St Louis Restaurants That Earned Their Place in History—and on Wikipedia
ST. LOUIS, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) St. Louis, Missouri, boasts a culinary scene steeped in tradition, innovation, and local pride. From frozen custard stands to classic delis and historic mansions, a small but select group of St. Louis-area restaurants has distinguished itself by having its own Wikipedia pages. This recognition symbolizes popularity and historical and cultural importance that transcends the local dining scene.
Below is a complete list of all 17 restaurants in the St. Louis area with Wikipedia pages—each representing a key part of the city’s food culture, past and present.
Complete List of St Louis Restaurants with Wikipedia Pages
1. Bevo Mill (Das Bevo)
Originally opened in 1917 by August Busch Sr., Bevo Mill is a historic windmill-shaped structure in South St. Louis. Designed to resemble a German beer hall, it once served as a retreat for Anheuser-Busch executives. Now operating as Das Bevo, it functions as a restaurant and event space. Its unique architecture and storied past earned it a deserved spot on Wikipedia. CLICK to visit the Wikipedia Page.
2. Council Plaza
Though not a traditional restaurant, Council Plaza is listed due to its historic development, which includes dining elements in its original structure. Located in Midtown St. Louis, it played a role in urban revitalization efforts and represents a landmark of community planning. CLICK to visit the Wikipedia Page.
3. Crown Candy Kitchen
Opened in 1913, Crown Candy is one of the oldest soda fountains in the country. Known for its towering BLTs, house-made chocolates, and nostalgic decor, it remains a local institution. It’s been featured on Man v. Food and various food travel shows, solidifying its place in St. Louis history—and on Wikipedia. CLICK to visit the Wikipedia Page.
4. Gioia’s Deli
This 1918-founded sandwich shop on The Hill is famous for its house-made hot salami. A winner of the prestigious James Beard America’s Classics Award in 2017, Gioia’s continues to draw lunchtime crowds eager to experience one of St. Louis’s most iconic sandwiches. CLICK to view the Wikipedia Page.
5. Gus’ Pretzels
Twisting tradition since 1920, Gus’ Pretzels operates from a humble shop near the Anheuser-Busch brewery. Known for Bavarian-style soft pretzels and sausage-filled snacks, Gus’ has remained a staple in South City for over a century, reflecting the area’s German-American heritage. CLICK to view the Wikipedia Page.
6. Humphrey’s Restaurant & Tavern
Located near Saint Louis University, Humphreys opened in 1976 and quickly became a college favorite. After closing in 2017, it was revived in 2022, bringing back its original charm, pub fare, and dedicated customer base. Its Wikipedia entry underscores its cultural relevance to generations of SLU students. CLICK to view the Wikipedia Page.
7. Imo’s Pizza
Founded in 1964, Imo’s introduced the world to St. Louis-style pizza—thin crust, edge-to-edge toppings, and Provel cheese. Loved by locals (and debated by outsiders), Imo’s is a regional powerhouse with dozens of locations. Its Wikipedia recognition affirms its place as a culinary cornerstone of the city. CLICK to view the Wikipedia Page.
8. J. Buck’s
J. Buck’s was a chain named after St. Louis broadcasting icons Jack, Joe, and Julie Buck. Though now closed (operated 1999–2015), its upscale sports dining experience and high-profile branding made it notable enough to warrant its own Wikipedia page. CLICK to view the Wikipedia Page.
9. Lemp Mansion
A unique blend of restaurant, inn, and haunted house, the Lemp Mansion serves history and dinner theater. Once home to the Lemp brewing family—whose tragic downfall became local legend—the mansion is now a tourist draw known for both its food and ghostly tales. CLICK to view the Wikipedia Page.
10. Mainlander
Mainlander, a rising star in the local culinary scene, is a fine-dining restaurant that made waves by becoming a James Beard Award semifinalist. Known for its modern techniques and seasonal dishes, it represents the evolving face of St. Louis cuisine and earned its Wikipedia spot early in its rise. CLICK to view the Wikipedia Page.
11. Mama Campisi’s
Located on The Hill, Mama Campisi’s (formerly Oldani’s) claims to be the birthplace of toasted ravioli—one of St. Louis’s most beloved culinary inventions. While several establishments make the same claim, Mama’s story and longevity helped it secure a Wikipedia entry. CLICK to view the Wikipedia Page.
12. Pappy’s Smokehouse
Opened in 2008, Pappy’s is one of the newer icons on this list but already holds national acclaim. Its Memphis-style dry-rub ribs are considered among the best in the country, with consistent features on food networks and rankings from TripAdvisor and Zagat. CLICK to view the Wikipedia Page.
13. Sado (restaurant)
Sado is a newer addition to the St. Louis dining scene, known for its refined Japanese cuisine, especially sushi. It was founded by Chef Nick Bognar, who also received acclaim for Nippon Tei. Sado’s modern take on Japanese food has earned national recognition and a spot on Wikipedia. CLICK to view the Wikipedia Page.
14. St. Louis Bread Company
Now globally known as Panera Bread, this national chain began as St. Louis Bread Company in Kirkwood in 1987. Locally, it still operates under its original name, and Wikipedia documents both the regional identity and the national transformation of this once-small bakery café. CLICK to view the Wikipedia Page.
15. Schlafly Beer
Founded in 1991, The Saint Louis Brewery, known by its flagship brand Schlafly, was the first new brewery to open in St. Louis since Prohibition. Schlafly helped spark the craft beer movement in Missouri and now operates multiple brewpubs. It remains a symbol of independent brewing success. CLICK to view the Wikipedia Page.
16. Seoul Taco
A prime example of food truck success turned brick-and-mortar empire, Seoul Taco blends Korean and Mexican flavors in a unique, crave-worthy fusion. What began as a single food truck has grown into multiple locations across the Midwest, drawing national media attention and earning a place on Wikipedia. CLICK to view the Wikipedia Page.
17. Ted Drewes
Operating since the 1930s, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is a Route 66 icon. Famous for its “concretes”—custard so thick it’s served upside down—Ted Drewes is both a local ritual and a tourist landmark. It also sells Christmas trees during winter, maintaining year-round charm and relevance. CLICK to view the Wikipedia Page.
Why This Matters
St Louis Restaurants – for a restaurant to receive its own Wikipedia page, it must meet notability standards, including national media recognition, awards, cultural significance, and historical value. These 17 restaurants meet that bar and reflect the broader story of St. Louis as a city rich in ethnic diversity, culinary creativity, and local loyalty.
From Candy Shops to Craft Beer: A Full Culinary Spectrum
Together, this group represents a full range of experiences:
- Historic Icons: Crown Candy Kitchen, Gus’ Pretzels, Bevo Mill
- Modern Innovators: Mainlander, Sado, Seoul Taco
- Family Favorites: Imo’s, Ted Drewes, Mama Campisi’s
- Cultural Institutions: Lemp Mansion, Schlafly Beer, St. Louis Bread Company
Whether you’re interested in a haunted dinner theater, a Provel-topped pizza, or sushi from a James Beard–recognized chef, St. Louis offers a dining destination with history—and now, a Wikipedia page—to match.
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