100 percent grass-fed and Missouri raised; and shakes — they make their own ice cream.

American food takes on a southern twang at Sweetie Pies where owner Robbie Montgomery serves up food her mother taught her to make when she was a girl. Made-from-scratch Southern classics include fried chicken, catfish, mac-and cheese and peach cobbler. The saga of the Montgomery family is the focus of a series on the Oprah network.

For pizza President Obama calls his favorite, head to the Loop neighborhood (or downtown, Central West End, Kirkwood or Chesterfield) for Pi Pizza.  Gluten-free thin crust pizza is an option as well as vegan pies (with six hours notice).

Fountain on Locust boasts the most talked-about bathrooms in town and the only restaurant radio comedy serial, “Soap Hospital,” with a new episode every two minutes. But it’s the unique, made-from-scratch food that will capture your attention, and the ice cream martinis are to-die-for. Check out the “retro cocktails” and champagne floats too.

Your palate calling for ethnic? Choices abound in St. Louis. In fact, you could spend your vacation dining on the cuisine of a different country each night.

Cafe Natasha in the Loop Neighborhood offers made-from-scratch and made-to-order Persian cuisine from traditional family recipes.

For a taste of north India, south India and Indochina, swing by Mayuri India Restaurant in Creve Coeur.

If sushi’s your thing, Blue Ocean Sushi Restaurant in the Loop neighborhood, is the place for you. The restaurant offers sushi sets and all-you-can-eat meals. Check out the $10 Bento Box lunch specials.

For something totally different, reserve a table at Maya Cafe in the heart of Maplewood’s arts district where Pan-Latin food is the order of the day. Even the patio is unique – its centerpiece is an old steel tugboat.

Al fresco dining is a happy option most of the year in St. Louis.  Restaurants featuring outdoor patios include Bogart’s Smokehouse in downtown St. Louis, Backbar at Scape on Maryland Plaza, Gamlin Whiskey House in the Central West End and Maggiano’s Little Italy across from the Saint Louis Galleria.

For a sweet treat, head to St. Louis County and Jilly’s Cupcake Bar & Cafe, recent winner of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars; check out the strange donuts at – what else? – Strange  Donuts in Maplewood or go with a St. Louis tradition – a concrete at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.

So, go ahead. Try something new and different at a St. Louis restaurant. Your taste buds will thank you.