A food-lover's guide to St. Louis' Cherokee Street
One of the hottest thoroughfares in St. Louis these days is Cherokee Street, where a growing number of new businesses are operating alongside the neighborhood's historically Latino restaurants, butchers and bakeries. Something new seems to open on Cherokee just about every month – and on weekend nights, the party spills over into the street and doesn't stop until long after midnight.
Start with coffee, grab a sandwich and, after you've revved up your appetite again with some shopping, tuck into a giant combo platter at one of the neighborhood's beloved eateries. There's something for everyone here, and the street's human scale makes it easy to get from one end to the other – from Cherokee's intersection with Jefferson Avenue to where the business district ends near Nebraska Avenue is just four-tenths of a mile.
Bridge Bread
Bridge Bread is a bakery you can feel especially good about visiting: founded by Fred and Sharon Domke, it provides job training and employment for people dealing with housing insecurity. Here, you'll find freshly baked loaves including sourdough, light brioche, wheat and apple-cinnamon, as well as cinnamon rolls in flavors like cranberry-orange, cherry pie and quadruple chocolate. And that's not all: Bridge Bread also recently started making authentic New York-style boiled bagels. (Photo by Judd Demaline)
Bridge Bread, 2604 Cherokee St., Cherokee Business District, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.296.3077, bridgebread.org
Burger 809
If you're craving a burger down on Cherokee Street, Burger 809 is sure to satisfy. For a small bite, pick one of the restaurant's sliders, or you can mix and match any three for a full meal. Be sure to try the B809 Signature Slider, a beef patty with jalapeño bacon jam and Monterey Jack and mozzarella cheeses on a toasted bun. Looking for something lighter? Go for the salmon slider, lemon and butter-marinated salmon with fresh jalapeño and a passion fruit glaze served on a toasted Hawaiian bun. (Photo by Mabel Suen)
Burger 809, 2619 1/2 Cherokee St., Cherokee Business District, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.899.5959, burger809.com
Diana's Bakery
Nothing about the space that houses Diana's Bakery is fancy. There's no welcoming foyer or tables to settle into. In fact, if you arrive at the wrong time of day, you'll be greeted by carts full of cooling desserts and may not even be able to find the counter. But it's impossible to complain when you're contemplating those desserts! Diana's serves up one of the most extensive selections of baked goods in town. There are gorgeous tres leches cakes, cinnamon-dipped churros, sweet empanadas, bear claws, and more cookies than you could possibly eat. Who needs fancy when you could have all that? (Photo by Jennifer Silverberg)
Diana's Bakery, 2843 Cherokee St., Cherokee Business District, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.771.6959, facebook.com/dianasbakery2843
Don Carlos
Like Taqueria El Torito, Don Carlos is the sister to a sizable retail establishment, in this case, Latino Americana Carniceria. On first glance, the restaurant is decidedly no-frills, with a simple lunch counter in a utilitarian space. But don't discount the food – or the covered patio. A sizable space featuring a concrete floor and a TV airing Spanish-language programming, it's a pleasant spot for lunch or happy hour. (And a small Margarita is just $3 from 2 to 5pm on weeknights.) The tacos here are first rate, and on weekends, you can get menudo. (Photo by Jonathan Gayman)
Don Carlos, 2800 Cherokee St., Cherokee Business District, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.773.1707, facebook.com/don-carlos-147977198570023
Earthbound Beer
Earthbound Beer got its start as St. Louis tiniest brewery, opening in a narrow, 1,000-square-foot shotgun-style space on Cherokee Street. The brewery has since expanded to an 8,000-square-foot space just down the street in the former Cherokee Brewery Co., which features a seven-barrel brewing system, 16 beers on tap and a food menu developed by Chris Bork of Vista Ramen, as well as seating for 99 inside and another 80 outside in the beer garden. (Photo by Emily Suzanne McDonald)
Earthbound Beer, 2710 Cherokee St., Cherokee Business District, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.769.9576, earthboundbeer.com
El Chico
Still going strong after nearly 20 years, El Chico offers baked goods from giant cookies to muffins to bear claws. There's a small adjacent room with tables, chairs and a cooler of drinks if you'd prefer to linger with your dessert. Don't miss the tamales on weekends. (Photo by Jennifer Silverberg)
El Chico, 4634 Cherokee St., Cherokee Business District, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.664.2212, facebook.com/elchicobakery
Elaine's
Elaine Gruener never wants to serve customers that is anything less than absolutely wonderful, and it reflects in the sandwiches she serves. She sources ingredients locally when possible, making choices like The Lainey (tuna salad, jalapeno bacon, Havarti, cabbage, tomato, onion, cucumber, pickle, chipotle), Poppa (ham, soppressata, mozzarella, parmesan, tomato, banana pepper, olive, jalapeno, yellow mustard, honey vinaigrette) Cherokee Street Beef (roast beef, Havarti, cabbage, tomato, onion, green pepper, mushroom, mayo, spicy mustard and a side of au jus) so good. And no matter your dietary restrictions, don't worry; everything is customizable and can be made as wraps and salads, too. (Photo by Mabel Suen)
Elaine’s, 2311 Cherokee Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.664.0100, elainesoncherokee.com
Jerk Soul
Thanks to Jerk Soul relocating from North St. Louis down to Cherokee Street, the dining district now has a taste of the Caribbean. The menu is divided into two main sections – classics and fusions – so you can choose whether to stick to traditional dishes or dishes that are a little more playful. From the classics side, try Judah's jerk wings or Asher's oxtails for something bursting with flavor, and if you're looking to get a little more funky, spring for the jerk chicken pizza or jerk chicken Philly. (Photo by Mabel Suen)
Jerk Soul, 3108 Cherokee St., Gravois Park, St. Louis, Missouri. 314.601,3871, facebook.com/jerkstoulstl
Kalbi Taco Shack
Cherokee Street is no stranger to taco joints, but Kalbi Taco Shack is the only one also serving Korean kalbi, Taiwanese bubble tea, Japanese teriyaki and Chinese rice bowls. The menu is infused with Asian flavors, including fish tacos paired with Asian slaw, bánh mì sandwiches and beef short rib rice bowls. (Photo by Mabel Suen)
Kalbi Taco Shack, 2301 Cherokee St., Cherokee Business District, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.240.5544, kalbitacoshack.com
La Vallesana
On a sunny day, there might be no nicer place to be in St. Louis than La Vallesana. The Cherokee Street mainstay has lots of tables in a sheltered front sidewalk area out front, and even more in the open-air patio behind the restaurant. Check out the mole verde – it's a relatively unusual menu item, even in cities with robust Mexican food scenes. (Photo by Mabel Suen)
La Vallesana, 2861 Cherokee St., Cherokee Business District, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.776,4223, facebook.com/lavallesana
Lillys Panaderia
This corner bakery doesn't have a ton of years under its belt, but has already garnered a loyal following for its bread, pastries and other desserts. One unique treat to try here: The niño envuelto, which translates literally to "wrapped baby." It's a popular dessert in the Dominican Republic, and at Lillys, comes topped with lightly shredded coconut. (Photo by Kholood Eid)
Lillys Panaderia, 2752 Cherokee St., Cherokee Business District, St. Louis, Missouri, restaurantji.com/mo/st.-louis/lillys-panaderia-
Morning Glory Diner
This diner is much more than your typical greasy spoon. For one, the bright and colorful interior is enough alone to wake you up on a groggy morning. The menu is also a lot shorter than you might expect from a diner, but that is because everything is made with an extra dose of love and care. The housemade biscuits with sausage gravy is a favorite, alongside their version of a St. Louis slinger. (Photo by Mabel Suen)
Morning Glory Diner, 2609 Cherokee St., Cherokee Business District, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.250.6007, morningglorydiner.square.site
Saint Louis Hop Shop
Saint Louis Hop Shop is a great destination for either enjoying a beer or finding a new beer to love. Peruse the shelves for options both local and international, with plenty of breweries both familiar and new ready to lure you in with their bottles and cans. If you're just looking for a respite on Cherokee Street, however, you can also take a seat at the bar and enjoy a draft. (Photo by Mabel Suen)
Saint Louis Hop Shop, 2600 Cherokee St., Cherokee Business District, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.261.4011, saintlouishopshop.com
Taqueria El Bronco
It's got the look of a standard taqueria, and the menu of a standard taqueria. The only thing that makes Taqueria El Bronco stand out, in fact, is that the tacos are really, really good. The salsa, too, earns high marks; made with avocados, it's creamy and positively delicious. (Photo by Mabel Suen)
Taqueria El Bronco, 2817 Cherokee St., Cherokee Business District, 314.762.0691, taqueriaelbronco.com
Taqueria El Torito
Part of the El Torito Supermercado complex, Taqueria El Torito is one of Cherokee's grand dame Mexican restaurants. With its brightly painted walls and on-site grill, the patio is gorgeous, and the bar inside is a great place to catch a futbol game or just kick back with friends. Large parties should contemplate the Parrillada al Molcajete, which includes steak, chicken, shrimp, pork chorizo, fresco cheese, nopal, pico de gallo and salsa in the traditional Mexican mortar dish. It's served with beans and 10 tortillas – enough for the whole family.
Taqueria El Torito, 2753 Cherokee St., Cherokee Business District, St. Louis, Missouri
Teatopia
Just about everyone can find their cup of tea at Teatopia. With over 80 different teas – all prepared according to the specific tea's preferred steeping time – you can find whatever you're looking for from, from earthy to floral to fruity. Hungry? Teatopia also offers a menu of clean cuisine, like a vegan Cherokee Crunch Wrap or the Teaditional salad, made with fresh romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, Parmesan cheese flakes and croutons served with a tea-infused vinaigrette. (Photo by Mabel Suen)
Teatopia, 2606 Cherokee St., Cherokee Business District, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.669.1464, teatopiastl.com
The B-Side
Burgers, beats and booze are the focus at The B-Side. The cash-only menu is small but still solid; you can get a burger and a pint of beer in just a few minutes for only $5. The signature Frito Bandito features chili, a chopped up hamburger patty, grilled onions, jalapeños, cheese and comeback sauce on a bed of Fritos. At the bar, you'll find Stag on draft. (Photo by Mabel Suen)
The B-Side, 2709 Cherokee St., Cherokee Business District, St. Louis, Missouri, facebook.com/bsidecherokeestusastl (temporarily closed due to pandemic)
The Fortune Teller Bar
The Fortune Teller Bar clearly has that laid-back Cherokee cool thing going on, but it's also a damn fine place to get a cocktail. Try the Chicago Sidecar, a twist on the classic with bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup and baked apple bitters. You can also order from a full menu of comfort food from Gooseberries 2 Go, with favorites like a fried tofu basket, St. Paul pizza and indulgent gooey butter cake-filled toasted ravioli. (Photo by Mabel Suen)
The Fortune Teller Bar, 2635 Cherokee St., Cherokee Business District, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.776.2337, thefortunetellerbar.com
The Mud House
Breakfast and lunch are served all day, every day at The Mud House. In addition to a solid coffee menu (the lavender latte and Dank and Stormy with cold-brew coffee, ginger beer and lime are favorites), the restaurant serves stellar biscuits and gravy, a spicy tofu scramble and a breakfast burrito. A perennial best-seller, though, is the classic slinger with roasted potatoes, vegetarian black bean chili, Cheddar, red onion and two sunny-side up eggs with a side of toast. (Photo by Jennifer Silverberg)
The Mud House, 2101 Cherokee St., Cherokee Business District, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.776.6599, themudhousestl.com
The Taco & Ice Cream Joint
The family behind Bridgeton's storied El Morelia Super Mercado recently brought St. Louis The Taco & Ice Cream Joint, which specializes in – you guessed it – tacos and ice cream. The fast-casual menu features more than a dozen taco options, including carnitas, beef tongue, chorizo and shrimp. On the ice cream side, look for avocado, hot chocolate and horchata scoops, as well as traditional paletas in flavors like lime, watermelon and mango-chile. (Photo by Mabel Suen)
The Taco & Ice Cream Joint, 2738 Cherokee St., Cherokee Business District, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.224.5799, facebook.com/tacoandicecreamjoint
The Whiskey Ring
A true drinker's bar in the heart of the Cherokee dining and entertainment district, The Whiskey Ring offers an extensive whiskey selection, a host of craft cocktails and a great area for outdoor seating. Opened in December 2013 by two Off Broadway veterans, the bar has quickly become a major neighborhood draw. (Photo by Mabel Suen)
The Whiskey Ring, 2649 Cherokee St., Cherokee Business District, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.669.5817, facebook.com/thewhiskeyring
Tower Taco
It's not hard to guess the focus of the menu at Tower Taco. Choose from fish, shrimp, chorizo, chicken, steak, pork, chorizo, tongue or tripe tacos – or, at around $2 a piece, get one of each. If you've got room left, you can round your meal out with chips and salsa, nachos or queso; the lengthy menu also includes chimichangas, quesadillas, enchiladas and more. The giant Margaritas are also a crowd favorite. (Photo by Jennifer Silverberg)
Tower Taco, 3147 Cherokee St., Cherokee Business District, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.256.1141, towertaco.com
Whisk: A Sustainable Bakeshop
It's hard to step inside Whisk: A Sustainable Bakeshop and not feel happy. The light and airy shop is decorated with whimsical art, and the constantly changing menu includes goodies like brownies, scones, cupcakes, cookies, whoopie pies and more. The pop-tartlets are a particular favorite, available in flavors like lemon curd, cherry and apple pie with cinnamon glaze. (Photo by Cheryl Waller)
Whisk: A Sustainable Bakeshop, 2201 Cherokee St., Cherokee Business District, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.932.5166, whiskstl.com
Yaqui's
Yaqui's is an intrinsic part of the Cherokee Street community. Francis Rodriguez's restaurant is a great place to go to for a Neapolitan-style pizza and a glass of wine. The space used to be the St. Louis Brewers Association Hall, which is perhaps one reason why it has such a convivial air. (Photo courtesy of Yaqui's)
Yaqui's, 2728 Cherokee St., Cherokee Business District, St. Louis, Missouri, 314.400.7712, yaquisoncherokee.com
The pizza will be Detroit-style, but will feature Provel.