50 Best American Restaurants near University City

“This is a 10 star place. The atmosphere is great, the service is top notch and the food was spectacular. No wait time and the waitress checked on our table throughout. We had ribs, burnt ends, and lean brisket. All great! Definitely try the cracker Mac and cheese, it's to die for!“

“Was excited to try an STL OG pizza place! The pizza itself was very good but very filling! Great pricing for how much pie you actually get. We brought leftovers home. It is STL style but you can also order the "thicker" option. I preferred the regular thin crust option. The crust was a bit charred for my preference but still good. It came with a garlic dressing which was SUPER garlicky but also very yummy. The atmosphere was very family-pizza-place. Lots of kiddos running around. It was a bit chaotic but that didn't stop our server from being so kind and attentive.“

“This restaurant specialty is that, you won't have to wait. You can call in your order or use DoorDash for a fast and easy experience. It's a quick and convenient choice for a tasty meal without any delays.The fish at this restaurant is a true culinary delight. Impeccably fresh, the flaky texture and succulent taste make every bite a seafood lover's dream. The chef's expert seasoning enhances the natural flavors without overpowering. Whether grilled to perfection or expertly fried, each dish showcases a commitment to quality and skill in preparation. The delightful combination of flavors and textures makes the fish here a standout choice, leaving a lasting impression that keeps me coming back here every time.Enjoy a swift and satisfying experience with quick orders and no waiting at our restaurant.“

“Blueberry Hill is an absolute institution. I recommend coming to see a show on a random weeknight. Get there early and enjoy a drink, some darts, nostalgia, and maybe a piece of gooey butter cake. If you are lucky, someone will 'Duck Walk' the stage in the Duck Room.“

“Great date spot patio - wonderful outdoor atmosphere. Super attentive waitstaff (great attention, recommendations, and personality). Cool cocktails and some really good beers available. The food was outstanding! The menu was basically laid out in order of smallest to biggest plates; the snacks were very much snack-sized, the small plates were still plenty enough to share, and the entrees were generous. Very creative and fun cuisine. The white anchovies that we requested on the side of our (outstandingly fresh and summery) tomato salad were the absolute best anchovies I have ever had - if you like anchovies and they have "white anchovies" on the menu, order! (Our waitress was nice enough to check in the restaurant pantry to find out the brand for me, which was very appreciated.) Though we were stuffed, we had dessert and the chocolate cake we ordered was decadent and a wonderful end to a fun and romantic meal. Totally recommend Little Fox, especially for a spontaneous date night out, whether you want to graze and sip cocktails or get a full dinner.“

“Stumbled upon this place while waiting for a haircut and couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised! SUCH a cute place with loads of STL history. I ordered a half fig, ham, & gouda grilled cheese and a side Stutz salad. The service was quick and friendly, despite the full house on a Saturday afternoon lunch hour. The grilled cheese was PERFECTION: the fig was a gentle enough sweetness that balanced out the gouda and ham wonderfully. The Stutz salad--named after one of the cars from this place's history!--was a delightful spring treat, with baby mandarin orange slices, homemade poppyseed dressing, and fresh goat cheese. I often forget how MUCH I love goat cheese when it's paired properly! What a great spot and what a great meal.“

“"From the moment I stepped into The Crossing in Clayton, I knew I was in for a remarkable dining experience. The exceptional service began with Sunny, who skillfully handled my reservation, and continued with David's warm welcome at the door. My server, Joshua, was simply outstanding, ensuring that my visit was nothing short of perfect.What truly set this experience apart was the meticulous attention to dietary restrictions for both me and my guests. It's rare to find a restaurant that genuinely cares and accommodates with such grace.The meal was unforgettable, leaving me talking about it for weeks. But the cherry on top was a chance encounter with Joseph on the sidewalk days later. His genuine follow-up about my experience showcased a level of care and knowledge that is unparalleled in the industry.The Crossing in Clayton is not just a restaurant; it's an experience where the staff goes above and beyond, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking culinary excellence and exceptional service."“

“Not all Steakhouses are created equal. Hamilton's provides an intimate setting for a quality dining experience. If you're the type to want to pair your meal with a unique whisky, scotch or bourbon - you have come to the right place. The bar's selection and knowledge will surpass your expectations. You will have the opportunity to sip on some spirits that are hard to find anywhere. It's wise to grab a reservation or enjoy a spot at their cozy bar.“

“My wife and I ate there for the 1st time and we'll definitely be back soon! The slinger brought me back to my college days eating at Courtesy, although this place is a heck of a lot nicer! 10 out of 10 I'd recommend to anybody!!“

“Our server Josh (yes, coincidence) nailed it. Attentive but not overbearing. The cocktails were a hit too, and I'd recommend the Apple Bottom Jeans and the Violet Mojito.My wife and I stuck to small plates as we weren't in the mood for large plates. The lobster roll was out of this world, and while it looks small, they manage to pack so much delectable lobster into it. The pork belly was also incredible though it was light on the amount of pork belly in it. The spam fried rice was really good. The chili flakes elevate the entire plate, but if you don't like spicy food, I might suggest you get something else. Finally, the cheddar biscuits...they weren't very good. They were a bit tough, not fluffy, and were portioned in a way that made them awkward to eat (too tall). I would not recommend the biscuits. But overall, great experience, 4.5/5.“

“We were in attendance for Monthly Girlfriend luncheon. Only 1 of us 4 had visited Hendel's in the distant past and she chose the restaurant. You don't see a lot of truly warm and cozy restaurants nestled within the neighborhood that's prospered. The food was good and service was excellent and as we have visited restaurants month after months, it's obvious that cooks aren't same. There is space for indoor & outdoor eating with limited parking. Nice afternoon luncheon experience ?Parking: Free parking in rear where u have a short walk from vehicle into establishment, but if full being that it's sitting in residential area, one can park on side street, no meters, & without inconveniencing residents.Kid-friendliness: Kids were running around where we sat indoors but no one seemed disturbed by their antics ?“

“Russell’s on Macklin is such a staple. It has a cozy and relaxed ambiance with a fireplace offering locally sourced American cuisine.Located in the Southampton neighborhood of St. Louis, it’s a family-run restaurant that prides itself on warm hospitality and mouthwatering dishes reminiscent of home-cooked meals.From their homestyle cooking to freshly baked goods, Russell’s on Macklin caters to both the brunch & dinner crowds. The menu features elevated versions of classic American favorites, highlighting the best seasonal ingredients available.I had the broccolini salad and lump crab cake. Both were delicious. I also shared in the cheeseboard.Don't forget to indulge in their tempting gooey butter cake.“

“The shake and sandwich were wonderful. The gentleman manning the To Go orders was very professional and attentive to everyone that came in. It was lunch time and full so a little loud. I had a little trouble hearing the gentleman. I actually ate across the street at the picnic tables.“

“First time here. We made reservations in advance and found parking to be convenient. The restaurant's décor was warm and inviting, with white subway tiles behind the bar and blue banquettes around the dining area. The bartender was really knowledgeable and offered excellent recommendations. For starters, we had blue crab gratin and hand-cut steak tar tar, both for $12. The crab was spicy and creamy, and the tar tar was presented alongside warm dollops of slow-cooked egg yolk. They were both gorgeous. Our main dish was gnocchi with lamb ragu and goat cheese, which cost $18. The creamy goat cheese was the ideal compliment to the lamb ragu, and the gnocchi had a nice soft center. The portions were just right, and we left feeling satisfied. Very positive atmosphere, friendly staff, delicious cocktails as well. If you want to seal a good day with a good mood, head here.“

“The owner Mike, was a delightful man and walked my boyfriend and I through his menu. We ended up sharing a full rack rib combo with a quarter pound of brisket and homemade applesauce topped with cinnamon. I've always been picky with BBQ because it's hard to find good ribs, but this place really was probably the best ribs I'd ever had. Not only were they "fall off the bone" but they were perfectly flavored with their apple butter BBQ glaze. They close early too sometimes due to selling out so make sure you go early!“

“It’s been a while since I’ve eaten at Michael’s and honestly, I forgot what I was missing. Tonight’s dinner was incredible. We started off with toasted ravioli. They were delicious and the meat sauce was really flavorful. I ordered the filet mignon and it was cooked to perfection. I’m also a huge fan of the beer battered fries. The rest of our table ordered the gyro sandwich and gyro salad. Both were incredible-some of the best gyro meat I’ve ever had. The service was fast and friendly and I thought the prices were reasonable for the what had. I will definitely be back.“

“Five starts in every way! Adorable space, impeccable service, and delightful food and drink! I brought a friend and two older adults. We each had something different--biscuits and gravy, the stuffed French toast, and a burger. Everyone loved everything. We also had drinks. I love my gin and tonic and the black pepper and? Bloody Mary was delicious. I also took some sandwich cookies and some gooey butter cake home! Perfection! I can't wait to come back to the Blue Duck!“

“Great service and regulars with burgers that blow away many of the more mainstream competitors. Needless to say it is a bar with all that comes with that but don't let that sway you from tasting the simple but complex burges, pizza and cheezsteaks they cook up.Relaxing, fun atmosphere that could lean a bit more on the DB Cooper briefcase carrying suited criminal of lore.“

“Such delicious food! We tried the vintage melt, original chuck-a-burger, curly fries, ORs, and the orange and rootbeer shakes. Lilly was a great server and sherpa on our first Chuck-a-Burger experience!! My mother in law has fond memories hanging out at the the one off Grand after high school back in the '60s. So happy we decided to stop by. Thanks Chuck-a-Burger !“

“Really great food without all of the grease that you usually get with fried food. Not only do they have top notch chicken (probably the best in St Louis), but they also have really good fish and shrimp. They have frog legs! I haven't tried them yet but judging by their other food they're probably as exceptional as they look. They have good portions on the yummy sides, as well. The okra is prepared and cooked correctly- not slimy or greasy at all. The staff is super friendly and courteous. It's a nice atmosphere to dine in; adequate seating and eclectic decorations. Not fast food in quality and ambiance, but close to fast food speed getting your order.“

“Stacked STL Never disappoints!! We drive 30 min to get the best burger!! En Fuego is my favorite and my husband always gets the special! NO ONE has a better Caesar salad!!!! Last time I had the black bean burger for the first time…..wow….now I’ll be having a hard time picking!“

“Hands down the best dining experience I’ve ever had. While the food is great, the absolute best part is how much the chef wants to share and educate his customers about where the food comes from and how he approaches his sourcing. It’s so refreshing to see someone supporting local farmers and promoting sustainability.“

“We opted for mostly drinks this time around, but still couldn't resist the chocolate tort. The cocktails are always exceptional! The Pho Sho and Garden Cosmo were the stars of the night! Service was impeccable, she was attentive without being overbearing!“

“It was a pleasant experience they were so professional and the food was amazing and that instagram video brought me out and from the looks of things it brought a lot of people out that peach juice tho? this most definitely my new wing spot?????????“

“Wow! This place was soo cool. I found it via Google search for a good Cuban sandwich. I realized that I came here as a child when it was just a bar. The atmosphere is soo cool inside. The food is the best part though. The Cuban honestly did not impress me visually, but when I took a bite... oh my! The pork butt was soo good. My mom had the famous Picadilly fish. She wanted to try the Mayfair salad, but didn't want the whole salad so they made her a side salad with Mayfair dressing. They make this dressing in house and its amazing. I had a cup of Gumbo with my sandwich and it was soo good. I forgot to get a picture of it, but I have to believe it was homemade. I will definitely come back. You should come try it too.“

“I must have come on an off day, but my eggs Benedict was not good. The hollandaise was broken, and one of the eggs was undercooked. The sourdough bread was fantastic, and the cappuccino was delicious. The potatoes and salad on the side was fine. I would come back but get a different entree. The person next to me got pancakes and they looked delicious.“

“I am VERY biased as I work at The Barn... but I think this place is the bomb! The only challenge we ever have is sometimes there is a wait.... but that is a wonderful problem to have for us... and ALSO we now have a waitlist that you can join online... so having to wait is soon to be a problem of the past!PRO TIP #1: When I am working on Sat & Sun as the host... say the code-phrase "I go Coo-Coo-for-Cocoa-Puffs" to me and I will move you to the front of the list!PRO TIP #2: "Rutti-Tutti-Fresh-And-Fruity" also works as the code-phrasePRO TIP #3: This DOES NOT work on anyone else at The Barn, just me!“

“0 a+ rating I would just say that everything was on time and it was hot prepared immaculately and on top of that you could get no better in service or privacy so if you want to instrument dinner with somebody that you care about deeply this would be the place to have it so a+ double a plus in my book“

“MUST VISIT IN STL! Coming from NYC, this is hands down one of the best spots I’ve been to lately from the drinks, food, service, and all around vibes. They put an incredible amount of detail into everything and it shows. The craft cocktails are innovative, yet approachable, and extremely well-balanced. They also carry a unique variety of spirits on the menu that you can’t find anywhere else.One drink I especially loved and recommend is the Budgy Smuggler made with their housemade clarified milk. You can also order off the entire Yellowbelly food menu (sister restaurant next door) and every dish we tried was amazing. Get the raw and hot fried oysters, beef fat fries, lump crab fritters, elote taquitos, brussels, charred carrots, pork belly, green curry salmon, and grilled hangar steak. Everything was cooked perfectly and the flavors were so unique.This should be a must stop if you’re in STL and also a great event space. I can’t wait to go back!“

“Overall, a great space near CWE to get sandwiches and burgers with friends. Good cocktails too!WAIT TIME: We had a dinner reservation for a larger party for 7:30 on a Saturday and we were seated immediately.FOOD: I ordered the classic burger and the guava lamp drink. The burger was very tasty and the fries are delicious! Would recommend. I heard from others in my party that the chicken sandwich was very tasty as well. The guava lamp drink was quite interesting looking, and it had decent taste. It was somewhat unique so only get if you’re ready to try some new flavor combos. It was very strong too.SERVICE: QR code menu was easy to access, and our server was attentive, often asking if we needed drink refills.AMBIANCE: The decor and layout works well, it’s a more modern look with lots of pretty lights and a bar. A great spot to come with a group of friends!PRICE: Dishes were roughly between $15-25, and drinks around $15. Pretty comparable prices to similar restaurants.“

“I had lunch a Beyond Sweet and I would highly recommend you stop by for a delicious meal. The owner, Dallas, was attentive to the patrons, the ambiance was nice, the staff is diverse, and the food was delicious. This is a different vibe for STL so go out and support this restaurant.“

“Last night , I spent hours searching for the best restaurants in St Louis and I stumbled upon this one. The reviews were amazing and let me tell you, the reviews were correct. Everything was delicious and cooked to perfection. We tried the bulgogi and rice bowl, the charred wings, and cheese fries. We also tried a peach shot, they didn’t taste strong but the results were. I normally don’t visit a restaurant more than once but I’ll be a repeat customer anytime that I’m in town. I also loved the customer service. The woman taking my order was very cheery and made me feel welcomed. Many of the customers are repeat customers that were also talkative and welcoming. I’ve been to hundreds of restaurants and this one is definitely in my top 5.“

“I could go on and on about how great the food is, but what really sets them apart is the service. Every person that I've run into appears to genuinely like working there. Just makes for an overall enjoyable experience and obvious that the owners treat them well. And the patrons benefit from that. So happy to have them in the neighborhood.“

“The sandwich was really good and there was a lot of it. It cost a bit more than normal but there was a lot of it. The waitress was very nice and we got our food fast, even though the place was very busy. In short it was well worth the visit.“

“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!“

“By far me and my husband’s favorite place to get food hands down. We have eaten here many times and i have had just about everything on the menu at this point and I have not been disappointed with a single thing. By far my favorite thing here is the ribeye dinner meal for the price it’s wonderful and extremely filling. Being open late on weekends has come in clutch many times when it’s late and don’t want to cook for myself.“

“Turkey ribs were awesome. First time having them, great with sauce or without. Smoke was excellent. Potato salad was like my grandmas. I didn’t get the turkey tips because they were out, I assume that means those are good too. This is a humble smokehouse with good people. Highly recommend.“

“I had the appetizer of hummus with toasted bread so good. The ribs were so tender and juicy and let’s not forget the turkey, excellent. The food, the atmosphere, the staff and the owner are amazing and super friendly. I definitely recommend it. Oh almost forgot the mac and cheese.“

“Celebrated our 36th anniversary here. We shared the shrimp ceviche, truffle fries and a bottle of champagne. I feasted on the salmon pad Thai while my husband had the Denver Waygu steak. A complementary flourless chocolate torte topped off a fantastic meal. David is the best server! Thank you for sharing our special evening with us!“

“Great brunch place. I appreciate the table service which was excellent. The menu selection was varied and I was very pleased with my selection of half a salad and half of a sandwich.Wheelchair accessibility: Zero grade entry. Tables and accessible bathrooms.“

“seriously the best chicken i’ve ever had. this place is so severely underrated. theirs never anyone in their but i PROMISE you won’t be disappointed. the food is always fresh & hot. the service is always wonderful. everything on the menu is BOMB. fried pickles are fire, street corn is fire, fries are fire, coleslaw belongs in the trash, potato salad is fire. overall amazing place & i highly recommend to anyone in the kirkwood are wanting fresh hot juicy chicken!Parking: parking directly across the street & a parking lot on the right before you get to heaterz.Kid-friendliness: open restaurant with tables or they have outside dining on their patioWheelchair accessibility: ramp on sidewalk & plenty of space around the tables for a wheelchair“

“Food- Outstanding! Shrimp and Grits must haves, waffle with berries delicious, eggs Benedict and biscuits and gravy were all just phenomenal Service- fantastic! Quick, kind, attentive. Tipped him $20 on a $86 dollar tab because we were that happy. Ambiance- chill, trendy, kid friendly but more for adults I felt, and also classy. We will be back hopefully very soon!! Wow what a great restaurant with simply outstanding food!“

“Really yummy :)) everybody inside was friendly and welcoming in a very genuine way that makes you feel very cared for. The ribs were soo well cooked and the pulled pork was tender (reminds me of being home w my dad who always makes ribs for us). I always love mac & cheese but especially here. The atmosphere has a really sweet/homey feel, definitely recommend going“

“we came for brunch from out of town. I made a reservation and I definitely recommend doing so, I'm vegan and my guest is omi but both of us loved the meal. I had a delicious latte and the chorizo dish while my guest had the big breakfast. The service was great and everything was wonderful about our meal. Definitely want to return and try dinner!“

“intimate, highly personalised. loved every moment, bistro crew is very attentive. people knew me as the one who came to every single one of the anat cohen quartetinho's march show with full smile (hi anat! + tal) because it is really lovely, quiet, and calm. highly recommend, please do see anyone you can here. the best jazz club in st louisVegetarian options: salad is such a banger“

“Thanks Mary for a beautiful spread for my Father in law’s Celebration of Life! A Toast to Terry! You & all the staff were amazing! Scott took great care of us! The food was delicious & the venue perfect! Lori “Wezee” Jurgensen“

“I’ll probably finish writing my novel because of Black Mountain. Perfect spot to relax and get some work done on a Sunday. It’s not a laptop spot per they don’t make it weird if it’s not too crowded. Great select of wines, great fries - feels like you’re in northern france or Belgium or even central west end at duffs or coffee cartel (iykyk)… extra bonus for the literal wood fire aromas soothing everyone’s soul“

“We loved our dinner date at Lemp Mansion! We were in town for TransWorld Haunt Convention so of course we had to visit… wish we could have done the tour but since it’s off season they weren’t doing it the time we went.The building itself is amazingly beautiful. The staff was very welcoming and friendly… the food was delicious! We really enjoyed the flambéed bananas foster where they cook it on a cart by your table. Such a fun and unique experience! We will definitely come back and hopefully either stay the night or book a tour.“

“We tried the popcorn chicken fries sprouts and the cauliflower. Everything was well seasoned and tasted great. Just wish the sides of veggies were offered in a half size. The cauliflower was very very well seasoned. They had a live band setting up. Hudai was the name of the band. They sounded good ?“