Situated at the eastern end of the renovated Tudor Building, Smoking Joe's turns out some of the best beef brisket in town: tender, juicy with rendered fat and utterly delicious. All meats are served dry, with three sauces on the side: a spicy, a mild and a sweet-and-tangy variety. The dry rub has a bit of heat; it's a welcome accent to the baby-back ribs and the pulled chicken. (Other meats include pulled pork, sausage and turkey.) The restaurant has a more modern look than most barbecue joints, with flat-screen TVs and live jazz and blue music on weekend nights.
True to its chilly blue decor, the Ice Kitchen strives for a polar level of cool. Physically, this bar may be located in the heart of Westport, but the black-clad, uber chic patrons might make you feel like you're stuck in the Matrix. The menu consists of small and large plate "continental fusion" cuisine, including Peruvian, Asian and Greek-inspired tapas, and the bar boasts the largest martini and vodka catalog in St. Louis, with over 100 vodkas to choose from. By night, this young urban
The rapidly growing “better burger” chain out of Denver plants its first flag in the St. Louis area. Burgers are thin — “smashed” flat on the grill — and well-done but still relatively juicy. A wide range of cheese, sauces and toppings are available to dress up your flat Angus. The “Smashfries,” thin, crisp French fries tossed with olive oil, rosemary and garlic, are your best bet for a side dish.