50 Best American Restaurants near University City

“Great food, amazing atmosphere, and even better employees.“

“Great bbq. Will be back. Great service“

“Great bar, great staff. Unfortunately, the burger wasn't great but the atmosphere of the place, the staff and everything was awesome. The jukebox is amazing when it's not on auto play. If I'm ever in the area again , which I doubt, I would definitely go again. Brilliant place, and thank you for the hospitality and making a random English dude feel comfortable.“

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

“I just went to the fountain for the first time yesterday evening. I will definitely be back! If I lived in Stlouis I would go there often but unfortunately I live 2 hours away. I dined there with my sister and two of my nieces. Everything we ordered was so good! The cocktails are very good, especially the Love Potion #9 ice cream martini! We loved the dill pickle potato soup! A must try if you love dill pickles, you gotta try it! The hot roast beef sandwich, buffalo chicken dip, salads and sundae we had were all delicious! Our server was great too. I can't wait to go back!“

“Excellent service and experience at Delmar! The food is great and the atmosphere is fun!“

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

“As an event planner, I highly recommend Olive + Oak. Organized, extremely helpful, on it in every single way. The event space is wonderful, and they absolutely understand how their venue works. Best of all - every single employee that I came into contact with was beyond kind, helpful & fast. Do not hesitate to add Olive Oak+ Oak to your list of possible venues - and if they have the date open, snag it! You will NOT be disappointed.“

“Shawn was GREAT! We came in after cheer comp and I know we were getting out of there at closing time. Shawn was so nice. We never felt rushed!! Such a great experience.“

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

“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.“

“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!!!“

“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.“

“A hidden gem in St Louis. Wood burning fireplaces, an awesome patio with a pizza oven, and amazing food options. Stop in for a quick drink or spend an evening or afternoon with friends—such a great place! Wine Tasting Mondays are a must and Pasta Tuesdays aren’t too shabby either. Stop in and say hi to Joe!“

“Beyond Sweet Kitchen & Bar in St. Louis is an absolute must-visit! From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the inviting atmosphere and beautifully designed interior. The menu is a delightful blend of delicious dishes that cater to everyone’s tastes, and every bite is a testament to the quality and creativity of the chefs. Meeting the owner, Dallas, was the cherry on top of my experience. Her passion for food and commitment to customer satisfaction truly makes this place special. She was warm and engaging, and it was clear that she cares deeply about providing an exceptional dining experience. I indulged in several dishes, and each one was bursting with flavor—fresh ingredients elegantly combined to create unique culinary masterpieces. Pairing the meal with their carefully curated drink options was a highlight, making the dining experience even more enjoyable. Our server Darius was also a joy! Beyond Sweet Kitchen & Bar isn’t just about great food—it’s a place where you feel welcomed and valued. I can’t recommend it enough! If you find yourself in St. Louis, make sure to stop by and experience the magic for yourself.“

“The food was delicious and fabulous!“

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

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

“Quiche was amazing served with mixed greens“

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

“Best burgers in town, I fell in love at first bite some years back!! Even have My family loving this place as well. Since I've moved on the other side of town we miss it dearly!!! Please open a location on the south side of town😁😁😁😁“

“Food satisfaction is subjective. That said, I so appreciate the value and quality I get from King Grill. I am so glad they're in my town. I suggest you call ahead. My favorite and usual order is the rib eye sandwich. What a great value!“

“This restaurant is one of those places that aren't right off the main road. You need to know the area well to have knowledge of its location or you will need Google to show you the way.

The morning I went, the place was busy and bustling with laughter and great conversation. We were able to seat ourselves and was abruptly waited on; not having to wait five to ten minutes while someone became aware of our presence like I figured would've happened.

The waitress was easy going, warmly, and welcoming. She took our orders and delivered our food as soon as our plates were ready.

I definitely recommend this place, especially if you're looking for a cozy, quaint, and small hometown like setting.“

“Nick (Grass) took care of us very well. Not only was he very friendly, but let us know various types of drinks and the prices of them as well! We would absolutely refer him to anyone we come in contact with looking to have a great but valuable time!“

“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.“

“Always fast, great temperature, amazing taste and quality of fresh ingredients. It has become one of my favorite spots to grab a quick bite to eat! The prices are also fantastic especially compared to most other places, with very generous portions.“

“I got the lemon cookie to go today and I wish I would have bought more. I don’t live near here, and that’s probably a good thing because I would eat all the desserts. I am picky about my desserts and not all lemon desserts taste right. This one was so good. It was actually two lemon cookies with lemon crème and lemon curd in the middle of them. Brilliant!“

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

“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!“

“My favorite bar. Atmosphere, owner, bartenders, patio, food, and drinks are always all awesome.“

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

“Great food, atmosphere, and customer service. The staff size is small, fit for the cozy setting, so please be patient as they work to prepare your food. You won’t regret it! Well worth the wait.“

“Best farmers market in the state if you love St. Louis culture.“

“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.“

“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!“

“Really nice establishment. I was given a tour of the entire building. It is a really nice concept with 3 floors of entertainment so it is very spacious, and it is kid friendly with video games on top level. The restrooms are VERY clean and up to date! This place is a vibe fasho! Honey Hot Wings 10/10 Service 10/10 Vibe: Can’t be matched ‼️“

“Great food and excellent service“

“Is a phenomenal place for delicious food and phenomenal vibes and great bands and the people are awesome here also !! Just an all around great place !!“

“6:00PM on a Tuesday night, no wait, server came right by and took our drink/appetizer order. Shortly thereafter she brought our drinks and took our dinner orders. Everything came out in reasonable time. The food was pretty good. We did have to ask for water refill as the server was working two rooms. Interesting window on the floor of our dinning room giving a view of the distillery/brewery work area downstairs. Might be more interesting at lunch when there could be activity down there.“

“Best Gyro I have found in st.louis.“

“Food was excellent, service was great! Our bartender was awesome!“

“PJs is a fantastic bar and grill“

“Was my son’s pick for lunch while in Forest Park, and Panorama did not disappoint! I enjoyed the wedge salad, my picky husband made over how excellent his burger was, and my child actually complimented his food, too. I highly recommend this restaurant for the surprisingly delicious food, elegant-turned-casual ambiance, and prompt but not overbearing service. Oh, and the Bloody Mary hit the spot! We’ll be back—and soon!

Kid-friendliness: Kids’ menu with a variety of options“

“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“

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

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

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