Best Upscale Soul Food Restaurants in St. Louis | Upscale Soul Food Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Soul Food Restaurants in St. Louis | Upscale Soul Food Food

• Bluewood Brewing — American · rated 5/5: This lively brewery pulses with a social energy, where the savory aroma of house-smoked pastrami and sizzling burgers drifts through a space dedicated to the art of the perfect pour. Guests can linger over a spectrum of artisanal brews, from the sun-drenched citrus notes of a hazy IPA to the crisp, clean finish of a traditional Kölsch. It is a destination where elevated comfort food and meticulously crafted lagers come together, offering a soulful retreat for casual gatherings and hearty Sunday feasts.
• Seoul Taco — Korean · rated 4/5: This vibrant fusion hub pulses with urban energy, blending the bold, smoky aromas of Korean barbecue with the spirited zest of Mexican street food. Diners dive into overstuffed burritos and "Gogi" bowls brimming with marinated meats and spicy kimchi, or share decadent quesadillas that pull apart to reveal layers of melted cheese and sweet corn elote. It is a high-octane celebration of flavor where traditional boundaries disappear, offering a soulful and punchy dining experience that captures the essence of modern street culture.
• Kalbi Taco Shop — Korean: This vibrant eatery pulses with the energy of a bustling street market, where the smoky aroma of soy-marinated short ribs sizzling on the grill mingles with the bright, citrusy scent of fresh cilantro and lime. Soft corn tortillas serve as the canvas for a bold fusion of cultures, cradling tender, caramelized meats topped with crunchy slaw and fiery house-made salsas that dance across the palate. It is a lively destination where the soulful depth of Korean barbecue meets the playful spirit of Mexican street food, offering a fast-paced yet deeply flavorful escape for the adventurous diner.
• Hi-Pointe Drive In — American: Neon lights and the rhythmic sizzle of the flat-top define this high-energy haunt, where the nostalgic charm of a classic drive-in meets a bold, industrial-chic edge. Golden-brown smash burgers with lacy, crisp edges are stacked high with inventive toppings, perfectly paired with thick, hand-spun shakes that offer a sweet, creamy finish to the savory feast. This vibrant space reimagines American comfort food with a playful spirit, inviting guests to dive into messy, flavor-packed bites in an atmosphere that is as spirited as the menu itself.
• Chicago Fish Chicken Grill — American: The air hums with the savory, irresistible scent of lemon-pepper seasoning and hot, crackling oil, drawing guests into a vibrant space where the sizzle of the fryer never stops. Golden-brown chicken wings and flaky fillets of fish emerge with a perfect, seasoned crunch, offering a soulful symphony of flavors that celebrate the heart of urban comfort food. It is a high-energy haven where generous portions and steaming baskets of fried gold create a satisfying, unpretentious dining experience that feels like a warm neighborhood embrace.
• SOHA Bar and Grill — American: This spirited neighborhood gathering spot pulses with energy, drawing guests in with the savory aroma of flame-grilled burgers and the rhythmic clink of cold pint glasses. The warm, unpretentious space invites lingering over elevated comfort food and local craft pours, making every visit feel like a soulful homecoming for friends and families alike.
• MoKaBe's Coffeehouse — American: This eclectic, multi-level sanctuary pulses with a welcoming energy, where the aroma of bold espresso mingles with the hum of spirited community conversation and local activism. Guests settle into cozy, mismatched armchairs or lounge on the sun-drenched patio overlooking the park, savoring a menu of hearty vegetarian comfort food and creative brews that nourish both the body and the neighborhood soul.
• Seoul Taco — Korean: Vibrant street art and an upbeat urban energy set the stage for a bold culinary collision where the fiery soul of Korean barbecue meets the handheld convenience of Mexican street food. Sizzling bulgogi and spicy pork are tucked into warm tortillas and topped with tangy kimchi and zesty sauces, creating a symphony of sweet, savory, and spicy notes that dance across the palate. This lively spot transforms a casual meal into a flavor-packed adventure, inviting diners to pull up a chair in a space that feels as fresh and creative as the fusion dishes emerging from the kitchen.
• Gyro Grill — Greek: The air at Gyro Grill is thick with the savory scent of slow-roasted meats spinning on vertical spits, drawing diners into a vibrant space where Mediterranean tradition meets modern energy. Tender, spice-rubbed proteins are carved to order and tucked into warm, pillowy pitas alongside crisp garden vegetables and a cooling drizzle of house-made tzatziki. Each bite offers a sun-drenched escape defined by bold spices and the comforting, hand-held joy of authentic street food.
• Hatchet Haus 2.0 Bar & Grill — American: Hatchet Haus 2.0 Bar & Grill pulses with a rugged, high-energy charm where the rhythmic thud of bullseyes blends seamlessly with the smoky aroma of flame-kissed comfort food. This industrial-chic sanctuary invites guests to sharpen their skills in the throwing lanes before retreating to reclaimed wood tables for ice-cold craft pours and bold, savory plates designed for spirited celebration and camaraderie.
• Chris' Pancak & Dining — American: Sunlight streams into this cheerful morning haven, where the comforting aroma of sizzling griddles and freshly brewed coffee invites guests to linger over towering stacks of golden, fluffy pancakes. The bustling space hums with the warmth of a neighborhood classic, serving up hearty breakfast staples and savory comfort food that turn every meal into a celebration of simple, soul-satisfying flavors.
• Amigo Joe's — Mexican: This vibrant neighborhood haunt pulses with energy, drawing guests in with the irresistible aroma of slow-simmered chilies and the rhythmic shake of icy, salt-rimmed margaritas. Sun-drenched colors and rustic textures set the stage for a feast of bold, spice-forward plates that celebrate the heart of traditional comfort food, making every visit feel like a spirited gathering among old friends.
• Humphrey's Restaurant & Tavern — American: Stepping into Humphrey's Restaurant & Tavern feels like a warm embrace, where the glow of amber lighting and the hum of lively conversation create an inviting sanctuary for locals and travelers alike. The kitchen transforms hearty tavern staples into soulful comfort food, pairing sizzling, savory plates with frosty pints in an atmosphere that celebrates the timeless spirit of community and good cheer.
• Church's Chicken — American: The unmistakable aroma of hand-battered, golden-brown chicken and warm, honey-butter biscuits fills this unpretentious neighborhood haunt, inviting guests into a world of soulful Southern comfort. Each shatteringly crisp bite gives way to tender, succulent meat, creating a timeless dining experience that honors the simple, heart-warming traditions of the deep fryer.
• Square One Brewery & Distillery — American: Housed in a beautifully restored historic tavern, this neighborhood anchor invites guests into a space where the gleam of copper stills meets the warmth of exposed brick and dark wood. The air carries the rich scent of malt and botanicals, setting the stage for a menu of elevated comfort food designed to pair perfectly with small-batch spirits and house-brewed ales. Whether lingering over a flight in the cozy dining room or enjoying the dappled sunlight of the lush garden patio, every visit feels like a celebration of artisanal craftsmanship and local heritage.
• Brasserie by Niche — French: This spirited slice of Paris transports diners with its glowing brass accents, deep red leather banquettes, and the convivial hum of a bustling neighborhood gathering spot. The kitchen masterfully revives French soul food, from the savory depth of slow-simmered onion soup to the golden perfection of steak frites served in a pool of herb-flecked butter. It is a place where time slows over carafes of wine and decadent profiteroles, capturing the effortless elegance and warmth of a true classic brasserie.
• Global Quesadilla Company — Mexican: The air hums with the sizzle of the griddle at this vibrant eatery, where the classic quesadilla serves as a passport to bold, international flavors. Golden-brown tortillas are pressed to a perfect crisp, encasing a molten fusion of premium cheeses and globally inspired ingredients that turn a familiar comfort food into an adventurous, handheld journey.
• Goody Cafe — American: Sunlight dances across the tabletops of this cheerful neighborhood sanctuary, where the comforting aroma of freshly ground beans and buttery pastries invites a moment of morning stillness. The space hums with the gentle clink of ceramic and warm conversation, offering a soulful array of comfort food and artisanal brews that turn a simple meal into a bright, restorative ritual.
• El Maguey Mexican Restaurant — Mexican: Vibrant colors and the rhythmic sound of cocktail shakers define the festive spirit of El Maguey, where the air is perpetually seasoned with the smoky aroma of charred chiles and sizzling fajitas. Guests settle into the warm, welcoming space to enjoy crisp chips and zesty house-made salsas, lingering over salt-rimmed margaritas that perfectly complement the bold, sun-drenched flavors of authentic Mexican comfort food.
• Kimchi Guys — Korean: Kimchi Guys pulses with urban energy, offering a contemporary take on Korean soul food where the star of the show is the impossibly crispy, double-fried chicken drenched in savory, spicy glazes. The air is thick with the mouthwatering scent of garlic and fermented chilies, inviting diners to dive into vibrant bowls and artisan kimchis that bridge the gap between traditional heritage and modern street-food culture.
• The Fountain on Locust — American: Step into a whimsical Art Deco dreamscape where hand-painted murals and vintage glamour set the stage for a playful yet sophisticated escape. The air hums with the clink of glasses as guests indulge in legendary ice cream martinis and scratch-made comfort foods, blending nostalgic soda fountain charm with a vibrant, artistic energy that makes every visit feel like a celebration.
• K-Bop STL — Korean: Vibrant and unpretentious, this urban eatery pulses with the energy of a Korean street market, drawing guests in with the savory, charred aroma of sizzling bulgogi and toasted sesame. Guests craft their own kaleidoscopic bowls where crisp, pickled vegetables and fermented kimchi meet tender proteins over beds of fluffy rice, all brought to life by a signature drizzle of spicy, sun-ripened gochujang. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of heat, crunch, and comfort, providing a fast-paced yet soul-warming escape into the bold world of modern Korean soul food.
• Krispy Krunchy Chicken — American: The air is thick with the savory, spiced aroma of Cajun seasoning and the irresistible scent of golden-fried batter. Each piece of chicken boasts a signature, glass-shattering crunch that gives way to succulent, spice-infused meat, paired perfectly with buttery, honey-glazed biscuits that melt on the tongue. This high-energy spot brings the bold flavors of the Bayou to life, offering a soulful and satisfying escape for those craving a serious hit of Southern heat.
• The Pitch — American: This high-energy social destination pulses with the electric spirit of the game, blending industrial-chic aesthetics with the warm camaraderie of a neighborhood local. Guests gather under the glow of expansive screens to savor elevated comfort food and crisp craft pours, creating a vibrant atmosphere where every cheer is punctuated by the clinking of glasses and the savory aroma of sizzling shared plates.
• Polite Society Restaurant and Bar — American: Nestled within a historic brick storefront, this warm neighborhood sanctuary invites guests to linger among floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and the soft glow of amber lighting. The kitchen crafts soul-warming seasonal plates that balance rustic comfort with modern refinement, creating a sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere where every meal feels like a curated gathering of friends. From the clink of craft cocktails at the marble bar to the aroma of chef-driven comfort food, the experience captures the timeless charm of a well-loved literary salon.
• Twisted Ranch — American: This high-energy destination celebrates the bold versatility of ranch dressing, transforming a classic condiment into a culinary centerpiece through dozens of house-made, artisanal flavors. Guests are invited to indulge in a playful experience where everything from crispy appetizers to hearty entrees is elevated by creamy, herb-flecked infusions that range from smoky and spicy to bright and zesty. It is a vibrant, unapologetic tribute to comfort food, where every bite offers a tangy and imaginative twist on familiar favorites.
• Gourmet Soul Restaurant and Catering — American: This inviting haven wraps guests in the comforting embrace of Southern hospitality, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of slow-simmered greens and golden, crisp-skinned poultry. Each plate serves as a soulful celebration of heritage, elevating time-honored comfort classics with a refined culinary touch that transforms traditional recipes into a sophisticated, gourmet feast. It is a sanctuary where every bite feels like a cherished memory rediscovered, offering a dining experience that nourishes both the palate and the spirit.
• Clark Street Taphouse & Grill — American: This spirited neighborhood haunt pulses with energy, where the golden glow of craft ales and the savory scent of flame-kissed comfort food draw locals into a warm, wood-accented space. Guests linger over artfully prepared grill favorites and crisp, refreshing pours, finding a welcoming sanctuary that seamlessly blends the conviviality of a classic taproom with the refined flavors of a modern kitchen.
• The Fountain on Delmar — American: Step into a vibrant Art Deco dreamscape where hand-painted murals and neon accents transport guests to a whimsical era of vintage glamour. The air hums with the clink of glasses as diners indulge in velvety ice cream martinis and artisanal comfort food, all served within a space that feels like a living piece of history. It is a playful yet sophisticated sanctuary that seamlessly blends the nostalgia of a classic soda fountain with the refined energy of a modern cocktail lounge.
• Soulard's Cajun Corner — American: Stepping into this vibrant corner haunt feels like a spirited escape to the French Quarter, where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of dark roux and the soulful energy of a New Orleans celebration. Guests gather around rustic tables to dive into overflowing bowls of slow-simmered jambalaya and zesty crawfish boils, each bite a bold explosion of cayenne, smoke, and Southern tradition.