50 Best American Restaurants near University City

“Blueberry Hill is an absolute gem! The atmosphere is vibrant and full of character, making it the perfect spot to hang out with friends or enjoy a night out. The staff are fantastic—friendly, attentive, and always ready to make your experience special. Their food and drinks are top-notch, bursting with flavor and made fresh. What really makes Blueberry Hill stand out is its unique and eclectic decor—you can explore the really cool Duck Room, admire walls filled with everything from sports memorabilia to Spice Girl dolls, and even check out a Pac-Man room! The mix of history, fun, and quirky details creates an experience unlike anywhere else in St. Louis. Plus, the prices are very reasonable for the quality and vibe you get here. If you want a spot that’s both fun and authentic, Blueberry Hill is where you need to be. Highly recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“

“Great bbq. Will be back. Great service“

“I came into st luois for work trip and came across kreugers. It was the perfect place to have a great evening. Out of my entire trip i had the most memorable night here. The food here was on point the chef Johnathan suggested we try the smash burger and im glad I took his recommendation I did not expect how delicious it would be. If your looking for a great enviourment with some tasty eats ide recommend dropping by!!“

“Chicago Fish & Chicken Grill has the back cake ever so fresh, soft, moist, and yummy....stop in today to grab you a slice.“

“went there Saturday and was upstairs at the bar i think it was close to 6. well anyhow the bartender was awesome! food was really awesome. I think i had the st louis burger. I was telling people that was a 2 hand burger! was really full after eating that. even though u were real busy food was great and people were friendly!“

“4 stars for fingerling potatoes. 5 stars for Sleigh Bells “Rill Rill”.“

“I absolutely love The Fountain on Locust! It is by far one of my favorite restaurants in St. Louis! The food is amazing and the dessert is always the perfect way to end the meal! Every time I have been to The Fountain on Locust, I have left happier than when I came in! The staff is very welcoming and they always do a great job, providing top-tier service!“

“went there Saturday and was upstairs at the bar i think it was close to 6. well anyhow the bartender was awesome! food was really awesome. I think i had the st louis burger. I was telling people that was a 2 hand burger! was really full after eating that. even though u were real busy food was great and people were friendly!“

“Great burgers! I LOVED my TriPPPy burger which has a pineapple chutney and bacon jam. You will want extra napkins with that one.? My husband built his own burger to get just what he wanted and enjoyed his burger. They also have veggie options, but these carnivores did not explore them.“

“It was a rare out of town date night for us and we chose Olive and Oak for a couple reasons. They were open late on Sunday and the menu looked amazing. From start to finish, this was a wonderful dining experience. The NA mocktails were amazing. The atmosphere is stunning. We tried several different things on the menu and were not disappointed by any of them. Our server, Jordan, was fantastic. My boyfriend is a restaurant owner/chef in Columbia and to watch him truly enjoy every bit of that meal made my heart happy as well. We will absolutely be back. Many times:)“

“Great homemade food. Staff are wonderful. Great place to go.“

“We really enjoyed the food and atmosphere can’t wait to come back!!! My husband had the salmon, rich and broccoli this was cooked to perfection! I had the fish tacos they were so good. Our desert was carrot cake & raspberry lemon cake they melted in our mouths. This restaurant gets 10 stars we absolutely love it!!!“

“10/10 highly recommend The food, customer service was great! Enjoyed every moment“

“Best ham and cheese omelet the food was great an we truly enjoy the staff Thank You to let u know we r from poplar Bu Bluff mo“

“Start with the Pork Belly Cheese Fries! I highly suggest the DLT sandwich with tater tots. Be sure to save room for some macarons. A staple in Maplewood: the staff is friendly, the bar has some great offerings, and the food is delicious. I highly suggest making a second trip to try brunch - you can't go wrong with Eggs Bene-duck.“

“Amazing food, atmosphere, service, great quality and quantity for what you pay for and the dessert section is huge! My new favorite place“

“Great cocktails, food, and service. Maggie was a great waitress!“

“Absolutely amazing! The food and drinks were outstanding and the service was even better. Couldn’t have asked for a better evening. Can’t wait to go back. If you’re looking for a nice restaurant with the best food, this is it!“

“A hidden gem. Have been many times and have enjoyed every time. The food is simple and delicious, the staff makes great suggestions for drinks and cheese and the playlist is perfect ambience. The spritz are a must! The free wine tastings on Monday are a great way to get to know wine. A STL favorite“

“The waiter was excellent! The food was amazing. The entire staff did a awesome job with greeting and service! I will definitely be back🎉🥰“

“Its been some years since I've had the pleasure of grabbing some Chuck-a-burger! Let me tell you its exactly as how I remembered it! Quality is still on point and couldn't be happier with my choice of a double bacon cheese burger and curly fries 😋 Highly recommend 👌“

“Ok, here’s the thing… I love food. And when I say I love food, you might think I’m a huge person or a food critic or a chef or just a dramatic fan. Well, I am actually an artist, and I… I can tell you in no uncertain terms, that the food we received was *high art.* I don’t mean the kind of pretentious high art food that is served in tiny portions and so beautiful that you almost don’t want to eat it. I mean that it was masterfully created—flavorful, textured to perfection, filling, and lamentable *only* in that I wish I’d had room for more. We started with the stuffed mushroom appetizer—which I’ll admit is not usually my favorite, but my wife generally loves—served upon a sprinkle of arugula and a slashed drizzle of balsamic glaze. Imma tell ya… I like stuffed mushrooms now. My wife ordered an entrée of eggplant Parmesan—one that she doesn’t care to make often for herself only because (and I’m quoting), “It’s a pain in the a$$ to cook.” I ordered linguine Pomodoro with added shrimp and had the steamed mussels appetizer served with my entrée, so that I could add them in (as I *do* love a tutto mare). Since my wife’s entrée was one of her favorites, and I don’t generally care for it, I left her to it, concentrating on my own. I shucked all the mussels and strained their accompanying shallots and bacon into my linguine leaving the garlic and cilantro pesto behind for bread dipping. OH [*clap*clap*clap*]—I forgot to mention the bread. They served a fantastic mini loaf of the softest bread topped with caramelized onions alongside fresh grated Parmesan in olive oil. Upon our finishing it off, I asked for a second helping. Back to the entrée… My first actual bite was of the mussels, and that bite was fantastic. Then I had one of the shrimp… and… here’s the thing… I am a poet, and I also write children’s books, so when I tell you that I simply do not have a superlative sufficient to describe the shrimp, you know I’m being serious. It was warm, seasoned, and snappy as shrimp should be, but it gave me pause—as Anton Ego in Ratatouille. * First, doubt—that I had experienced something so specifically wonderful before * Then, a quick scan from childhood to now for confirmation * And lastly, the comfort that can only come from those happiest memories of childhood—Christmas mornings on receiving more than you could ever have hoped for, Halloween nights’ preparations for what giggles and terrors were to come, and burrito-you ensconced in soft blankets straight from the dryer Then of course, the rest of the dish, twirled and slurped—not too quickly… every bite a confirmation and yet still a revelation. Here again, my only lament that I must see a portion of it boxed to leave room for dessert. And… dessert. Oh, boy… Seeing all of the items, my wife and I—in celebration of our 26th anniversary—decided on the sampler. Listen up, folks: flourless chocolate torta, crème custard napoleon, and gooey butter cake. JFC are you serious? Every bite more sumptuous—more scrumptious than the last. Every bit a reassurance that I will return. Our server, Chelsea, was commendable not only for her menu knowledge and sense of humor, but it’s not for nothing that she was absolutely on top of it with regard to my tea refills (which were many, as our dinner took place after a dehydratingly-busy workday for me). We will definitely be returning to Eleven Eleven, whereupon I intend to try a few different items, my palate then flooded with new sensations—new wonders… my only lament that I will not ever have that “first time experience” again.“

“This is the perfect venue for any large gathering or celebration - the best food,m and an awesome atmosphere!“

“Great food and excellent service“

“I recently ordered takeout from King Grill Restaurant, and I was beyond impressed with both the quality of the food and the overall service. The ordering process was smooth and easy, with the staff being friendly and helpful when I called in. My food was ready on time, and the packaging was secure and neat—everything arrived hot and fresh“

“Best Gyro I have found in st.louis.“

“We had our company holiday party here and they did an amazing job. the ambience was PERFECT, food was amazing, drinks were awesome and the staff was delightful. The evening was a huge hit with everyone, I'm certain many of us will be back for a dinner or group event, can't go wrong.“

“I've visited here 3x in the past 6 months and EVERY TIME the food was hot and tasty. Yes there maybe a food spot on every corner but these guys are top tier. Hands down. They were polite and friendly every time. They always seem to aim to serve you better than they did the time before and I appreciate that. Those little Carmel cakes they have in the glass are the devil so shout out to Natalie too 🤣“

“We had an office boxed luncheon and the food was amazing, delivery was on time and ordering was super simple. The staff is always so friendly and they accommodated a lot of our dietary restrictions. Got many praises for the food and so will definitely order from them again. Love when we can support small businesses that have amazing food.“

“As a person with Celiac visiting your town I felt so welcome and safe- and it was a huge treat to eat an entire plate of yummy fried goodness that was safely prepared for someone like me. But the awesomeness didn’t stop there- the friendly bartender shared more Celiac safe local hotspots with us as well!“

“Good atmosphere very helpful bartenders. All around 10/10“

“Been enjoying The Royale most weeks since 2015. Best bar and restaurant in town. A gem. Chill tavern vibes, DJs, local art, gorgeous courtyard, old movies, vinyl records, and a stellar menu. Owner Steve is the best. Get the fish tacos, a fresh margarita, a local beer, or whatever you’re into. Hell, I’m about to head there right now writing this review. I’m not even joking.“

“The lobby was kept amazingly clean and the hostess (Anita) was vey pleasant and friendly. She offered me a free cup of coffee for dining inside.“

“My 4 year old LOVES to cook, everyone was so welcoming and helpful when we visited! Everything is always clean and organized and the food is delicious! It was nice to prep meals and provide a great learning experience all in one! My little chef and I will be back!“

“Absolutely amazing food!!!“

“Last night’s visit to Farmhaus for my birthday celebration was truly exceptional. From the moment we stepped into this delightful farm-to-table establishment, we were enveloped in an ambiance of enticing aromas, cozy warmth, and genuine authenticity. The food, a harmonious blend of flavors and freshness, left us utterly speechless. Opting to share our selections among the three of us, each dish we sampled proved to be a culinary masterpiece. It was evident with each plate’s arrival that they were crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a dedication to using only the finest ingredients. From the irresistible appetizers to the delectable entrees and divine desserts, every bite was sheer perfection. We found it impossible to choose a favorite, as each dish offered a sublime combination of simplicity and flavor. The service was equally impressive, with the staff effortlessly balancing fine dining attentiveness with a laid-back charm. The impeccable timing of each dish’s delivery, coupled with the staff’s friendly yet professional demeanor, made us feel genuinely cherished and attended to throughout the evening. If I had to highlight one dish that stole the spotlight, it would undoubtedly be the wahoo fish with asparagus cream sauce. Caught fresh by the chef himself just days before, it stands as a true testament to Farmhaus’s unwavering commitment to sourcing the freshest ingredients. Truly, each dish we enjoyed was a culinary revelation, from the irresistible beef carpaccio with its luscious ancho spiced whipped cream to the rich and savory osso bucco, and the remarkably tender and flavorful beef skewers. And let’s not forget the delicately sweet strawberry tarte, a perfect ending to an exquisite meal. As a Taurus foodie who savors the nuances of fine flavors and a welcoming ambiance, I can wholeheartedly attest that Farmhaus has secured a permanent place in my heart. I hope to make dinner at Farmhaus an annual birthday tradition for many years to come!“

“Very customer oriented..it’s always good never disappoints“

“This place is so cool! I absolutely love the way they decorated the space and painted the walls similar to the other location! The staff was so kind and fun, and everything we ordered was amazing! I can't wait to go back to try more! 👌😋🍨💜“

“I'm coming back simply because John's customer service was exceptional! Keep up the good work John! I made him pose for the photo!“

“First time visitor here, and Square One really left a great first impression! I brought a group of 8 in for a birthday dinner, and the staff really went above and beyond to accommodate a short-notice reservation for us. Unfortunately I don’t remember our server’s name, but she was phenomenal as well. Food was fantastic, our waters were always filled, and finished dishes didn’t sit around long. Would definitely recommend and will visit again!“

“Not only was the food amazing, but we received first class service from our server, Travis!!! VERY fresh & delicious food with a large menu, fast service, and a welcoming atmosphere. 100% recommend.“

“A Hidden Gem in St. Louis!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My husband and I were visiting for an event when we heard about this spot from some friendly folks at the airport—and wow, what a recommendation! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was cozy, cute, and creatively inviting, setting the perfect tone for an amazing experience. THE FOOD? Absolutely incredible. We ordered enough to last the weekend, and let me tell you—those Brisket Burnt Ends & The Brisket Burger somehow tasted even better the next day! The potato skins were delicious too, packed with flavor. What really stood out was that this place isn't just for vegans—it's for anyone who loves great food and stellar service! If we’re ever back in St. Louis, we’re coming straight here without a doubt. Highly recommend! #StLouisEats #FoodieFind #HighlyRecommended #BrisketBurntEnds #VeganOrNotYoullLoveIt“

“We ordered five meals. All of them were superb. The staff was warm friendly and courteous. The atmosphere was pleasant.“

“Food and service was awesome.“

“Delicious and super friendly owners/staff“

“We met up with family from out of town on Friday night. The food was great as always. We sat and chit chatted for a bit after we were finished eating. Our sever was cut and we were not told. When we were ready to leave the server who had taken over our table was very rude and made a comment I finally get my station back! As we were getting up and walking away she went further to say that maybe she will be able to get a table finally before she’s cut. Nothing was mentioned about her needing her table or anything of that nature otherwise we would have gladly given it up. We’ve never had this issue when dining at biggies before. We were astonished and how rude she was instead of just asking us if we were finished. She never offered to refill our drinks or anything. We are very disappointed as we believed this was a family friendly environment who did not have an issue with a family getting together to celebrate the holiday early“

“Had dinner here last night. Everything we tried was absolutely delicious!! Staff was very friendly and informative as well. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“PJs is a fantastic bar and grill“

“Well-made, diner style food. Great pancakes, hash browns, corned beef hash, biscuits & gravy, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. Amazing server, I wish I remembered his name. He's like a mind-reader!“

“NOBODY makes a Popeye spinach omelet like they do! Also love the arch skillet; some jalapenos at breakfast help you wake up in the morning!. The potatoes are fresh - they don't come frozen, out of a bag!“