Alexis Zotos Blog

Clayton Restaurant Week is one of the best deals for trying out some of the best restaurants in the area.

What a year of good food in St. Louis! In 2025, our city and region’s chefs, bakers, and bartenders gave us plenty to talk about. New restaurants, bold flavors, thoughtful concepts, and dishes worth building a day around. While the rest of the country might sleep on our food scene, we know it continues to shine.

You all LOVED the video sharing my best bites of 2025 in St. Louis but here’s a break down of exactly what to order at some of the new and of course longstanding spots in town. You can see my 2024 list here.

Stews in Soulard was one of my top favorite meals of 2025.

• Pretty much any sandwich at Ed's Delicatessen. House made bread, top quality ingredients make this Edwardsville spot a must try.

• Chili Spot in University City is a great spot for authentic szechuan food. The wontons and the dandan noodles are my favorite.

• If you still haven’t tried the birria tacos at Tacos La Jefa, make that your 2026 resolution.

• Russell’s on Macklind is a perfect cozy dinner spot (also great for brunch!), love their pot pie.

• At Saucy Porka, the Mexi Pho is the perfect cozy soup .

• Union Loafers is a constant of my favorite bites, specifically the Little Gem salad.

The breakfast at Biscuit Joint in Downtown St. Louis is a must try.

• Biscuit Joint in Downtown St. Louis is a must try with incredible biscuit sandwiches and perfect hash browns.

• One of my absolute favorite pastas in town is the lobster rigatoni at O + O Pizza.

• Love the BBQ and vibe at Expat at the Foundry.

• If you’re searching for the best chicken fingers in St. Louis, the answer is Sportsman’s Park.

• I crave The Zach sandwich at Vitales Deli in Glendale, add this to your sandwich shop list.

• Marconi Mercato is a new spot on The Hill and worth it for the atmosphere and pasta!

• I love the street tacos at Locoz Tacoz in Maplewood.

• Vicia is consistently one of the most special restaurants in St. Louis and their menu always surprises and delights.

• Louie. My favorite always. But the peach and and prosciutto dish in the summer is truly life changing.

Sado is a must visit restaurant for sushi in St. Louis.

• Sado is serving up some of the most beautiful sushi and their crab rangoon is amazing.

• DD Mau opened a new location in Webster Groves and do not wait any longer to try their chicken wings.

• The Farm Spirit breakfast sandwich is a must order at the Tower Grove Farmer’s Market (so is their burger and chicken sandwich at Blue Jay Brewery!)

• If I had to pick a favorite meal Stews is in the contender for the top spot. Truly everything on the menu is amazing.

• Akar in Clayton is always serving up fun and delicious food.

• Of the new breakfast burritos I tried this year, Brekkie Rito was an absolute fav!

The lobster roll donut is just one of the delicious bites at the new Extra Wavy.

• Guac and margs are a must order at Ladue Taco.

• Modern Brewery not only had great beer but some of the best food! The chicken sandwich is incredible.

• Speaking of great brewery food, the comfort food at Great Heart Brewery is a must.

• One of the best new spots of 2025 is Extra Wavy. Get the lobster roll donut.

• Best pancakes, delicious burrito, perfect brunch spot: Bowood By Niche.

• A go-to taco spot for us is Taco Buddha, I love their fish taco!

• Comet Coffee has the best croissants. No notes.

• For the best chocolate chip cookie you have to try Vanilla Sugar Bakeshoppe.

• At Bolyard’s in Maplwood, get the smash burger and the fries. Yes they are worth it.

• Soup Dumplings STL is always a good idea. Go with a friend and try a bunch.

Bowood by Niche is one of my favorite spots for brunch.

The Zach at Vitale’s Deli is a must-try sandwich.

This list just scratches the surface of all the great food in St. Louis. Check out my 2024 list for other favorites and this list for other great must visit spots!

St. Louis is filled with amazing places to visit but memberships unlock savings, perks and fun!

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Your guide to all the festive happenings in St. Louis this holiday season. From pop-ups to Santa sightings to the best light displays in town!

Come explore the must visit wineries in Augusta and Defiance in Missouri’s wine region.

From cozy coffee shops to hidden gems and riverfront views here’s how to spend three perfect days exploring the small towns of Southwest Illinois. I grew up boating on the Mississippi River and have such fond memories of family adventures in the towns along the water. It was so fun taking my kids to some of these special places. This guide can be used for a weekend adventure, a short drive from St. Louis, or just a guide for a day trip!

Southwest Illinois is beautiful all year round.

Day 1 - Collinsville and Edwardsville

• Begin your adventure at Verona Coffee, a welcoming spot in the heart of Edwardsville that serves up expertly crafted lattes, pour-overs, and pastries. It’s the perfect fuel for a day of local exploring.

• Head to nearby Willoughby Farm, a working demonstration farm with barnyard animals, gardens, hiking trails and an amazing playground area. It’s a great stop for kids and adults alike who want a taste of rural charm without venturing too far from town. This place was AMAZING! It’s free and so much to explore. You can pack a lunch and stay all day.

• We headed to Edwardsville for lunch. Cafe Birdie is a cute, bright and cozy eatery offering seasonal fare. We also love Ed’s Delicatessen, with fantastic sandwiches and sweet treats.

• Next, spend some interactive time at the Edwardsville Children’s Museum, where little ones can explore hands-on exhibits and imaginative play spaces. It’s $10 for kids 12 and under and $8 for everyone over 13. This is a great spot for indoor play but they have an amazing out door play area.

• Hit the Great River Road, one of the most scenic drives in the Midwest. As you wind along the Mississippi, keep your camera ready for sweeping river views and charming roadside stops.

• Stop at the Grafton Winery for a glass of local wine and beautiful views overlooking the river. The outdoor patio is especially stunning around sunset.

• Check in at Pere Marquette Lodge and grab dinner with their legendary fried chicken dinner. Served family-style in a historic stone-and-timber lodge, it’s as cozy and satisfying as it gets. They also have a giant chess board which is so fun for kids!

Pet the animals, explore a working farm and play for hours at the play ground area at Willoughby Farm,

Cheeseboard and local beer at Grafton Winery and Brewhaus.

Day 2: Alton & Grafton Adventures

• Kick off your Saturday with brunch at Old Bakery Beer, a certified organic brewery in a cool industrial space. Their rotating brunch menu features elevated comfort food with a local twist. They have a delicious breakfast burrito.

• After brunch, take a walk through downtown Alton. Browse boutiques, antique shops, and don’t miss Funky Planet Toys, a quirky, colorful toy store that’s fun for all ages.

• Stop at Post Commons, a beautifully restored post office turned café. Sip coffee, grab a homemade pastry, and relax in the sun-filled main hall. They also have a kids play area.

• Another hidden gem! Head into nature at the John M. Olin Nature Preserve, where you’ll find a paved trail, natural playscape, and gorgeous bluffs. It’s stroller-friendly and ideal for a gentle hike or riverside picnic.

• As the sun sets, settle in at The Loading Dock, a waterfront restaurant with live music, casual eats, and unbeatable river views. It’s a local favorite and the perfect spot to unwind.

• End the day with a stop at Grafton Fudge and Ice Cream, where homemade fudge and old-fashioned scoops will satisfy every sweet tooth.

Views from the overlook at John Olin Nature Preserve!

Day 3 - Grafton

• Brunch at Pere Marquette and a walk around Pere Marquette State Park. They have lots of trails to explore and a little visitor’s center with a few interactive exhibits.

• Grab a coffee from a sweet couple at Lighthouse Coffee!

• Time for the views! Take the Grafton SkyTour to the top of the bluffs. You can take a chairlift or enclosed gondola. It’s $12 per person and is the only way up to Aerie’s Resort, where thrill-seekers can ride the alpine coaster, zipline, or just enjoy a relaxed meal at the restaurant with panoramic river views. The restaurant and winery serves up yummy flatbreads, charcuterie plates and yummy wine!

Aeries Resort and restaurant offers beautiful views of the Mississippi River!

Where to Stay:

• Pere Marquette offers cabins which are perfect for families. They have a pool on site.

• Aeries Resort is another great place close to everything.

• There are also campgrounds if that’s more your vibe!

The giant chessboard at Pere Marquette Lodge is a hit for visitors of all ages!

There’s no shortage of fun, free and family-friendly events all summer long in St. Louis!

Dining out with the family is one of our favorite things, until the check arrives and our toddler ate nothing but air and three french fries... Like everything else these days, restaurant bills have crept up in cost. But good news for St. Louis parents: there are plenty of local spots offering deals that make eating out with kids a lot more budget-friendly, including totally free meals for your little ones!

I’ve rounded up the best “Kids Eat Free” (or super cheap!) deals across the St. Louis area so you can enjoy a night out without breaking the bank.

At Session Taco, kids have lots of options for a free meal on Sunday nights!

Sundays

• Session Taco – Kids eat free at all locations with the purchase of an adult meal. (Plus they have an awesome game room at their Kirkwood and Town and Country locations!)

• Pasta House – Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal.

• McArthur’s / Pioneer Café – Kids under 10 eat free every day, all day, at their Kirkwood and Mehlville locations with the purchase of an adult meal.

Mondays

• Alto’s Cantina – Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. Located in Eureka.

• Steve’s Hot Dogs – At the South Grand location, kids' meals are just $2.99 all day.

Tuesdays

• Porano - Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal.

• El Maguey – Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. Wildwood location.

• Fallon’s Bar & Grill – Kids eat free on Tuesday nights with the purchase of an adult meal.

• Syberg’s – Kids eat free at the Chesterfield and St. Peters locations from 5–8 pm.

• Main Event – Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal.

• Lion’s Choice – $2 Cub Meals after 4 pm.

Wednesdays

• Dogwood Social – Kids eat free with the purchase of a $10 game card.

• Peel Pizza – Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal at all locations.

• Mike Duffy’s – In Richmond Heights, kids eat free from 4–7 pm with an adult meal.

• Chevy’s Fresh Mex – Kids eat for just $1 with the purchase of an adult meal.

Thursdays

• Mike Duffy’s – Kids eat free from 4–7 pm. Kirkwood location with the purchase of an adult meal.

• Syberg’s – Kids eat free from 5–8 pm with the purchase of an adult meal. Arnold location.

• Eckert’s – Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal.

Saturdays

• Winslow’s Table – Kids eat free from 4–8 pm with the purchase of $20 or more.

Every Day

• McArthur’s / Pioneer Café – (Reminder!) Free kids' meals all day, every day.

• JJ’s Grill – Free kids' meals daily with an adult meal.

• IHOP – Kids eat free from 4–10 pm every day with an adult entree.

Pro Tips:

• Always check with the location before heading out, as promotions can change or vary slightly by location.

• Many deals require the purchase of an adult meal, so come hungry and enjoy something for yourself, too!

• Don’t forget your bag of toys to help ensure everyone stays entertained at dinner. My favorites.

Whether it's taco night or pizza night, now you’ve got the perfect excuse to skip cooking, and treat the whole family to a fun, affordable meal out. Need more kid-friendly dining ideas? Check out some of my favorites here.

I recently showcased some of the deals on my new segment on Great Day on KMOV! Tune in on the third Monday of the Month for Family Friendly Food Finds with Alexis!

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