The Delmar Loop is one of the most iconic stretches in St. Louis. Running through University City, Missouri, and the western edge of St. Louis, this strip offers shopping, entertainment and, of course, plenty to eat and drink. From fast-casual spots to full-service eateries, options from around the world run the gamut. Next time you head to The Loop, let your stomach lead the way with this guide to all things edible on Delmar Boulevard.
American Falafel
One of the newest additions to the Delmar Loop, American Falafel comes from owner Moh Qadadeh, whose family hails from Jordan. With that in mind, the fast-casual spot features a menu that’s steeped in tradition and driven by family recipes with a few of its own twists. The beef kebob wrap, for example, includes hummus, onions, parsley, pickles and sliced tomatoes wrapped in pita bread. Meanwhile, the namesake dish is available in a variety of formats: Try it in The Original Falafel wrap, featuring fresh falafel with hummus, tahini sauce, chopped tomatoes and pickles stuffed inside lavash, or in crispy falafel bites served with a creamy dipping sauce. (Photo by Kasey Carlson)
American Falafel, 6314 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, University City, Missouri, 314.553.9353, americanfalafel.com
The Baked Bear
Ice cream sandwiches are the name of the game at The Baked Bear, a San Diego-based chain that opened its first Missouri location in the Delmar Loop in 2018. Start by choosing a cookie or brownie to serve as your base; flavors include chocolate chip, Funfetti, gooey butter cake, red velvet, snickerdoodle and more. Next, you'll choose an ice cream flavor, with options such as blackberry crumble, cookie dough, espresso bean, old-fashioned vanilla and salted caramel fudge, among others. Finally, you'll select a few toppings to finish things off – add a drizzle of Nutella or hot fudge, a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of Fruity Pebbles. If a cookie sandwich doesn’t speak to you, opt for a classic hot fudge sundae or a signature Bear Bowl, featuring a warm chocolate chip cookie or brownie topped with a scoop of ice cream. (Photo by Kelly Glueck)
The Baked Bear, 6140 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.578.8576, thebakedbear.com/st-louis
The Banh Mi Shop
The Banh Mi Shop is one of the most reliable places in the city to find a delicious Vietnamese sandwich. Although bánh mì are the star of the menu – with protein fillings ranging from lemongrass tofu to char siu pork to traditional pâté – this spot offers thick Vietnamese spring rolls and noodle bowls, too. Need to wash it all down? Reach for a Vietnamese iced coffee or lychee lemonade for an extra treat. (Photo by Spencer Pernikoff for The Banh Mi Shop)
The Banh Mi Shop, 567 Melville Ave., Delmar Loop, University City, Missouri, 314.390.2836, thebanhmishopstl.com
Blue Ocean
Blue Ocean owner Chai Ploenthem recently opened Zenwich, a fast-casual spot serving Asian-inspired sandwiches and ramen bowls. But for the full gamut of Japanese fare, including sushi, seaweed salad, takoyaki, ramen and udon, you’ll want to head to his Delmar Loop staple. Sushi is, of course, the main attraction at Blue Ocean – opt for classics, such as a California roll or crunchy spicy tuna roll, or try one of the house specialties, such as the TNT with salmon, tuna, yellowtail, pickled radish, radish sprouts and Sriracha. There’s also a nice nigiri menu, featuring all the classics – think chutoro (tuna belly), hamachi (yellowtail) and unagi (eel). If you’re craving something heartier, turn to the bowls menu – you’ll find spicy miso ramen, tuna poke and kare udon with thinly sliced beef in curry broth with Asian pumpkin, sweet potato, scallions and pickled ginger, among other options. (Photo by Kasey Carlson)
Blue Ocean, 6335 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.726.6477, blueoceanstl.com
Blueberry Hill
Blueberry Hill might just be the most iconic restaurant in the Delmar Loop. The St. Louis landmark opened in 1972, serving only hot dogs, peanuts and beer nuts – all to the tune of owner Joe Edwards’ collection of 30,000 records spinning from a Seeburg jukebox. The menu of American classics has expanded quite a bit since then – in 1974, the restaurant upgraded its kitchen to include a grill for its now-famous burgers – but the restaurant’s commitment to sharing music history hasn’t wavered. The restaurant itself is decked out with floor-to-ceiling displays of pop culture and music memorabilia, and the intimate Duck Room venue downstairs has seen the likes of John Legend, Ed Sheeran and Chuck Berry, the latter of whom played 209 consecutive monthly concerts in the space. (Photo by Jacklyn Meyer)
Blueberry Hill, 6504 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, University City, Missouri, 314.727.4444, blueberryhill.com
Blueprint Coffee
When it opened in 2013, Blueprint Coffee helped usher in an era of third-wave coffee in St. Louis. Six local coffee experts – Nora Brady, Mike Marquard, Mazi Razani, Kevin Reddy and Andrew Timko, all alums of Kaldi’s Coffee Roasting Co., plus Brian Levine, a local coffee aficionado – teamed up to open the shop and roaster with a goal of offering a “more transparent way to serve and present coffee.” Years later, their commitment is unwavering – the roaster side of the operation continues to offer high-quality, ethically sourced and expertly roasted beans from Colombia, Uganda and Mexico, among other regions, while the coffee bar side of the operation puts those beans to use in inventive drinks, such as an Italian Espressoda (vanilla syrup, soda water, choice of milk and two shots of espresso) or the Poolside Cold Brew (cold-brew coffee, coconut syrup and choice of milk, shaken over ice). (Photo by J. Pollack Photography)
Blueprint Coffee, 6225 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.266.6808, blueprintcoffee.com
BoB.Q
The menu at BoB.Q – whose name translates roughly to “rice with Korean barbecue” – is short and sweet. Owners Victor Jang and Moon Kim, who also own Wudon in Creve Coeur, Missouri, wanted to bring fast, affordable Korean food to the St. Louis area, and their small, curated menu stars just a few rice bowls with your choice of protein, each of which is marinated for more than 24 hours in a housemade Korean barbecue sauce from a longtime family recipe. Opt for beef bulgogi (the shop’s bestseller and a favorite of the owners), spicy chicken, spicy pork or fried tofu. Can’t make up your mind? The half-and-half bowl offers the option to try two different proteins in one bowl. (Photo by Mabel Suen)
BoB.Q, 571 Melville Ave., Delmar Loop, University City, Missouri, 314.659.8439, facebook.com/bobqstl
Chicken Out
This fried chicken joint from the guys behind Sugarfire Smoke House and Hi-Pointe Drive-In is all about pressure-fried chicken sandwiches that will put any fast food version to shame. The fast-casual restaurant slings classic and hot sandwiches alongside variations on chicken Parmesan and Nashville hot chicken sandwiches. While you’re there, be sure to get the crinkle-cut fries, seasoned with ultra-savory chicken salt so that chicken is part of every bit of your meal (but don’t worry vegetarians, you can request them without). (Photo by Paige McDonald)
Chicken Out, 6197 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.384.1010, chickenoutchicken.com
Corner 17
Corner 17 has evolved over the years, but the restaurant continues to serve some of the best traditional Chinese food in St. Louis. That should come as no surprise, considering the concept comes from the family behind Joy Luck Buffet in Brentwood, Missouri, which is renowned for its “secret” menu of fiery Sichuan fare. At Corner 17 – which takes its name from the age that owner Ivan Wei was when he came to the U.S. – the expansive menu showcases traditional, from-scratch Chinese fare, including handmade wontons with chile oil, deep-fried hand-rolled sesame balls stuffed with red bean filling, several types of bao, mapo tofu, braised eggplant and sweet and sour flounder, as well as a full bubble tea menu. Don’t leave without trying the hand-pulled noodles; a rare offering in St. Louis, they can be ordered stir-fried or in soup. (Photo by Mabel Suen)
Corner 17, 6623 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, University City, Missouri, 314.727.2402, corner17usa.com
El Maguey Mexican Restaurant
With several locations throughout the St. Louis metro area, El Maguey Mexican Restaurant is a classic for a reason. The restaurant specializes in comforting, unfussy fare, including guacamole, loaded nachos, quesadillas, burritos, fajitas, enchiladas and tacos. For something heartier, look to the entrées and grilled options, where you'll find carne asada, pollo a la parrilla, huevos rancheros and chimichangas. With a spacious outdoor patio, the Delmar location is a great spot to split a pitcher of Margaritas and people-watch on one of St. Louis’ busiest thoroughfares. (Photo by Kasey Carlson)
El Maguey Mexican Restaurant, 6333 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, University City, Missouri, 314.726.1005, facebook.com/elmagueyontheloop
Fitz’s Root Beer
When it comes to St. Louis beverages, Fitz’s root beer has to be one of the most classic selections, but the soda train doesn’t stop there; Fitz’s produces drinks that range from the bright red Cardinal Cream and neon green key lime to classics such as blackberry, orange and grape. Get any of the sodas in an intense float of your liking, or order one to wash down a classic burger and fries. (Photo courtesy of Fitz’s Root Beer)
Fitz’s Root Beer, 6605 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, University City, Missouri, 314.726.9555, fitzsrootbeer.com
Fork & Stix
This northern Thai-inspired restaurant has a menu full of comforting dishes, but many chefs across St. Louis have one particular favorite at Fork & Stix: the khao soi. This egg noodle curry soup pairs a creamy base with tangy pickled vegetables for a combination worth seeking out any time you’re near the Delmar Loop and on the search for Thai fare. If you’re looking for something you’re more familiar with, though, the menu is still loaded with pad Thai, coconut curries and tom yum soup. (Photo by Jonathan Gayman)
Fork & Stix, 549 Rosedale Ave., Delmar Loop, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.863.5572, forknstix.com
Gokul Indian Restaurant
Gokul, which originally opened as a fast-food restaurant in 2002, bills itself as “St. Louis’ one and only 100 percent vegetarian and kosher restaurant.” The expansive menu starts with classic appetizers, such as samosas, vegetable pakora, mirchi bhajiya (stuffed, deep-fried banana peppers) and batata vada (spiced, deep-fried potatoes), and soups, including dal and mulgutani. Entrées will keep both plant-based diners and meat eaters happy, featuring saag paneer, vegetable korma, chana saag, yellow dal, aloo gobi, chana masala and more, while a separate menu of light dishes includes ragda pattice (spicy green pea gravy served over two potato cakes) and chhole bhature (slow-cooked chickpeas). Several traditional Indian breads, such as naan (including garlic, cheese and spinach options), paratha, puri and roti, are baked on-site in a tandoor, and you can wash it all down with a glass of creamy mango lassi or rose faluda. (Photo by Kasey Carlson)
Gokul Indian Restaurant, 6101 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, University City, Missouri, 314.721.1888, gokulindianstlouis.com
Gyro Grill
Gyro Grill specializes in – you guessed it – gyros. But in addition to the classic preparation, made with your choice of either beef and lamb or chicken, served with lettuce, tomato, onions and tzatziki sauce over a flat pita, you can order the eponymous dish in a variety of applications here. Try it in a Philly or a Cheddar Melt, served on top of fries or stuffed into a potato with Feta and tzatziki. Gyro Grill’s menu features a few other traditional Middle Eastern dishes, including falafel, baba ghanoush, hummus and shish taouk, as well as some more classic American fare – think a Buffalo chicken sub, Philly-style cheesesteak and potato skins. (Photo by Kasey Carlson)
Gyro Grill, 6227 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.899.9437, facebook.com/GyroGrillSTL
Gyro House
Next time you’re in the Delmar Loop, go Greek. The caring and committed staff at Gyro House serves delicious Greek cuisine made with fresh ingredients from local farmers’ markets. Start your meal with spanakopita (phyllo dough stuffed with spinach, Feta and egg) or saganaki (fried cheese served with pita and a squeeze of lemon). Then, try the Greek salad with gyro meat, the lamb kebab sandwich or the falafel plate. Every meal at the fast-casual restaurant is best rounded out with a side of hummus or tzatziki. (Photo by Kasey Carlson)
Gyro House, 6152 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.721.5638, stlgyrohouse.com
K-Bop
If you’re craving Korean street food, K-Bop is the place to be. The restaurant specializes in cup bop, or rice bowls, which come with a choice of white or brown rice, vegetables, rice noodles and your choice of protein (Korean barbecued beef, spicy tofu, chicken katsu and more). Looking to run the gamut of street food? Try the tteok-bokki, mandu or bulgogi japchae for an additional taste of Seoul and beyond. (Photo courtesy of K-Bop)
K-Bop, 6120 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.296.3001, kbopstl.com
Kung Fu Tea
With drinks ranging from milk teas to punches and slushes to milk caps, this bubble tea spot is the best place in the Delmar Loop to get your tapioca fix. Go for something classic, such as the Kung Fu Milk Tea made with earl gray tea, cane sugar and milk powder, or look to the seasonal specials for fun combos, such as the purple yam latte or the mango cream made with green tea and a beautiful milk cap. (Photo by Mabel Suen)
Kung Fu Tea, 6600 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, University City, Missouri, 314.256.1395, kungfutea.com
Meshuggah Cafe
A gathering place for the local community, Meshuggah Cafe invites people from all walks of life to find a seat, order a coffee drink or food and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Books and board games fill the shelves, local art lines the walls and poetry slams, live music and other events entertain in the evenings. Once you sit down, you’ll likely stay a while, so let’s dive into the menu. From the bakery, we recommend a gooey butter bar or a slice of lemon pound cake, but if you’re looking for something heartier, try the Spotted Pig bagel with scrambled egg, sausage, sautéed tomato and onion or the housemade curried chicken salad served on a freshly toasted bagel or sourdough toast. Drinks range from honey-vanilla lattes to iced Thai coffee and fresh fruit smoothies to a Boulevard brew. (Photo by Kasey Carlson)
Meshuggah Cafe, 6269 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.726.5662, meshuggahcafestl.com
Mission Taco Joint
Mission Taco Joint in the Delmar Loop is one of seven locations of the popular local eatery, which is known for its California-style street food. Order chicken flautas, beef empanadas or corn fritters for the table, and then dig into your favorite burrito or tacos. Made with scratch ingredients, the mouthwatering options are endless – think BBQ Duck tacos (slow-roasted duck, ancho-agave glaze, pork belly carnitas, smashed avocado, pickled onion and crispy jalapeño strips), Chicken Guisado tacos (chile-braised chicken, mango-agave sauce, arugula, pork belly carnitas, goat cheese and habanero-pickled onion) and The Brah’rito burrito (shredded beef birria, pork belly carnitas, chile-crusted potato fries, smashed black beans and Chihuahua cheese topped with guacamole and pico de gallo). Wash it all down with a Margarita or specialty cocktail from the whimsical bar program that’s also inspired by the coast. (Photo by Jacklyn Meyer)
Mission Taco Joint, 6235 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.932.5430, missiontacojoint.com
Moonrise Hotel
The Moonrise Hotel offers three different drink and dining experiences in the Delmar Loop: Eclipse Restaurant, the Twilight Room and the Rooftop Garden Bar. At Eclipse, choose from entrées such as a Nashville hot chicken po’boy and a whole fried snapper, or head to the Twilight Room for small plates, including truffle fries, a lobster quesadilla or jerk-seasoned wings. Sip a signature cocktail on the rooftop while enjoying the sunset or a warm summer night, whether you prefer a Buffy the Vodka Slayer with cucumber vodka, strawberry, elderflower, lime and mint or the Month Old Manhattan with rye, dry Curaçao, sweet vermouth and Angostura aromatic bitters. (Photo by Jacklyn Meyer)
The Moonrise Hotel, 6177 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.721.1111, moonrisehotel.com
Nudo House
On the search for a satisfying bowl of noodles? Head to Nudo House for a wide selection of ramen bowls, from the Shroomed Out (mushroom broth, king oyster mushrooms, bok choy, bamboo shoots, black garlic) to the Nduja Bomb (a classic bowl with Salume Beddu ’nduja) to Tantanmen (sesame paste, Nudo chile paste, fermented tofu, smoked fish powder, ground pork, naruto fishcake, bean sprouts, fried shallot). The restaurant also offers bánh mì, pho and more favorites to fulfill your Asian food cravings. (Photo by Mabel Suen)
Nudo House, 6105 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.370.6970, nudohousestl.com
Peacock Loop Diner
The Peacock Loop Diner might harken back to beloved old-school diners; however, this spot is anything but a greasy spoon. You’ll find all of the diner classics you crave, from cheeseburgers and chili to pancakes and omelets, in a modern iteration of a retro diner. Try the brunch burgers (two patties, plus an egg, maple-bacon jam and Gouda) or the cinnamon roll pancakes for twists on your favorite breakfast foods. Plus, unlike at most diners, you can get your malt spiked here, and the restaurant has a full bar. (Photo by Rolf Ringwald)
Peacock Loop Diner, 6261 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, University City, Missouri, 314.721.5555, peacockloopdiner.com
Perfect Taste Sichuan Cuisine
Bright with minimal decorations, Perfect Taste offers traditional Sichuan cuisine for all eaters. Flavors range from shredded pork with garlic sauce to boiled fish with chile sauce to kung pao chicken – a house specialty. Vegetarian? Don’t miss the mapo tofu served in a thin, oily and spicy sauce. There’s also an extensive dim sum menu featuring steamed shrimp dumplings, soup dumplings, dan dan noodles, scallion pancakes and sesame balls. Finish the feast with your favorite variety of milk tea or lychee yogurt. (Photo by Kasey Carlson)
Perfect Taste Sichuan Cuisine, 6310 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.833.5187, perfecttastetogo.com
Pin-Up Bowl
Let the good times roll! Pin-Up Bowl is an intimate bowling alley and lounge in the Delmar Loop, featuring eight lanes and a menu of deliciously greasy snacks and classic, modern and signature cocktails. Standouts from the bar include the Green Chili Gimlet (green chili vodka, fresh lime and simple syrup), The German Man (bourbon, elderflower liqueur and fresh lemon) and Tiki Punch No. 2 (spiced rum, passion fruit liqueur, pineapple juice, fresh lime and ginger beer). Knocking down all those pins can really work up an appetite. We suggest indulging in the pretzel sticks, toasted ravioli, meatballs on a stick or black bean burger. You can also build your own pizza or order a specialty pizza such as the Bombshell (bacon, chicken, jalapeño and onion) or the Gardener (mushroom, onion, green pepper and black olives). (Photo by Jacklyn Meyer)
Pin-Up Bowl, 6191 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.727.5555, pinupbowl.com
PokeDoke
At Poke Doke, the portions are generous and the food is fresh. To build your own bowl, start with a base of white or brown sushi rice, soba noodles, salad or wonton chips. For the poke, you have nine options, including soft-shell crab, spicy tuna, tempura shrimp and tofu, plus 13 possible toppings, such as seaweed salad, shredded carrot, edamame, avocado, kimchi, mango and pineapple. Sauces range from mild to spicy, but you can also add a drizzle of soy sauce, sweet Thai chile, eel sauce, wasabi mayo and more. To wet your whistle in between bites, grab a bubble tea – we love the black tea, taro and watermelon. (Photo by Mabel Suen)
Poke Doke, 6316 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.553.9440, pokedokestl.com
Prime 55
Covering two levels, Prime 55 offers a fine-dining experience like no other in the Delmar Loop. The perfect spot for date night, the menu focuses on American cuisine with a touch of Creole flavor. Start with the crab cakes, lightly pan-fried and oven-finished with a lemon aïoli and pickled red onion, or the lobster fries (Cajun fries topped with lobster cheese sauce). Entrées include sweet-glazed lamb chops, chargrilled rib eye, blackened sweet-chile salmon and a veggie burger. Prime 55 also offers a brunch buffet with eggs, bacon, turkey sausage, potatoes, waffles, made-to-order steaks and mimosas. Other cocktails include the Moonrise (gin, Radler and lemon) and the Red Trolley (vodka, gin, rum, tequila, peach, lime, cranberry and pineapple). If you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe, the restaurant has a full sports bar on the lower level, as well. (Photo by Mabel Suen)
Prime 55, 6100 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.553.9595, facebook.com/prime55restaurant/
Ranoush
A local favorite for Middle Eastern cuisine, Ranoush offers everything from cold mezza (baba ghanoush, labneh, tabbouleh) and hot mezza (kibbeh, kalaj, batata harra) to chicken shawarma and lamb shish kebab. Syrian chef-owner Aboud Alhamid combines his family’s recipes and the freshest ingredients to give diners a truly enjoyable experience. For dessert, the baklava is delicious, but don’t overlook the knafeh, which Alhamid describes as a hybrid of baklava and cheesecake. Ranoush’s signature dessert, the knafeh is made with shredded phyllo dough soaked in a sugar-based syrup and layered with sweet soft cheese. (Photo by Gregg Goldman)
Ranoush, 6501 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.726.6874, ranoush.com
Salt + Smoke
Bringing St. Louis-style barbecue to the Delmar Loop, the team at Salt + Smoke knows how to treat meat right. The restaurant’s menu isn’t long, but it’s packed with intriguing dishes. Appetizers include burnt end toasted ravioli, trashed ribs, fried chicken skins with honey grain mustard and fried housemade pickles with flaxseed mayonnaise. Pulled pork, chilled cherry-smoked salmon, falafel and fried jalapeño-Cheddar bologna all come between bread (with gluten-free vegan buns also available), while plates feature some of the same ingredients, plus brisket, pulled chicken, smoked wings and St. Louis-cut ribs. What’s barbecue without sides? Try the beef-fat fries, sweet pepper potato salad, white Cheddar cracker mac, creamed corn and brisket chili. Salt + Smoke is also part of the Green Dining Alliance, successfully reducing its impact on the environment. (Photo by Mabel Suen)
Salt + Smoke, 6525 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.727.0200, saltandsmokebbq.com
Seoul Taco
Korean and Mexican flavors meld at Seoul Taco. The popular burritos, for example, feature kimchi fried rice, lettuce, cheese, carrots, green onion, Seoul sauce, wasabi sauce and sour cream. The nachos are smothered in queso blanco, kimchi, green onion, roasted sesame seeds, sour cream and your choice of protein (beef bulgogi, spicy pork, chicken or tofu), while the gogi bowl leans more Korean with a salad mix, rice, carrots, green onion, a fried egg, sesame oil, gochujang and your choice of the same proteins. Look for scrumptious specials, as well, such as the Munch Wrap Seoulpreme with refried beans, your choice of protein, Cheddar Jack cheese, kimchi, green onion, sesame seeds and gochujang sour cream stuffed in a crispy shell and then wrapped in a flour tortilla. (Photo by Mabel Suen)
Seoul Taco, 6665 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.863.1148, seoultaco.com
Thai Country Café
One of the most striking things about this Thai spot is the interior; the wooden walls at Thai Country Café are adorned with paintings and kitschy items that you would sooner find at a rural breakfast spot than a Delmar Loop restaurant, but the cozy atmosphere matches the menu. Settle in for a warming bowl of tom yum soup or a stir-fried noodle plate that will stick to your bones. Look to the restaurant’s specialties for dishes such as pad cha (seafood and duck stir-fried in chile sauce, basil, bell pepper and young peppercorn) or the poh taek hotpot (seafood, mushroom, lemongrass, makrut lime leaves, galangal, basil). (Photo by Kasey Carlson)
Thai Country Café, 6223 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, University City, Missouri, 314.862.0787, thaicountrycafe.us
Thai Gai Yang Cafe
Gai yang refers to barbecued or grilled chicken, and you’ll find this protein all over the menu at this Delmar Loop spot. In addition to classic Thai curries and stir-fries, Thai Gai Yang Cafe also offers a list of special dishes, including hot pots, roast duck and even a half chicken barbecued in the namesake style. Wash it all down with a Thai iced tea or coffee, and finish with something sweet, such as Thai fried banana or mango on sweet sticky rice. (Photo by Kasey Carlson)
Thai Gai Yang Cafe, 6250 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, University City, Missouri, 314.862.4400, thaigaiyang.com
Taste of India
This restaurant is technically just around the corner from Delmar Boulevard, but it’s still a part of the heart of The Loop. Taste of India has a long list of biryanis and tandoori dishes, but the amount of vegetarian options stands out. Help yourself to a vegetarian curry or vindaloo, or try something a little different, such as the baigun bharta (roasted eggplant cooked with onions and peas). If you feel like snacking on something on the side, the restaurant offers both veggie and chicken samosas, as well as chicken, paneer and vegetable pakoras. (Photo by Kasey Carlson)
Taste of India, 608 Eastgate Ave., University City, Missouri, 314.833.4055, tasteofindiastl.com
Three Kings Public House
Whether you’re craving classic pub fare or a pint of beer from across the pond, you’ll find something at Three Kings Public House. Order the Three Kings Fish & Chips – beer-battered cod fried golden brown and served with fries and a lemon-caper aïoli – or one of the restaurants many smash burgers, such as the Pogue Mahone topped with a fried egg, bacon, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, Swiss and Cheddar cheese on a pretzel bun. It also has plenty of appetizers if you want to split some snacks with friends. (Photo by Rolf Ringwald)
Three Kings Public House, 6307 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, University City, Missouri, 314.721.3388, threekingspub.com
Turmeric
Turmeric brands itself as a modern take on ancient Indian traditions, and that combination results in a delicious menu for the rest of us to enjoy. Split a few appetizers with a friend, such as the Bombay sliders (spiced potato patty fritters on soft pav bread with tamarind chutney, cilantro chutney and market salad), or go all in with the “House” Neptune Platter, a mix of samosas, green tikki, paneer, cauliflower and roasted bell pepper remoulade. Entrées range from comfortable classics, including chicken tikka masala, to house creations, such as the char-grilled masala halibut, so this menu is bound to have something tasty for everyone. (Photo by Mabel Suen)
Turmeric, 6679 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, University City, Missouri, 314.899.9995, turmericstl.com
U-City Grill
From the name and the exterior, we wouldn’t blame you if you thought that U-City Grill was your typical greasy spoon, but you’d be wrong. This diner swaps out burgers and fries for bulgogi and kimbap. The Korean menu is limited, but it’s affordable – and delicious. Just make sure you don’t accidentally pass it up when you’re on the hunt for your next meal. (Photo by Jordan Bauer)
U-City Grill, 6696 Enright Ave., Delmar Loop, University City, Missouri, 314.721.3073, facebook.com/pages/U-City-Grill/741357719323979
United Provisions
Whether you’re looking to plan a full international meal or need to grab a couple of kitchen staples, United Provisions probably has what you need. This grocery store offers everything from kimchi and frozen dumplings to local beer and kombucha from across the country, in addition to plenty of household staples. Need a quick meal? In the prepared section, you’ll find both hot and cold prepared meals with options such as tonkatsu sandos, sushi rolls and even to-go options from Lu Lu Seafood & Dim Sum. (Photo by Cheryl Waller)
United Provisions, 6241 Delmar Blvd., Delmar Loop, University City, Missouri, 314.833.5699, unitedprovisions.com