St. Louis boasts a vibrant and constantly evolving food scene. When exploring this city, one question inevitably arises: “What food is St. Louis known for?” This article delves into the classic, old-school eateries that have become synonymous with specific iconic dishes, providing a purist’s perspective on the must-try foods that define St. Louis cuisine.
Pork Steaks
During summertime barbecues in St. Louis, you’re practically guaranteed to encounter pork steaks. This cut comes from the pork shoulder, also known as the Boston Butt. The secret lies in the slow cooking process and generous application of BBQ sauce, which tenderizes this flavorful cut, often used for pulled pork.
While you might expect to find pork steaks on every BBQ joint’s menu, that’s not always the case. Many establishments prefer to use the pork shoulder for pulled pork. For an authentic pork steak experience, visit Smokie O’s Barbeque on North Broadway. This family-run business has perfected the art of slow-cooked barbeque since 1997. As an added bonus, it’s conveniently located across the street from Bissinger Chocolates.
Toasted Ravioli
Mama Mia, they’re delicious! Toasted ravioli originated on “The Hill,” where our flagship food tour takes place. These breaded, deep-fried pillows of goodness are filled with either meat or cheese. Two restaurants on The Hill, Charlie Gitto’s and Mama Campisi’s, both claim to be the originators of this St. Louis staple. While some restaurants now use regular boiled ravioli, breading and frying them, true toasted ravioli aficionados can easily discern the difference.
To savor handmade toasted ravioli, head to Mama Toscano’s Ravioli. The Toscano family has been crafting these delicacies by hand since the late 1940s, offering the original meat (beef and pork blend), cheese (ricotta-based filling), and pizza (sausage, pizza sauce, and provel cheese) varieties.
St. Louis-Style Pizza
St. Louis-style pizza is easily identifiable by its thin, crispy crust, generous topping of Provel cheese, and unique square cut. The defining ingredient is Provel cheese, a processed cheese loaf developed specifically for the St. Louis market, consisting of white cheddar, provolone, and Swiss cheeses. This blend was formulated for its exceptional melting properties, making it ideal for pizzerias.
IMO’s Pizza Chain is the iconic pizzeria that popularized St. Louis-style pizza. With over 99 locations, an IMO’s is never far away. The love for Provel runs deep in St. Louis.
The St. Louis Slinger
The slinger is a quintessential late-night culinary choice, particularly popular among college students and found at many diners across St. Louis. A true comfort food, it consists of a meat patty (typically hamburger), topped with hash browns and two eggs (usually sunny side up), all smothered in chili and shredded cheddar cheese. Onions and jalapeño slices are optional but highly recommended by some.
For the complete diner experience, visit Courtesy Diner at 3 a.m. on a Sunday morning, when the bars close and the diner fills with revelers seeking their slinger fix. Fortunately, Courtesy Diner serves them all day long.
St. Paul Sandwich
Despite its name, the St. Paul sandwich is a St. Louis creation found in virtually every Chinese takeout restaurant in the city and surrounding areas. The sandwich consists of an egg foo young patty (made with mung bean sprouts and chopped white onions), topped with dill pickle slices, onions, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, all nestled between two slices of white bread. You can choose chicken, pork, shrimp, or beef in the egg foo young patty.
To find a St. Paul sandwich, simply search “Chinese food takeout St. Louis” and check the menu of a nearby eatery.
Gooey Butter Cake
Gooey butter cake stands out as a beloved dessert. This flat, dense coffee cake, typically about an inch thick, is dusted with powdered sugar and cut into squares, resembling a brownie. It comprises a bottom layer of butter and yellow cake batter and a top layer of butter, sugar, and eggs. This dessert is extremely rich and delicious. Variations exist, including versions made with or without cream cheese.
Gooey Louie’s is a top recommendation for gooey butter cake. Park Avenue Coffee is another option with multiple locations and diverse varieties.
Gerber Sandwich
The Gerber sandwich, first created by Ruma’s Deli in 1973 and named after a customer, Dick Gerber, has been replicated by many St. Louis restaurants. This open-faced sandwich features a half-section of Italian or French bread, spread with garlic butter, topped with ham and Provel (or traditionally Provolone) cheese, seasoned with paprika, and then toasted.
While many St. Louis delis offer their version of the Gerber, a visit to the original Ruma’s Deli is essential for the authentic taste.
Concrete
While St. Louis boasts numerous ice cream parlors with soft serve, few offer frozen custard, a dairy-based ice cream made with eggs and honey. A concrete combines this custard with various ingredients, resulting in a mixture so thick that a spoon will stand upright when the cup is inverted.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, with its location on Chippewa Ave (Route 66), is the ultimate destination for a classic concrete. The crowds spilling onto the streets, holding their signature yellow cups, are a common sight on summer evenings. Despite numerous franchise requests, Ted Drewes remains a family-owned business.
In conclusion, St. Louis offers a unique and delicious culinary landscape. From the smoky goodness of pork steaks to the sweet indulgence of gooey butter cake, these iconic foods provide a true taste of St. Louis.
