Introduction
St. Louis, a city brimming with culinary character, boasts a vibrant and diverse food scene. From time-honored Italian eateries on The Hill to innovative gastropubs scattered across the Central West End, the city offers a taste of just about everything. And in today’s fast-paced world, the allure of take out food in St. Louis has never been stronger. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner, planning a picnic in Forest Park, or simply seeking comfort food without the hassle of cooking, St. Louis provides a wealth of delicious options just waiting to be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home. This article isn’t just about grabbing a quick bite; it’s an exploration of the culinary treasures St. Louis has to offer in its vibrant take out scene. We’ll guide you through some of the city’s best spots to grab a meal on the go, ensuring you can satisfy your cravings with ease and discover new favorites along the way. St. Louis offers an array of fantastic take out options for every taste and occasion. This article is a curated tour of some of the best, showcasing the local gems that make St. Louis a true foodie destination.
Pizza and Italian Delights
Classic Comfort: St. Louis’ Best Pizza Take Out
No discussion of St. Louis food is complete without mentioning its iconic pizza. The thin, crispy crust, the tangy tomato sauce, and, of course, the distinctive flavor of Provel cheese – it’s a taste that’s uniquely St. Louis. When it comes to take out, several local pizzerias have mastered the art of delivering that classic flavor to your doorstep.
Consider Imo’s Pizza, a St. Louis institution. With multiple locations throughout the metro area, Imo’s is always a reliable choice for that classic St. Louis-style experience. Their take out service is quick and efficient, ensuring your pizza arrives hot and ready to enjoy. Beyond the classic cheese pizza, they offer a variety of toppings and specialty pizzas to suit every palate.
Another strong contender for best take out pizza is Pi Pizzeria, known for its deep-dish and thin-crust options. Their pizzas are made with high-quality ingredients and offer a more gourmet take on the classic pie. For a unique twist, try their deep-dish with caramelized onions and goat cheese. They are known for using high quality ingredients and having friendly staff.
Pasta and Italian Take Out
Beyond pizza, St. Louis offers a rich tapestry of Italian restaurants, many of which provide exceptional take out services. From hearty pasta dishes to savory entrees, there’s something for everyone craving a taste of Italy.
Charlie Gittos on The Hill is a beloved establishment on St. Louis’ historic Italian neighborhood. Known for their generous portions and authentic flavors, Charlie Gittos offers a wide range of pasta dishes perfect for take out. Their toasted ravioli is also a must try.
For a more contemporary Italian take out experience, consider Pastaria. This restaurant offers a menu of seasonal dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. They also have a great wine selection. Their pasta dishes travel well, and their desserts are the perfect ending to a delicious meal.
Asian Cuisine Exploration
A Taste of Asia: Delicious Asian Take Out
St. Louis’ Asian culinary scene is a melting pot of flavors, offering everything from delicate sushi to fiery Szechuan dishes. When it comes to take out, you’ll find a wealth of options to satisfy your craving for something exotic and delicious.
Pho and Vietnamese Take Out
Pho, the fragrant Vietnamese noodle soup, is a popular choice for take out, especially on a cold day. The key is to find a restaurant that packages the broth and noodles separately to prevent the noodles from becoming soggy.
Pho Grand is a consistently excellent choice. Known for their flavorful broth and generous portions of noodles and toppings, Pho Grand provides a satisfying and authentic Vietnamese experience. Their spring rolls and banh mi sandwiches are also worth trying. They are family owned and known for having the best pho in St Louis.
Another popular option is Mai Lee, a long-standing St. Louis favorite. Their Pho is flavorful and their spring rolls are crispy and fresh. In addition to Pho, they offer a variety of Vietnamese dishes, including rice platters and noodle salads, all perfect for take out.
Chinese Take Out
Classic Chinese take out dishes like General Tso’s Chicken and Lo Mein are always a crowd-pleaser. Fortunately, St. Louis has plenty of restaurants serving up these favorites and so much more.
For a more upscale Chinese take out experience, Lilly’s Bistro is a great choice. Located in the Central West End, Lilly’s offers a menu of modern Chinese dishes with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their General Tso’s Chicken is a popular choice, as are their stir-fried noodles and dim sum.
Mexican and Latin American Flavors
Spice Things Up: Mexican and Latin Take Out
St. Louis’ Mexican and Latin American food scene is booming, with new restaurants opening all the time. Whether you’re craving tacos, burritos, or something a little more adventurous, you’ll find plenty of options for take out.
Tacos and Burritos
Tacos and burritos are the ultimate take out food, perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner. St. Louis has no shortage of taco spots, each offering its unique take on this classic dish.
Mission Taco Joint is a popular choice, with multiple locations throughout the city. Their tacos are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and come in a variety of flavors, from classic carne asada to inventive vegetarian options. For a fun take out experience, consider ordering a taco kit to assemble your own tacos at home.
For a more traditional Mexican experience, visit La Vallesana, a family-owned taqueria known for its authentic flavors and generous portions. Their tacos are simple but delicious, and their burritos are massive and stuffed with flavorful fillings.
Other Latin American Take Out
Beyond Mexican food, St. Louis offers a variety of other Latin American take out options, including Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, and arepas.
Guantanamera Restaurant is a popular Cuban restaurant that also has fantastic take out. From savory Cuban sandwiches packed with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard to sweet plantains, Guantanamera offers a taste of Cuba right here in St. Louis.
American Classics Reimagined
When You Want Comfort Food: American Take Out
Sometimes, all you want is a classic American meal. Fortunately, St. Louis has plenty of restaurants serving up burgers, fries, and other comfort food favorites.
Burgers and Fries
A juicy burger and crispy fries are the perfect antidote to a long day. St. Louis has a few places that offer high-quality burgers.
Stacked STL offers burgers that can be fully customizable and a great take-out experience. The restaurant also has fries that can be stacked high.
BBQ Options
Barbecue is a St. Louis staple, and fortunately, many local barbecue joints offer take out. Nothing is quite as good as BBQ take-out after a hard day’s work.
Pappy’s Smokehouse is legendary for its slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. Their take out service is efficient, and their meats are always cooked to perfection. Be sure to order some sides, like their coleslaw and baked beans, to complete your meal.
Another great option is Bogart’s Smokehouse. While they are only open during the day, they offer fantastic options for take-out.
Tips for a Great Take Out Experience
Making the Most of Your Meal
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable take out experience, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Check menus online and call ahead to order: This will save you time and ensure that your order is prepared correctly. Most restaurants now have online menus, making it easy to browse and select your items.
Consider location and proximity to your home or workplace: Choose a restaurant that’s convenient to pick up from. This will minimize travel time and keep your food fresh.
Ask about take out specials and discounts: Many restaurants offer special deals for take out orders. Be sure to ask about any promotions before placing your order.
Consider packaging options for reheating leftovers: If you anticipate having leftovers, inquire about packaging that is suitable for reheating. This will help preserve the quality of your food.
Support local businesses and tip generously: Take out is a great way to support local restaurants. Show your appreciation by tipping generously.
Conclusion
The vibrant take out scene in St. Louis reflects the city’s diverse and delicious food offerings. From classic St. Louis-style pizza to flavorful Vietnamese pho, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t be afraid to explore the restaurants listed above and discover your own favorite take out spots. By supporting local businesses and enjoying the convenience of take out, you can experience the best of St. Louis’ culinary scene from the comfort of your own home. So, embark on your delicious journey and enjoy the world of St. Louis take out. You will not be disappointed.
