Nestled in St. Charles County, the small city of Cottleville boasts an eclectic mix of locally-owned eateries. If you’re looking for a new area to find wine, spirits, beer, coffee, casual dining and upscale fare, put Cottleville at the top of your list.
Bemo's Grill
Bemo's Grill is a family-owned and -operated restaurant that serves soups, salads, pasta dishes and burgers. With plenty of seating and a diverse menu, it’s a great spot to visit with family or a large group of friends. Dine on appetizers that range from tempura-battered asparagus to chicken wings. For mains, choose from dishes like Cajun shrimp pasta or braised pot roast, as well as lighter selections like salads and soups.
Bemo’s Grill, 5373 Highway N, Cottleville, Missouri, 636-939-9922, bemosgrill.com
Exit 6 Brewery
If you’re looking for a place to grab a craft beer and fresh pizza, then Exit 6 Brewery is a must-visit. This small brewery offers its housemade brews, as well as beers from other Missouri craft breweries. Count on a wide selection, with 70 different brews available on tap or in bottles. Pair your beer with creative St. Louis-style pizzas, with outside-the-box toppings like jerk-seasoned pulled pork, ranch dressing, Red Hot Riplets seasoning and even nacho cheese.
Exit 6 Brewery, 5055 Highway N, Suite 113, Cottleville, Missouri, 636-244-4343, exit6brewery.com
1798 BBQ
1798 BBQ is the home of slow-smoked barbecue in Cottleville. The menu features barbecue staples like pulled pork, ribs, brisket, cornbread casserole and baked beans. There are also house specialty sandwiches made from pulled pork, brisket or pulled chicken to choose from. Don’t miss the potato salad or the fresh-cut fries.
1798 BBQ, 5210 Highway N., Cottleville, Missouri, https://www.1798bbq.com
Plank Road Pizza
This pizza joint takes its name from the wooden plank road that connected Boone’s Lick Road in St. Charles to points westward in the 1850s. The history doesn’t stop with Plank Road Pizza’s name: It's woven throughout the building with many repurposed materials used in the décor. The handmade pies include options like Hawaiian barbecue pork and spinach and artichoke. The Spring Street – with olive oil, cheese, chicken, bacon, spinach, tomatoes, sweet pecans, cranberries and balsamic drizzle – is a fan favorite.
Plank Road Pizza, 5212 Highway N., Cottleville, Missouri, plankroadpizza.com
The Rack House
The Rack House features an upscale, from-scratch menu with lunch, dinner and weekend brunch options along with cocktails and spirit-infused desserts. The menu rotates seasonally in order to incorporate locally-sourced produce. Some popular mainstays include brunch options like French toast made from brioche, burgers and breakfast sandwiches and traditional brunch cocktails like Bloody Marys, Mimosas and sangria. Dinner options include rotating seafood specials, steak, chicken and duck, along with an extensive wine list and cocktail menu.
The Rack House, 5065 Highway N., Cottleville, Missouri, 636-244 0574, therackhousekww.com
Salty's Fresh Mex
Salty's Fresh Mex has all the traditional favorites you expect to find at a Mexican restaurant: tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, nachos and, of course, Margaritas. With gluten-free bowls and keto-friendly entrées, the spot can accommodate a variety of different dietary needs. Each week, it features a Margarita special and taco of the week. Enjoy pear-berry or cherry limeade Margaritas, and chicken club or Philly melt tacos.
Salty's Fresh Mex, 5045 Highway N., Cottleville, Missouri, 636-477-6520, saltystexmex.flavorplate.com/
Upshot Coffee
Looking for a place to get your caffeine fix or a cold-pressed juice? Upshot Coffee serves java in a variety of ways, from espresso drinks to cold brew to drip coffee, as well as tea, matcha and golden milk lattes. No matter what you pick, your drink of choice will pair well with one of its freshly made baked goods, avocado toast, breakfast burritos or bowls.
Upshot Coffee, 5326 Highway N., Cottleville, Missouri, 636-352-1139, weareupshotcoffee.com
Amanda Bretz
Amanda Bretz is a freelance writer who contributes to Feast Magazine.