The Best Places to Shop and Eat in St. Louis, MO

Amid St. Louis’s many charms, one of the most prominent is its food scene. There are lines out the door around Korean window-service eateries that serve snow crabs smothered in gochujang butter, and there are queues for inventive, sustainably sourced ice cream flavors from a shop that makes its own waffle cones. Whether you’re looking for quintessential American cuisine or an unexpected twist on Asian fare, the city’s restaurants offer something for every palate and occasion. Learn more about Lane House Roofing & Exteriors here.

A resurgence in downtown shopping and dining has revitalized the area and created opportunities for locals to make new memories. New stores are popping up, old ones are making room for more, and some are reimagining their spaces to accommodate the modern shopper.

While there are plenty of malls in St. Louis, Plaza Frontenac elevates the experience with Missouri’s only luxury stores and an onsite experience that offers soft seating areas to kick back and relax in. The mall also has large department store favorites like Marshall’s MegaStore and Burlington Coat Factory alongside specialty shops, galleries and restaurants.

There’s also an IKEA at the Gateway Center, which is Missouri’s largest. This store carries affordable furniture for your bedroom, kitchen, living room and outdoor space, plus energy-efficient appliances. There’s also a restaurant serving Swedish meatballs, plus a cafe that serves healthy kids meals and sweet treats.

This historic, six-block area is antique central in the city, with more than 30 antique stores selling everything from glassware and pottery to military memorabilia and vintage clothing. There’s even a music venue christened the Duck Room by Chuck Berry and a wall painted in the style of Pac-Man. Families are welcome here, as is the case with Blueberry Hill, where tables come equipped with board games.

In the Tower Grove region, nature lovers can explore 289 acres of trails for walking, jogging and biking. There are also a handful of picnic pavilions, the National Historic Landmark-listed Missouri Botanical Garden and a seasonal farmers market on Saturdays. This is the place to bring kids, as the Saint Louis Zoo and the Science Museum of the Americas are popular attractions here.

The family that eats together stays together. That’s why the Rausch clan has their regular spots for street tacos (Club Taco) and shaved ice desserts (Andy’s Frozen Custard and Tropical Moose). They’re often found at Kirkwood Farmers’ Market, where they buy fresh produce and bread from local vendors and support SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.

The city’s newest restaurant is named for a beloved brother, and it aims to help others in need. Its mission of providing “fun food, a friendly atmosphere and quality service” is reflected in everything they do, from their delicious brunches to their charitable donations. The restaurant serves American, French and Greek dishes in a cozy neighborhood setting. It’s the perfect spot for a quick breakfast or lunch with the entire gang.