St. Louis' Most Famous Restaurants and Food Finds

St. Louis' most famous soda fountain has been feeding hungry residents and visitors since 1913. Crown Candy looks and feels like a soda fountain should. It's small with old, 1950's style decor. There's a line out the door most days, but it's so worth the wait. The menu has a variety of basic sandwiches, but do yourself a favor and just order the BLT. And of course, save room for a homemade malt or shake.

If Oprah likes it, it must be good right? Sweetie Pie's has the endorsement of Ms. Winfrey and many others who love soul food. The restaurant is run by Robbie Montgomery who is famous in her own right as a former backup singer for Ike and Tina Turner. Sweetie Pie's menu includes traditional soul food favorites like fried fish, black-eyed peas, and collard greens. The restaurant has been featured on The Food Network and had its own reality show on Oprah's OWN. Sweetie Pie's has two locations in St. Louis: 9841 West Florissant and 3643 Delmar.

Blueberry Hill is one of the most popular hot spots on the Delmar Loop. The restaurant and live music venue has been open for more than 40 years. The biggest draw used to be monthly concerts by rock-n-roll legend Chuck Berry in the Duck Room. The restaurant is still filled with memorabilia from Berry's many performances. Blueberry Hill serves up casual fare like burgers, salads and specialty entrees, in a unique atmosphere filled with nostalgia and memorabilia.

St. Louisans don't eat ice cream, they eat frozen custard. And when they eat frozen custard, they go to Ted Drewes. The iconic custard shop has been in business for more than 80 years serving up its famous concretes, sundaes and shakes. Try a specialty concrete like the Terramizzou, a blend of chocolate sauce and pistachios, or the Hawaiian, a combination of banana, coconut, pineapple and macadamia nuts. Ted Dewes has two locations in south St. Louis. The larger shop is located at 6726 Chippewa, along old Route 66. The smaller shop is at 4224 South Grand.

Speaking of St. Louis sweets, another top destination is World's Fair Donuts near the Missouri Botanical Garden. This family-owned shop has been serving up melt-in-your-mouth pastries for decades. The shop has been featured on the Food Network. It's known for serving up traditional treats like glazed and cake donuts, twists and fried pies. The prices are quite inexpensive, but remember to bring cash. The shop does not take credit or debit cards.

When it comes to fine dining in St. Louis, no one does it better than Tony's. The restaurant is famous for its service, Italian food, and an extensive wine list. Tony's has received national awards from AAA, Mobil, Conde Nast Traveler, and more.

In the mood for bar-b-que? Then make the trip to Pappy's Smokehouse. It's often voted the best BBQ in St. Louis and was also named one of the "Best 101 Places to Chow Down in America" by the Travel Channel. Expect long lines here too, but you'll forget all about the wait when you bite into those famous ribs.