Table side salad was wonderful and dessert was good. The remaining courses were somewhat disappointing. The bisque tasted good, but was covered with a very unappetizing solid skin/film, like it had been sitting out a long time. The alcohol (vermouth? Sherry?) had not been cooked off of it. Other sauces were thick, had skins over the tops, and in some cases could not be poured because they were so solidified. There was a partially raw shrimp on the shrimp cocktail. Both steaks were over cooked, one really badly over cooked. Some items were severely over salted and some needed salt. Pasta was overcooked and had the same overly thick/dried sauce issue as the other items. This place is a real throwback, and we loved the table side preparations and the sort of frozen in time decor, etc. My only issue really is the price in relation to the quality of the food. Had I spent a lot less, the food problems wouldn't have bothered me quite so much, as the vibe and experience is fun. Our meal was about $500 for two people with no alcohol, and for that price, the food should be better. At the very least, the steaks should be cooked to the correct temp. My companion is a chef at restaurant perennially in every top ten list, so I promise it wasn't that we don't know how to order the temp we like. So as fun as it was, I doubt we'll be back.
Jordan
So amazing! Rich with history, and food and service were incredible - I can't say enough good things about Al's. If you live in St. Louis or are visiting it's worth it!
Steve
Very serene setting with a deep history dating back 100 years. Maitre d Sid a great job telling the story of the restaurant as well as explaining the menu. Food was fantastic. Ravioli amazing, blackened salmon equal. Would highly recommend!
Ryan
A great step back in time! Great for History buffs of St. Louis and Missouri! I had a steak and twice baked potato both excellent. Bannas foster outstanding hell even the coffee and diet coke were great!!! Highly highly highly recommend going even just once it's an experience for all!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
N W
Al’s in St. Louis is an absolute gem—a dining experience that touches all the senses and stays with you long after the last bite. From the moment we arrived, Gary, our gracious host and server, welcomed us with genuine warmth, and James added the same attentive care throughout the evening. Their hospitality wasn’t just service—it was the kind of thoughtful attention that makes you feel seen, valued, and part of something special, creating a ripple of joy that carried through the entire night. The setting is steeped in history. Originally the Vogel Sugar House, the building was purchased by the current family in 1925 and has been lovingly preserved. Part of the restaurant is a restored riverboat, complete with an original 1868 mural of St. Louis painted by a renowned artist of the era. The quiet, elegant ambiance—enhanced by the glow of its historic charm—sets the perfect stage for the meal to come. We began with a Caesar salad, prepared tableside with crisp greens and fresh, zesty dressing. Our mains—lamb chops, fettuccine, salmon, and NY strip—were cooked to absolute perfection and served with tender mushrooms, garlicky spinach, and perfectly seasoned Cajun shrimp. Each dish was made from 100-year-old recipes passed down from the original owners and cooks, and you can taste the heritage in every bite. Dessert was equally extraordinary: cinnamon ice cream and bananas Foster, both made to order in front of us. The rich flavors, theatrical tableside preparation, and Gary’s delightful narration made the finale unforgettable. Al’s is reservation-only, and it is absolutely worth the wait. This isn’t just dinner—it’s history, artistry, and heart served on a plate.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brandtnm
The most memorable dinner you’ll have in the USA, and without the stuffy, self important, arrogant crap of the coastal hipster trust-funder restaurants of similar culinary caliber. Truly a family business and great restaurant. They will do everything possible to make sure you enjoy dinner, or to find the perfect drink. They made us, a couple from out of town who just stumbled upon Al’s by accident, feel like family. The food was delicious and prepared exactly as we asked. The meal, the staff and the evening, were great and it all has stuck in our memories as one of the best nights out we ever had.
Nick Powers
Take a step back in time when service was exceptional and dining was an experience, that is Al's. Tremendous service, amazing service, and a one of a kind experience that no other place in St. Louis can match.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Leigh
I walked into Al's for the first time in 30 years and it was like walking into a time capsule! (I had been there in 1995 for my college graduation dinner with my parents and college boyfriend, but not since.) We decided to go for our anniversary and loved the ambiance; quiet, with Frank Sinatra crooning in the background, dimly lit, with deep, heavy and comfortable chairs and tables placed far apart. The bar is spectacular and is "decked" out like an old riverboat. The dining room feels cozy and intimate without seeming cramped. We were greeted by the owner who told us to our delight that her grandfather originally started Al's 100 years ago in the same location. Service was impeccable. There is no printed menu and prices are HIGH. We started with escargot and shrimp cocktail which were fair, not great. Table side Caesar salad was divine and plentiful- too much for two people! NY Strip and lamb chops were cooked to perfection along with sides of creamed spinach and Al's famous potatoes with onions and spices. SO GOOD!!! We had homemade tartufo for desert which the owner treated us to for our anniversary. Also beyond reproach. Would have given it more stars except for the apps. Please support this local gem!
Jacqueline
Very personal attention to each client. There are no printed menus so if you are concerned about remembering choices look at menus items online before dining. The steamboat bar is amazing with a the details built into it.
Bill
As always, the food was excellent and our server was perfectly attentive. We enjoy the slower pace dining, attention to detail and the special menu items I've only seen at Al's, like the tableside Caesar salad - it was delicious! The tableside service really adds to the experience and ambiance. My NY strip was perfection and my wife said her seabass was amazing with the shrimp sauce. We shared their Italian ice cream and learned about the special ingredient that makes it so delicious. The pricing is on par with any other white tablecloth restaurant, and well worth the trip downtown for a memorable evening.
Worst dining experience ever! Not enough space or time to cover all the ways this restaurant failed. Food, service, atmosphere, price, staff. Fail, fail, fail.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
Matthew
We have been going to Al's for 20 years and it was a special place for not only my husband and I, but my dad and grandpa. We won't be back. We made a last-minute reservation on Open Table-about 30 minutes before our arrival. Got there and were greeted by a woman who looked at us like we weren't supposed to be there. Could hear the staff discussing our reservation from the entranceway. The shrimp cocktail was delicious-cocktail sauce good-I will always miss Dierdorf and Hart's shrimp cocktail-but this was good. We could not order a baked potato-had to be twice-baked. Not sure the reasoning behind this. They now bring out the meat on the same tray to show you, but it's all wrapped in plastic-you can't even see it. There were also only two choices for cuts of steak. I ordered mine medium rare and it was so rare-I couldn't stomach it. I like my steak medium rare, but not completely red to the edges. Sides were something I could make at home. Drinks were good. Dessert was delicious-ice cream from Baldo's. We do like the ambiance, but the whole experience has changed. Didn't feel welcome. They also put 20% gratuity on the bill-there were two of us. Had I not noticed, my husband would have tipped on top of that. Such a shame because we have a lot of great memories with great past experiences at Al's.
Dale Stout
Great place to eat at near the Horseshoe casino, with better atmosphere and food.
Daniel Stricker
Always a great experience—nowhere else like it in STL!
arnettek
f I could give this place less than 1 star I would. It was our wedding anniversary; we had reservations and the evening started out great. As soon as we arrived on the parking lot of Al's it started to go down hill. The parking lot is not secured, dark, gravel surface, limited and we saw a few unhoused and what looked to be a man and a child living in a car. We get inside the restaurant to not be greeted by anyone. A waiter from across the room said have a seat anywhere, we'll be with you. Needless to say there was one other table there of what looked like a business dinner. The same waiter comes over with less than a nice welcoming greeting and asked to take our order. We ordered drinks to start, (disastrous). The same waiter also made our old fashioned, which was horrible. It tasted like a blended fruit drink and looked like one as well. You can see the bubbles in the photo. I asked him did I hear a blender making these drinks, of course he lied and said no. We didn't finish it. We ordered appetizers that were equally horrible. My husband ordered Cajun shrimp that was simply shrimp cocktail. I ordered lobster bisque, which was microwaved canned soup. No lobster and no taste. You can see the skim on the top. At this point we had enough and were ready to leave. We told the waiter the food was horrible and we were not having dinner. He proceeded to argue with me and said we'll have to charge you a no entree fee. We argued back, he called the owner; which was no help at all. At this point to, salvage the evening; we said just give us the check. We'll go somewhere else to continue our celebration. Although this place has been around for the number of years as they have; it's time for them to close up shop. The place was a complete dive. The decor dated from the 60's and the 1 wait staff was not what he might have been 40 years ago. They charge the "no entree fee" as I'm sure their business must be slow and or customers just don't hang around to be treated horribly in addition to eating the tasteless, microwaved, dated and poor quality food. I have no doubt they make most of the money the same way the gouged us for ours and to boot the lousy POS had the nerve to charge us a 20% gratuity. We paid the check, left and went to a much better establishment to enjoy the rest of our anniversary. Please Please Please DO NOT GO TO THE PLACE!!!
Table side salad was wonderful and dessert was good. The remaining courses were somewhat disappointing. The bisque tasted good, but was covered with a very unappetizing solid skin/film, like it had been sitting out a long time. The alcohol (vermouth? Sherry?) had not been cooked off of it. Other sauces were thick, had skins over the tops, and in some cases could not be poured because they were so solidified. There was a partially raw shrimp on the shrimp cocktail. Both steaks were over cooked, one really badly over cooked. Some items were severely over salted and some needed salt. Pasta was overcooked and had the same overly thick/dried sauce issue as the other items. This place is a real throwback, and we loved the table side preparations and the sort of frozen in time decor, etc. My only issue really is the price in relation to the quality of the food. Had I spent a lot less, the food problems wouldn't have bothered me quite so much, as the vibe and experience is fun. Our meal was about $500 for two people with no alcohol, and for that price, the food should be better. At the very least, the steaks should be cooked to the correct temp. My companion is a chef at restaurant perennially in every top ten list, so I promise it wasn't that we don't know how to order the temp we like. So as fun as it was, I doubt we'll be back.
So amazing! Rich with history, and food and service were incredible - I can't say enough good things about Al's. If you live in St. Louis or are visiting it's worth it!
Very serene setting with a deep history dating back 100 years. Maitre d Sid a great job telling the story of the restaurant as well as explaining the menu. Food was fantastic. Ravioli amazing, blackened salmon equal. Would highly recommend!
A great step back in time! Great for History buffs of St. Louis and Missouri! I had a steak and twice baked potato both excellent. Bannas foster outstanding hell even the coffee and diet coke were great!!! Highly highly highly recommend going even just once it's an experience for all!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Al’s in St. Louis is an absolute gem—a dining experience that touches all the senses and stays with you long after the last bite. From the moment we arrived, Gary, our gracious host and server, welcomed us with genuine warmth, and James added the same attentive care throughout the evening. Their hospitality wasn’t just service—it was the kind of thoughtful attention that makes you feel seen, valued, and part of something special, creating a ripple of joy that carried through the entire night.
The setting is steeped in history. Originally the Vogel Sugar House, the building was purchased by the current family in 1925 and has been lovingly preserved. Part of the restaurant is a restored riverboat, complete with an original 1868 mural of St. Louis painted by a renowned artist of the era. The quiet, elegant ambiance—enhanced by the glow of its historic charm—sets the perfect stage for the meal to come.
We began with a Caesar salad, prepared tableside with crisp greens and fresh, zesty dressing. Our mains—lamb chops, fettuccine, salmon, and NY strip—were cooked to absolute perfection and served with tender mushrooms, garlicky spinach, and perfectly seasoned Cajun shrimp. Each dish was made from 100-year-old recipes passed down from the original owners and cooks, and you can taste the heritage in every bite.
Dessert was equally extraordinary: cinnamon ice cream and bananas Foster, both made to order in front of us. The rich flavors, theatrical tableside preparation, and Gary’s delightful narration made the finale unforgettable.
Al’s is reservation-only, and it is absolutely worth the wait. This isn’t just dinner—it’s history, artistry, and heart served on a plate.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The most memorable dinner you’ll have in the USA, and without the stuffy, self important, arrogant crap of the coastal hipster trust-funder restaurants of similar culinary caliber. Truly a family business and great restaurant. They will do everything possible to make sure you enjoy dinner, or to find the perfect drink. They made us, a couple from out of town who just stumbled upon Al’s by accident, feel like family. The food was delicious and prepared exactly as we asked. The meal, the staff and the evening, were great and it all has stuck in our memories as one of the best nights out we ever had.
Take a step back in time when service was exceptional and dining was an experience, that is Al's. Tremendous service, amazing service, and a one of a kind experience that no other place in St. Louis can match.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I walked into Al's for the first time in 30 years and it was like walking into a time capsule! (I had been there in 1995 for my college graduation dinner with my parents and college boyfriend, but not since.) We decided to go for our anniversary and loved the ambiance; quiet, with Frank Sinatra crooning in the background, dimly lit, with deep, heavy and comfortable chairs and tables placed far apart. The bar is spectacular and is "decked" out like an old riverboat. The dining room feels cozy and intimate without seeming cramped. We were greeted by the owner who told us to our delight that her grandfather originally started Al's 100 years ago in the same location. Service was impeccable. There is no printed menu and prices are HIGH. We started with escargot and shrimp cocktail which were fair, not great. Table side Caesar salad was divine and plentiful- too much for two people! NY Strip and lamb chops were cooked to perfection along with sides of creamed spinach and Al's famous potatoes with onions and spices. SO GOOD!!! We had homemade tartufo for desert which the owner treated us to for our anniversary. Also beyond reproach. Would have given it more stars except for the apps. Please support this local gem!
Very personal attention to each client. There are no printed menus so if you are concerned about remembering choices look at menus items online before dining. The steamboat bar is amazing with a the details built into it.
As always, the food was excellent and our server was perfectly attentive. We enjoy the slower pace dining, attention to detail and the special menu items I've only seen at Al's, like the tableside Caesar salad - it was delicious! The tableside service really adds to the experience and ambiance. My NY strip was perfection and my wife said her seabass was amazing with the shrimp sauce. We shared their Italian ice cream and learned about the special ingredient that makes it so delicious. The pricing is on par with any other white tablecloth restaurant, and well worth the trip downtown for a memorable evening.
Restaurantji Recommends
Worst dining experience ever! Not enough space or time to cover all the ways this restaurant failed. Food, service, atmosphere, price, staff. Fail, fail, fail.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 1
We have been going to Al's for 20 years and it was a special place for not only my husband and I, but my dad and grandpa. We won't be back. We made a last-minute reservation on Open Table-about 30 minutes before our arrival. Got there and were greeted by a woman who looked at us like we weren't supposed to be there. Could hear the staff discussing our reservation from the entranceway. The shrimp cocktail was delicious-cocktail sauce good-I will always miss Dierdorf and Hart's shrimp cocktail-but this was good. We could not order a baked potato-had to be twice-baked. Not sure the reasoning behind this. They now bring out the meat on the same tray to show you, but it's all wrapped in plastic-you can't even see it. There were also only two choices for cuts of steak. I ordered mine medium rare and it was so rare-I couldn't stomach it. I like my steak medium rare, but not completely red to the edges. Sides were something I could make at home. Drinks were good. Dessert was delicious-ice cream from Baldo's. We do like the ambiance, but the whole experience has changed. Didn't feel welcome. They also put 20% gratuity on the bill-there were two of us. Had I not noticed, my husband would have tipped on top of that. Such a shame because we have a lot of great memories with great past experiences at Al's.
Great place to eat at near the Horseshoe casino, with better atmosphere and food.
Always a great experience—nowhere else like it in STL!
f I could give this place less than 1 star I would. It was our wedding anniversary; we had reservations and the evening started out great. As soon as we arrived on the parking lot of Al's it started to go down hill. The parking lot is not secured, dark, gravel surface, limited and we saw a few unhoused and what looked to be a man and a child living in a car. We get inside the restaurant to not be greeted by anyone. A waiter from across the room said have a seat anywhere, we'll be with you. Needless to say there was one other table there of what looked like a business dinner. The same waiter comes over with less than a nice welcoming greeting and asked to take our order. We ordered drinks to start, (disastrous). The same waiter also made our old fashioned, which was horrible. It tasted like a blended fruit drink and looked like one as well. You can see the bubbles in the photo. I asked him did I hear a blender making these drinks, of course he lied and said no. We didn't finish it. We ordered appetizers that were equally horrible. My husband ordered Cajun shrimp that was simply shrimp cocktail. I ordered lobster bisque, which was microwaved canned soup. No lobster and no taste. You can see the skim on the top. At this point we had enough and were ready to leave. We told the waiter the food was horrible and we were not having dinner. He proceeded to argue with me and said we'll have to charge you a no entree fee. We argued back, he called the owner; which was no help at all. At this point to, salvage the evening; we said just give us the check. We'll go somewhere else to continue our celebration. Although this place has been around for the number of years as they have; it's time for them to close up shop. The place was a complete dive. The decor dated from the 60's and the 1 wait staff was not what he might have been 40 years ago. They charge the "no entree fee" as I'm sure their business must be slow and or customers just don't hang around to be treated horribly in addition to eating the tasteless, microwaved, dated and poor quality food. I have no doubt they make most of the money the same way the gouged us for ours and to boot the lousy POS had the nerve to charge us a 20% gratuity. We paid the check, left and went to a much better establishment to enjoy the rest of our anniversary. Please Please Please DO NOT GO TO THE PLACE!!!
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