Dressel's

If you are looking for casual dining but not the same old bar food, Dressel's fits the bill.  Located in the Central West End since 1980, the atmosphere is casual but nostalgic.  "Bar food", you say, NOT really!!  The menu offers everything from baked mussels to a farm egg sandwich. There is an emphasis on farm to table, which they do well.  The Dressel's burger is the best around, made with Missouri grass fed beef, onion jam and served on, quite possibly, the best brioche I have ever had.  The burger comes with a choice of sides, I chose the mustard glazed root vegetables, they were delicious.  Other notable choices include the deviled egg appetizer, truffled grilled cheese, fish and chips and poutine.  The homemade potato chips, cooked to order were a favorite as well.  Great food, great atmosphere and friendly service makes this a place to visit often.

A West County favorite, Wild Horse serves consistently great food in the perfect casual atmosphere.  On Sunday's they offer a fried chicken special that is just the best.  The chef takes special care in the preparation of this chicken and once you taste it - you'll be back Sunday after Sunday.  Their appetizer assortment has something for everyone, Fried Calamari is a personal favorite as well as the Lump Blue Crab Cakes.  The Pan Seared Scallops are served with a sweet polenta cake.  They offer a wide assortment of steaks and chops, any one of them top quality and done to perfection.  Their homemade desserts are worth making the trip for.  Apple filled Crepes, Fried Brownies, Creme Brulle Custard - one better than the next.  Feel like sitting outside -- they have a great patio.  Support your local restaurants.

Shaved Duck

The Shaved Duck is a tiny treasure nestled in the Historic Tower Grove neighborhood.  It is a casual atmosphere suitable for the family or a date night.  The cuisine would be classified as rustic American but their specialty is slow wood smoked meats - which are beyond compare.  Personal favorites and "must trys" include the Smothered Fries and Walnut and Brown Sugar Encrusted Bacon - for starters.  The Smoked Meatloaf is quite possibly, the best in St. Louis and the Baby Back Ribs seasoned with the house made rub are tender and delicious.   The Smoked Duck White Chili is fantastic and all the sides are worthy of a "thumbs up".  This is a place you will want to visit time and time again.  I never tire of their fare.  Remember, support your local independent restaurants.

FarmHaus

If you are looking for delicious fresh food with an edge -- FarmHaus is sure to please.  Local, homegrown produce is used in every dish and their fish is flown in fresh from the Gulf Coast.  Their focus is small plates, but the portions are generous and the presentation is exceptional.  The menu changes daily based upon what is available at market, which makes each  visit an adventure. Their wine list is extensive, something for everyone. 

On our recent visit we started our meal with the sweet potato nachos - incredible crunchy sweet potato chips smothered in blue cheese and topped with smoked bacon.  We followed that with scallops, escolar, bacon wrapped meat loaf, beet couscous, conch fritters and ended our meal with fresh peach pie served with homemade vanilla ice cream.  Every dish we had was delightful. 

Our service was fast, friendly - couldn't ask for better.

FarmHaus is located at 3257 Ivanhoe Avenue, visit farmhouserestaurant.com to check our their daily menus.
www.farmhausrestaurant.com

Sugo's

www.sugoscucina.com

Sugo's Spaghetteria is a casual Italian restaurant located in Frontenac.  A member of the Michael DelPietro family of restaurants, Sugo's serves up Italian the way it should be served.  All sauces are made fresh everyday from family recipes.  The dishes are fresh and simple but the flavors are big and bold.  The Lasagna is a house specialty, and a definite must try.  They serve great handcrafted pizzas with crisp fresh salads.  The menu is limited but there are nightly specials to keep things interesting.   All menu items generous portions at a very affordable price.  The dining area is warm and comfortable and a wonderful place for a family dinner.

Piccadilly at Manhattan an American Grill

Piccadilly at Manhattan has a great neighborhood restaurant feel from start to finish.  The restaurant design is simple but comfortable, their covered patio lends itself to an enjoyable outdoor meal.  The staff is friendly, like good neighbors should be.  So this laid back, friendly neighborhood feel is definitely reflected in the menu items.  Lots of comfort food mixed in with some trendy fare.  On a recent visit we sampled the chicken wings done "our way" which were simply delicious.  The meatloaf is better than most I have tried and their fried chicken is the best.  An off the menu special proved to be a great choice, a tender fillet with a demi glace and potatoes, cubed and sauteed with caramelized onions and bacon.  Delish!!  Their homemade deserts were a real treat.  Pineapple Upside Down Cake and Peach Cobbler, a great way to end a wonderful meal!  Definitely off the beaten path but worth finding!!!

Half & Half

Hey, if you are looking for a great breakfast/brunch or lunch, try half&half on Maryland Ave. in Clayton.  On a recent visit I was pleasantly surprised.  Half&half makes breakfast  a real experience.  I ordered the Salmon Hash which was outstanding.  Sunny side up eggs served atop potatoes, chives and salmon topped with a wonderful hollandaise.  The Brioche French Toast could be the best in St. Louis.  Other items offered are Brussel Sprout and Cheddar Omelet, Veggie Hash, Fried Chicken Livers, Cornbread and Chorizo -- not your typical breakfast fare! 

The Lunch Menu is equally as innovative and delicious.  Fried Chicken Livers with caper aioli, Grilled Salmon BLT and the Black Canyon Angus Burger are definitely my favorites, however, the menu offers much more.

The service was swift and friendly the atmosphere pleasant.  I will definitely return -- you should try half&half, you won't be disappointed!

Half &Half
8135 Maryland Ave.
Clayton Mo. 63105
314-725-0719
http://www.halfandhalfstl.com/ .com