The Mansion’s Best of Dining List….so far

Hello everyone!  

Mark and I feel it is an obligation to our guests to eat out often.  How else can we gain the knowledge to speak with confidence in recommending wonderful dining out experiences for our guests?  I know, I know……it is a really tough job, but someone has to take one for the team.  It was a little challenging this year with shutdowns, but we we were able to push through and put together our best list.  

Best pizza:  Guido’s Pizzeria and Tapas (https://guidosstl.com/ )  This was our first meal in St. Louis the evening we moved into the apartment.  It was late and we were exhausted.  We immediately felt at home.  Our pizza choice is the Guido’s Deluxe paired with the Deluxe Salad.  We order the pizza with Mozzarella only but you can get it mixed with Provel if you so choose.  They also have wonderful pasta dishes as well.  

Best Italian:  Charlie Gitto’s on the Hill  (https://charliegittos.com/ ) This is a true St. Louis landmark and wonderful dining out experience.  Mark usually orders one of the many off menu specials of the day which has never disappointed him.  Me?  I found a winner in the Chicken Spiedini so it has been hard for me to branch out.  Guests always rave about their meal at Charlie Gitto’s.  And if you let me reserve for you, you might get an extra special treat?  

Best Toasted Ravioli:  Yes, in St. Louis, this has to have it’s own category as it is a staple on 99% of all the restaurants here.  Anthonino’s Taverna   (https://www.anthoninos.com/   )  They have lots of other great menu items as well including their marinara sauce, but their toasted ravioli is the best we have had so far.  

Best BBQ:  The Shaved Duck   ( https://www.theshavedduck.com/ ) Wow!   Absolutely everything we have had here is tremendous.  Honorable mention goes to the burnt ends and believe it or not….smoked meatloaf.  They do not take reservations so expect a bit of a wait.  Their wonderful cocktails will make your time enjoyable.  

Best steak:  There are two that made the cut in this category.  Hamilton’s Urban Steakhouse and Bourbon Bar  ( https://www.hamiltonsteak.com/ )  If you want a truly special evening out, choose this place without hesitation.  In addition to the wonderful steak, don’t miss out on the charcuterie available.  

Carnivore STL ( https://www.carnivore-stl.com/  )This restaurant in The Hill will also not disappoint if you are looking for a great steak.  In addition to steaks, though, they have wonderful pastas, specialty cocktails including their margarita of the week, and the best sangria I have had in St. Louis yet.  

Best Fine Dining:   Polite Society    ( https://www.politesocietystl.com/ )This was obvious to Mark and me from the very start with the cocktail suggestions to the decadent desserts.  The chef takes great pride in everything that comes out of the kitchen with appearance and truly great flavors.  We cannot say enough about our experiences here.  

Best Mexican:  Chava’s in Soulard.    http://www.chavasmexican.com/     You cannot go wrong if you are in the mood for great Mexican.  We recommend starting with the “Jenas “appetizer followed by their specialty dish “El Mireko” .  I also know from experience that their margaritas (all the flavors) are delicious……

Best Hamburger:  Stacked STL   ( http://www.stackedstl.com )   Let’s face it – sometimes you just have to have a burger.  Look no further.  We LOVE this place.  Mark usually opts for building his own burger with traditional and gourmet toppings.  Me – I think out of the box and go for their burger of the month which has never disappointed or one of the chef inspired combinations on the menu.  Please start with the Bavarian Pretzels and don’t forget the sweet potato fries.  

That is it so far.  I’m sure we will update and add to this Best of List as we continue our quest to always meet our guests expectations and needs.  

Thank you and come see us soon.

Leslie