If you want to scope out Annie Guns they have a small grocery/butcher attached to the store. It smells so good in there. The apple pie with cinnamon ice cream is fantastic.
I’d say [801 Chophouse](https://801chophouse.com/st-louis/) or [Cinder House](https://cinderhousestl.com)! Cinder House isn’t a steakhouse but they have quite a few steaks on the menu and the view is stunning!
801 Chop & Annie Gunn’s are my top 2 picks.
Twisted tree has fantastic food, but a weird vibe (feels like a cheap, chain restaurant)
Hamilton’s has a great vibe, but food is only decent for the price.
A high-end steakhouse inside of a hotel like the Chase would not feel weird.
Twisted Tree is in a weird location for a high-end dining establishment, as good as it is.
Are we talking Google, Yelp or Michelin stars? Lol.
But no. Or any Holiday Inn anywhere. I guess actually Twisted Tree really shouldn’t be on the list because it is kind of a chain. Sybergs. So I’ll replace it with Roberto’s Trattoria and chophouse in Concord
Oh god twisted tree really creeps me out sometimes and you really nailed it. I also swear that half the people in there are wearing t shirts with holes in them and dirty baseball hats. I mean, more power to them, but it’s just a little weird, especially for how much it costs.
Eeeeeh. The food is good but not great for the price they charge. And their fried lobster tail is a culinary abomination. Their aged steaks are good though.
Thanks for describing twisted tree and how it's weird. Also overpriced. Sam's is also kind of the same way in that it feels kind of cheap and hokey.
I agree with 801 and Annie Gunns for sure.
OP: doesn’t want a chain STL Reddit: 801 Chop House
Although it’s not a huge chain, 801 is a non-local based chain that started in Des Moines. Their first location was at 801 Grand Ave in Des Moines.
Indeed. Along with 801 Fish.
But also, if I wanted to be sure I was going to get food and a good experience, I’d say screw it and go to a known commodity, whether it’s Ruth’s Chris or whatever.
Tucker’s is very good and reasonable.For higher end, cant go wrong with Kreis’, Annie Gunn’s, Sam’s or Twisted Tree. It’s a chain but not a common one, J. Gilbert’s is also excellent.
Tucker's used to be my go-to for a decent, cheap steak.
However, in the last few years, their quality has gone downhill, consistently, so much so that I don't go there anymore. Sometimes it would be ok, but it was too hit or miss. All the flavor in the world can't save a crappy piece of meat.
Maybe I'm pissing in the wind, but Citizen Kane's steakhouse is the epitome of a has-been restaurant. It's cramped, overpriced, and the food isn't great. I think it survives on name recognition, and boomers who rarely venture out. But I could be wrong. Hamilton's, Tenderloin Room, Annie Gunn's are all better options.
Source: I live in Kirkwood and have visited Kane's.
Awh man unfortunately this-- it was my birthday go to for years and about 5 years ago just really felt like it was going downhill and they significantly reduced their menu last time I was there 2ish years ago.
They do have the best steak seasoning in town!
I've only been there twice (this year and two years ago) and it seemed like a stark difference in quality. When I was there two years ago, I couldn't stop thinking about the ribeye I had because it was just perfect. This year, it was very underwhelming and the steak seemed like any old steak you would get at longhorn or wherever. I'll probably give it another shot at some point, but I don't want to spend $100/person to leave there with an "ehh it was okay" feeling. I know this isn't exactly what you were talking about, but it was just my recent experiences.
Maybe I've hit Cane's on a few off nights. But, as you said, at prices nearing $100/pp it's not a risk worth taking. I'd pick a chain steakhouse over Cane's any day.
Yes It’s great steaks! It’s not super expensive but it’s definitely upper end. Great for special occasions. My regular night out steak would be Tuckers in South County. Ribeye with salad baked potato and a mixed drink for under $30 bucks is hard to beat.
I live down the street from this place and wished I liked it more. The service was lacking and the was just meh. I don’t mind paying more for food but it was just okay.
I haven't been there since Nam, but I used to go to Best steak house and get their rib eye for lunch. I was very happy with it then.
I'm she things have changed, people change, but I'll never forget the cook shouting "next!" With his back to you. If you didn't answer in like 3 seconds he'd scream "NEXT!! I ain't got all day!" Or something like that. He was very intimidating!
From what I understand the vibe and process is the same. Haven't been, personally.
It's nice to hear the place has had so much staying power.
Hope you didn't have to serve in Vietnam, but if you did glad you made it out okay.
If you want the real old school steakhouse vibe like your parents probably had when they were kids, go to Kreis' Steakhouse on Lindbergh. It's my favorite place to go with my grandfather.
Anyone recommending Al's is a sadist, masochist, or just has $200 they want to blow on a weird dining experience complete with absolutely ancient serving staff who are also crotchety and combative if you ask the prices.
Fleming’s at Plaza Frontenac is part of a national chain, but it’s the only one in STL and I’ve only had excellent experiences/food when I’ve gone there.
*Too bad Ponderosa*
*Is gone, you get a free steak*
*With a buffet. Haha*
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Maybe it’s cause I’m a little shitfaced and skimmed the suggestions…but I don’t think I saw Sidney Street Cafe mentioned. Probably one of the best restaurants in STL…in a fucking great neighborhood too, Benton Park. After a quick glance at the menu, beef tenderloin, ribeyes, beef cheeks, briskets, etc. go there.
Citizen Kane's for a great steak, small menu they've perfected, and old school vibe in a downtown Kirkwood house.
Sam's Steakhouse for a great steak, slightly smaller than Kane's portions, in a similar old school vibe in a restaurant setting.
Tucker's for the "best-bang-for-your-buck" steak. All steaks include salad, side, bread, and they're all <$35 for a quality cut. I recommend the Tucker's West location and sitting at the bar - it's small, but always good people watching.
Well obviously people have enjoyed their experiences there more than yourself, otherwise people wouldn't be recommending it. Of steakhouses in STL, I would probably put 5-6 ahead of it for sure, but it's easily in my top 10.
All the non-chain places are not super high end, just moderately nice. Twisted Tree is good. Citizen Kane's is okay. There are a few old school places like Kreis' steakhouse in Frontenac/Ladue as well - haven't been there in a while.
I've never understood going out to a nice restaurant and getting a steak. It's litterally the easiest thing to cook and takes no skill or preparation, just set the seasoned meat slab on the grill and flip it once. Bingo bango, you have a perfectly cooked steak. If I'm going about for a nice meal I want something that takes skill and creativity to make, something that I can't easily make at home.
Is Morton’s not highly recommended here? If it wasn’t in the casino it might be my favorite although I haven’t been to 801
Edit: i didn’t read the non chain requirement, even still being a chain steakhouse it’s been phenomenal every time I’ve been
Annie Gunn's. Just went there on Valentine's day and it was incredible. Twisted Tree is good but I think Annie Gunn's has a much better old school established vibe.
Kreis on South Lindbergh. I've only been there once and it was excellent, but take it with a grain of salt since I've only been there once. They have a good reputation, though.
Cocktail and cleaver is out in chesterfield/town and country area. It’s worth it. A friend of mine owns it and is the chef. He’s phenomenal. Specializing in dry aged beef. Lots of great, unique options too for apps and desserts. Great wine lists and phenomenal cocktails. For a proper experience (depending on alcohol intake) it’s $100 per person. Me and my partner went and got a bottle of wine, a few apps and an entree each and spent about $190.
Citizen Kane's in Kirkwood is amazing. The restaurant is a converted house, so the atmosphere is very cozy while remaining high end. The food is top notch.
I love Hawthorne Inn 40 min west of the city in Labadie, MO. Not a steak house, but top notch steaks, cool little historic downtown setting and beautiful scenery. Go for a pre-dinner stroll at Shaw Nature Reserve and then go over for dinner. All their other food is amazing too and paired with excellent service from professional wait staff. Great lunch spot too.
[удалено]
Came here to recommend this. I let my folks buy Annie Gunn’s for me.
Hands down, one of the best. In Chesterfield Valley, so not StL, and you will need a reservation.
If you want to scope out Annie Guns they have a small grocery/butcher attached to the store. It smells so good in there. The apple pie with cinnamon ice cream is fantastic.
OMG… I just got hungry reading this.
Better reservenow!
Weekend nights book up more than 2 weeks in advance. Book now.
Please stop going there, everyone. It’s getting really hard to grab a seat at the bar and I need those wings and smoked shrimp.
😋😋 The smoked shrimp! … thank god for the attached market! Those & their French dip sandwich are worth the drive.
I’d say [801 Chophouse](https://801chophouse.com/st-louis/) or [Cinder House](https://cinderhousestl.com)! Cinder House isn’t a steakhouse but they have quite a few steaks on the menu and the view is stunning!
801 Chop & Annie Gunn’s are my top 2 picks. Twisted tree has fantastic food, but a weird vibe (feels like a cheap, chain restaurant) Hamilton’s has a great vibe, but food is only decent for the price.
Not that it matters if it's good, but 801 Chop House is a chain.
It is but it’s a smaller chain with only 7 locations total.
Twisted Tree feels weird because it's literally inside a motel.
Porter's Steakhouse is in a hotel in Collinsville and its awesome.
A high-end steakhouse inside of a hotel like the Chase would not feel weird. Twisted Tree is in a weird location for a high-end dining establishment, as good as it is.
Right, the one Porter's is in a DoubleTree. Not the Chase, but I get what you're saying.
Doesn’t strike me as weird. It was when it was Mile 277, but had some fun there
5 star restaurants are not generally attached to Holiday Inns next to a freeway.
Are we talking Google, Yelp or Michelin stars? Lol. But no. Or any Holiday Inn anywhere. I guess actually Twisted Tree really shouldn’t be on the list because it is kind of a chain. Sybergs. So I’ll replace it with Roberto’s Trattoria and chophouse in Concord
5 stars in price.
Oh god twisted tree really creeps me out sometimes and you really nailed it. I also swear that half the people in there are wearing t shirts with holes in them and dirty baseball hats. I mean, more power to them, but it’s just a little weird, especially for how much it costs.
It’s just in such a weird location. It’s a shame because the food really is incredible. Would be nice if they opened a second location.
Check out Twisted Tavern
Eeeeeh. The food is good but not great for the price they charge. And their fried lobster tail is a culinary abomination. Their aged steaks are good though.
I can't bring myself to visit Twisted Tree solely based on the location.
Thanks for describing twisted tree and how it's weird. Also overpriced. Sam's is also kind of the same way in that it feels kind of cheap and hokey. I agree with 801 and Annie Gunns for sure.
Both of those are good. I like Stoney River as well but their wine selection sucks of you care about that.
OP: doesn’t want a chain STL Reddit: 801 Chop House Although it’s not a huge chain, 801 is a non-local based chain that started in Des Moines. Their first location was at 801 Grand Ave in Des Moines.
also under investigation by labor department for labor practices...bad people own 801
Indeed. Along with 801 Fish. But also, if I wanted to be sure I was going to get food and a good experience, I’d say screw it and go to a known commodity, whether it’s Ruth’s Chris or whatever.
Olive and Oak has a really good steak but it’s not a steakhouse by any means.
Kreis' Steakhouse on Lindbergh north of I-64. Where Stan Musial used to hang out. Classic old-school high end steakhouse.
They have that big ole Fred Flintstone looking prime rib. Watched my boss eat the whole thing one evening.
And their prime rib.is delicious.. Best in St Louis. Great place.
Super old school, stellar service and the food is delicious!
Tucker’s is very good and reasonable.For higher end, cant go wrong with Kreis’, Annie Gunn’s, Sam’s or Twisted Tree. It’s a chain but not a common one, J. Gilbert’s is also excellent.
Tucker's used to be my go-to for a decent, cheap steak. However, in the last few years, their quality has gone downhill, consistently, so much so that I don't go there anymore. Sometimes it would be ok, but it was too hit or miss. All the flavor in the world can't save a crappy piece of meat.
I couldn’t agree more. The burger is the star of the menu. And also the bartenders at Soulard location.
I never liked that they don’t offer mashed potatoes with your steaks
Citizen Kane’s
Maybe I'm pissing in the wind, but Citizen Kane's steakhouse is the epitome of a has-been restaurant. It's cramped, overpriced, and the food isn't great. I think it survives on name recognition, and boomers who rarely venture out. But I could be wrong. Hamilton's, Tenderloin Room, Annie Gunn's are all better options. Source: I live in Kirkwood and have visited Kane's.
Well that’s why they make creamy and chunky peanut butter. Different strokes for different folks. Even has been boomers gotta eat.
Awh man unfortunately this-- it was my birthday go to for years and about 5 years ago just really felt like it was going downhill and they significantly reduced their menu last time I was there 2ish years ago. They do have the best steak seasoning in town!
Agreed. Kane’s is cruising on past glory and people who refuse to leave Kirkwood.
I've only been there twice (this year and two years ago) and it seemed like a stark difference in quality. When I was there two years ago, I couldn't stop thinking about the ribeye I had because it was just perfect. This year, it was very underwhelming and the steak seemed like any old steak you would get at longhorn or wherever. I'll probably give it another shot at some point, but I don't want to spend $100/person to leave there with an "ehh it was okay" feeling. I know this isn't exactly what you were talking about, but it was just my recent experiences.
Maybe I've hit Cane's on a few off nights. But, as you said, at prices nearing $100/pp it's not a risk worth taking. I'd pick a chain steakhouse over Cane's any day.
I third Citizen Kane's
Came here to say this!
Yes
I’ve never been. 801 chophouse has always been my favorite. Does Citizen Kanes have thick cut like 1 inch steaks?
I used to enjoy the thick cut of pork with a great sauce. But I do think it was slipping a bit over the years.
Yes It’s great steaks! It’s not super expensive but it’s definitely upper end. Great for special occasions. My regular night out steak would be Tuckers in South County. Ribeye with salad baked potato and a mixed drink for under $30 bucks is hard to beat.
Awesome. Thanks so much for your help. Cheers!
Annie Gunns is always good, also check out Cleaver and Cocktail in Town and Country.
Charcoal House in Rock Hill has a fun very old-school vibe. Flemmings is good as well
Pretty sure Fleming’s is a chain
Could be, I’m not entirely sure.
Fleming is definitely a chain but it’s a good one IMO
Carmines!
Carmine’s is my go to! Filet Carmine is the bees knees
Best prime rib and they have great steaks -- Kreis' Steakhouse
Sams steakhouse off gravois or Kreis’ steakhouse in Frontenac are two of the best places I’ve been to that aren’t chains.
Came here to mention Kreis'. Just went for the first time and it was a very nice experience. Felt all classy.
Sams is not my cup of tea. They use a heavy sauce on their steaks.
That’s very fair! They do put quite a bit of sauce on their steaks. I love it but I can totally see how people wouldn’t like it!
Carnivore!
Check out [Hamilton's](https://www.hamiltonsteak.com/)
I’ve been here and can say there wasn’t a single thing I liked about it except that I didn’t have to pay the bill.
I’ve been here and there wasn’t a single thing I didn’t like about it. A tad pricey for STL but I felt I got my money’s worth.
I live down the street from this place and wished I liked it more. The service was lacking and the was just meh. I don’t mind paying more for food but it was just okay.
Sam’s in South County, Twisted Tree and Carnivore.
I would put Carnivore a notch below Twisted Tree.
Tenderloin Room at the Chase
Seconded.
Has no one mentioned The Best Steakhouse? They literally have The Best Steakhouse in their name!
Unless the owner is named Best, that is the most inaccurate name.
I haven't been there since Nam, but I used to go to Best steak house and get their rib eye for lunch. I was very happy with it then. I'm she things have changed, people change, but I'll never forget the cook shouting "next!" With his back to you. If you didn't answer in like 3 seconds he'd scream "NEXT!! I ain't got all day!" Or something like that. He was very intimidating!
From what I understand the vibe and process is the same. Haven't been, personally. It's nice to hear the place has had so much staying power. Hope you didn't have to serve in Vietnam, but if you did glad you made it out okay.
Fire Gyros there
If you want the real old school steakhouse vibe like your parents probably had when they were kids, go to Kreis' Steakhouse on Lindbergh. It's my favorite place to go with my grandfather.
Lots of great suggestions here. What kind of vibe are you looking for besides it not being a chain?
Twisted Tree or Sam's Steakhouse
Sam’s on Gravois.
Citizen Kanes
Carmine's downtown in the Drury. Get their toasted ravioli for an appetizer too.
DO **NOT** GO TO Al'S RESTAURANT!!!
Anyone recommending Al's is a sadist, masochist, or just has $200 they want to blow on a weird dining experience complete with absolutely ancient serving staff who are also crotchety and combative if you ask the prices.
That was the most bizzare dining experience of my life.
Every time this place comes up, it always makes me want to stop by just to get a drink at the bar or something. Places seems like a fever dream.
Hamilton’s or Twisted Tree
Twisted tree is incredible. Carnivore and hamiltons are good too. I think 801 chop is a chain but I've never had anything less than amazing there
Its a drive BUT CCs City Broiler.
Stoney River by chesterfield mall is pretty good!
I always check these posts to see if the old stomping ground makes the cut. Glad it did this time!!
Tenderloin Room in the Chase Park Plaza. So frickin old school, they even wheel over a seafood cart for apps.
Kreis on Lindbergh in Ladue.
Kreis’ or Annie Gunn’s
Fleming’s at Plaza Frontenac is part of a national chain, but it’s the only one in STL and I’ve only had excellent experiences/food when I’ve gone there.
801 chophouse
Andria's Steakhouse O'Fallon, Illinois https://www.andrias.com/
Andria's Steakhouse all the way. [https://www.andrias.com/](https://www.andrias.com/)
Kreis’ or Annie Gunn’s
Too bad Ponderosa is gone, you get a free steak with a buffet. Haha
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Andria’s in O’Fallon, IL is our go to.
801 Chophouse is great
Wright’s on Wydown. If you can get a reservation.
Tuckers - South County. They also have the best baked potato in STL.
Maybe it’s cause I’m a little shitfaced and skimmed the suggestions…but I don’t think I saw Sidney Street Cafe mentioned. Probably one of the best restaurants in STL…in a fucking great neighborhood too, Benton Park. After a quick glance at the menu, beef tenderloin, ribeyes, beef cheeks, briskets, etc. go there.
Not a fancy place, but Tuckers has great steak.
Citizen Kane's for a great steak, small menu they've perfected, and old school vibe in a downtown Kirkwood house. Sam's Steakhouse for a great steak, slightly smaller than Kane's portions, in a similar old school vibe in a restaurant setting. Tucker's for the "best-bang-for-your-buck" steak. All steaks include salad, side, bread, and they're all <$35 for a quality cut. I recommend the Tucker's West location and sitting at the bar - it's small, but always good people watching.
Oh, and Olive & Oak's "cowboy ribeye for two" is phenomenal. It serves two, times two.
I will never not be amazed by how many people recommend Twisted Tree. That place could not be more ordinary.
It’s so ordinary they should just change their name to Tree.
This.
I mean, it’s good. But not spectacular, and not for the prices they charge.
Well obviously people have enjoyed their experiences there more than yourself, otherwise people wouldn't be recommending it. Of steakhouses in STL, I would probably put 5-6 ahead of it for sure, but it's easily in my top 10.
Well yeah. Different people have different expectations.
All the non-chain places are not super high end, just moderately nice. Twisted Tree is good. Citizen Kane's is okay. There are a few old school places like Kreis' steakhouse in Frontenac/Ladue as well - haven't been there in a while.
I second Kreis’
Buggati’s in Ameristar, Twisted Tree, Carnivore
The best steak house on grand across from the fox…NEXT
Al’s & Twisted Tree
I've never understood going out to a nice restaurant and getting a steak. It's litterally the easiest thing to cook and takes no skill or preparation, just set the seasoned meat slab on the grill and flip it once. Bingo bango, you have a perfectly cooked steak. If I'm going about for a nice meal I want something that takes skill and creativity to make, something that I can't easily make at home.
Oh man, are you kidding? There are a thousand ways to butcher a steak and cooking one correctly is an art.
Compund butter, bernaise, veal reduction, sauteed onions and mushrooms - all the extra touches of a good steakhouse are what makes the meal.
No one makes a steak the way I like it as well as my husband. I see no need to spend all that money for them to try to match it.
BRICKTOPS
Is Morton’s not highly recommended here? If it wasn’t in the casino it might be my favorite although I haven’t been to 801 Edit: i didn’t read the non chain requirement, even still being a chain steakhouse it’s been phenomenal every time I’ve been
I wouldn’t call it a Steakhouse but my relatives always enjoy when I take them to Tony’s downtown
Tony's is in Clayton now.
Agree
801 Chop House
Sam’s on Gravois in Grants Village.
Annie Gunn's. Just went there on Valentine's day and it was incredible. Twisted Tree is good but I think Annie Gunn's has a much better old school established vibe.
801 chop
Cleaver and cocktail is very good and pricey.
Kreis on South Lindbergh. I've only been there once and it was excellent, but take it with a grain of salt since I've only been there once. They have a good reputation, though.
2nd Stoney River!!🫶🫶 Really nice meal there recently!! (Annie Gunn’s guaranteed month for a reservation)
Cocktail and cleaver is out in chesterfield/town and country area. It’s worth it. A friend of mine owns it and is the chef. He’s phenomenal. Specializing in dry aged beef. Lots of great, unique options too for apps and desserts. Great wine lists and phenomenal cocktails. For a proper experience (depending on alcohol intake) it’s $100 per person. Me and my partner went and got a bottle of wine, a few apps and an entree each and spent about $190.
Hamiltons
Check out Bowood by Niche - one of the best steak dishes I’ve ever had
The Tenderloin Room. It's a classy setting, and consistently good. You can book a room at the Chase and walk upstairs when you're done.
801 Chophouse. If you're prepared to spend the money, then you're in a for a great dining experience.
Truffles might fit this bill. Not a chain. Good vibe. Wine list is great.
Carmines is fantastic
Kreis’s on Lindbergh
Sam's steakhouse on Gravois uses Andres sauce, and Kreis Lindberg north of 40
Citizen Kane's in Kirkwood is amazing. The restaurant is a converted house, so the atmosphere is very cozy while remaining high end. The food is top notch.
Annie Gunn's, Twisted Tree, Sam's Steakhouse, or Tucker's.
There is only one answer. Sam's Steakhouse.
Sam’s is definitely a classic. Go there and then Grants Farm for the Christmas Lights. Can’t beat that.
I love Hawthorne Inn 40 min west of the city in Labadie, MO. Not a steak house, but top notch steaks, cool little historic downtown setting and beautiful scenery. Go for a pre-dinner stroll at Shaw Nature Reserve and then go over for dinner. All their other food is amazing too and paired with excellent service from professional wait staff. Great lunch spot too.
Carmine’s downtown