With several restaurants on summer break, writing this column becomes a bit trickier. Thankfully, the St. Louis area boasts an abundance of dining spots, so you won't have to go without. Here are our picks for the weekend.
![clara b's shrimp n grits and chicken biscuit](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/97/397c78ce-3af0-11ef-9378-77af51c64109/668826ea456a3.image.jpg?resize=150%2C200 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/97/397c78ce-3af0-11ef-9378-77af51c64109/668826ea456a3.image.jpg?resize=200%2C267 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/97/397c78ce-3af0-11ef-9378-77af51c64109/668826ea456a3.image.jpg?resize=225%2C300 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/97/397c78ce-3af0-11ef-9378-77af51c64109/668826ea456a3.image.jpg?resize=300%2C400 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/97/397c78ce-3af0-11ef-9378-77af51c64109/668826ea456a3.image.jpg?resize=400%2C533 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/97/397c78ce-3af0-11ef-9378-77af51c64109/668826ea456a3.image.jpg?resize=540%2C720 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/97/397c78ce-3af0-11ef-9378-77af51c64109/668826ea456a3.image.jpg?resize=640%2C854 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/97/397c78ce-3af0-11ef-9378-77af51c64109/668826ea456a3.image.jpg?resize=750%2C1000 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/97/397c78ce-3af0-11ef-9378-77af51c64109/668826ea456a3.image.jpg?resize=990%2C1320 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/97/397c78ce-3af0-11ef-9378-77af51c64109/668826ea456a3.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C1380 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/97/397c78ce-3af0-11ef-9378-77af51c64109/668826ea456a3.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C1600 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/97/397c78ce-3af0-11ef-9378-77af51c64109/668826ea456a3.image.jpg 1333w)
Clara B's Kitchen Table.
Longstory Coffee / Clara B's Kitchen Table
We went peach picking at Eckert's Belleville location this past weekend and recommend making plans to do the same. If you head that way, stop by Longstory Coffee, where you'll find Clara B's Kitchen Table serving Southern-style dishes out of the café. We ordered the shrimp 'n grits and spicy honey chicken biscuit sandwich, and we could have sat in the gorgeous space – a former post office – all day long.
Our picks: The shrimp 'n grits is a stunner, and the spicy honey chicken biscuit packs a good amount of heat. Pro tip: Order food at Clara B's counter, then swing by Longstory's bar to grab a signature coffee or tea.
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732 S. Illinois St., Belleville, Illinois, 618-975-7398, longstorycoffee.com
Taqueria Morita
Hotly anticipated Taqueria Morita from Take Root Hospitality opens today, serving West Coast Mexican and Southern California cuisine.
Taqueria Morita is an ideal place to spend some time this weekend, whether it be outside on the oversized patio or inside the breezy interior. Something about the restaurant feels like a little bit of a getaway; if you're in town this weekend, grab some friends and work your way through the highly sharable menu. Don't forget the cocktails, which include both traditional and non-alcoholic options to quench your thirst on a hot day.
Our picks: The heirloom tomato salad is a beautiful start; after that, sample taco options like fish tempura, carne asada or smoked carrot. Don't leave without a piece of the coconut tres leches cake.
4239 Duncan Ave., Central West End, St. Louis, Missouri, taqueriamorita.com
![the royale bramble patch sour](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/b1/8b105afe-3aee-11ef-ace6-f77698d85572/667c6ebce528f.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/b1/8b105afe-3aee-11ef-ace6-f77698d85572/667c6ebce528f.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/b1/8b105afe-3aee-11ef-ace6-f77698d85572/667c6ebce528f.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/b1/8b105afe-3aee-11ef-ace6-f77698d85572/667c6ebce528f.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/b1/8b105afe-3aee-11ef-ace6-f77698d85572/667c6ebce528f.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/b1/8b105afe-3aee-11ef-ace6-f77698d85572/667c6ebce528f.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/b1/8b105afe-3aee-11ef-ace6-f77698d85572/667c6ebce528f.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/b1/8b105afe-3aee-11ef-ace6-f77698d85572/667c6ebce528f.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/b1/8b105afe-3aee-11ef-ace6-f77698d85572/667c6ebce528f.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/b1/8b105afe-3aee-11ef-ace6-f77698d85572/667c6ebce528f.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/b1/8b105afe-3aee-11ef-ace6-f77698d85572/667c6ebce528f.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/b1/8b105afe-3aee-11ef-ace6-f77698d85572/667c6ebce528f.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/b1/8b105afe-3aee-11ef-ace6-f77698d85572/667c6ebce528f.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/b1/8b105afe-3aee-11ef-ace6-f77698d85572/667c6ebce528f.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
The Bramble Patch Sour at The Royale.
The Royale Food & Spirits
The Royale took a short break this week, but they're back in business this weekend and ready with a full range of finely crafted cocktails and a food menu to match. It's difficult to pick a favorite here; the menu is approachable with an ever-changing list of specials, and the cocktail menu – whether you go seasonal, classic, or zero-proof – is one of the best in the city.
Our picks: If ever there was a place to forge your own path with the menu, it's The Royale. Pick what looks good and pair it with a cocktail; the seasonal offerings are always thoughtful, and classics like the Midtowner Manhattan never miss.
3132 S. Kingshighway Blvd., Tower Grove South, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-772-3600, theroyale.com
Motor Town Pizza
We had Motor Town Pizza for the first time in a long time a few weeks ago, and it's never far from our minds. Whether it's the garlic crunch or the robust tomato sauce, the Detroit-style pizzeria is one we'll be headed back to very soon. Pies are the star here, but the salads are just as good: We love the Chevy Caprice, especially with tomatoes in season right now, and the Chop Shop and Kale Mobile salads make ideal pizza accompaniments.
Our picks: We're known for loving anything and everything on pizza, but here, it's straight classics like the Assembly Line (cheese) and the Model P (pepperoni) that have our hearts.
8029 Dale Ave., Richmond Heights, Missouri, 314-514-5392, motortownpizza.appfront.ai
Vegan Deli & Butcher
![vegan deli butcher pastrami](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/e1/2e134ef4-3af0-11ef-a10b-7f7f58c652be/668826d721cf0.image.jpg?resize=150%2C200 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/e1/2e134ef4-3af0-11ef-a10b-7f7f58c652be/668826d721cf0.image.jpg?resize=200%2C267 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/e1/2e134ef4-3af0-11ef-a10b-7f7f58c652be/668826d721cf0.image.jpg?resize=225%2C300 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/e1/2e134ef4-3af0-11ef-a10b-7f7f58c652be/668826d721cf0.image.jpg?resize=300%2C400 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/e1/2e134ef4-3af0-11ef-a10b-7f7f58c652be/668826d721cf0.image.jpg?resize=400%2C534 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/e1/2e134ef4-3af0-11ef-a10b-7f7f58c652be/668826d721cf0.image.jpg?resize=540%2C720 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/e1/2e134ef4-3af0-11ef-a10b-7f7f58c652be/668826d721cf0.image.jpg?resize=640%2C854 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/e1/2e134ef4-3af0-11ef-a10b-7f7f58c652be/668826d721cf0.image.jpg?resize=750%2C1000 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/e1/2e134ef4-3af0-11ef-a10b-7f7f58c652be/668826d721cf0.image.jpg?resize=990%2C1321 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/e1/2e134ef4-3af0-11ef-a10b-7f7f58c652be/668826d721cf0.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C1381 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/e1/2e134ef4-3af0-11ef-a10b-7f7f58c652be/668826d721cf0.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C1601 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/feastmagazine.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/e1/2e134ef4-3af0-11ef-a10b-7f7f58c652be/668826d721cf0.image.jpg?resize=1246%2C1662 1333w)
Vegan Deli & Butcher.
If you missed Chris Bertke's killer "lobster" rolls this week, that's too bad; one of the draws of his daily specials is the very real possibility that it's a one-time-only thing. But fear not: Bertke never stops trying new things, and some are so popular they land a permanent spot on the menu. One special just made the shift from special to full-time option: the Pastrami, with a mile-high stack of his vegan pastrami, onion, pickle and mustard on marble rye that we love as much as our favorite chermoula turkey sandwich.
Our picks: Go for the pastrami and the party potatoes, stay for the atmosphere; the deli has a few tables and an oversized window seat to hang out and eat. And if you're a punk rock fan, you'll love what Bertke has pumplng out of the speakers.
5003 Gravois Ave., Bevo, St. Louis, Missouri, stlvegandeliandbutcher.com
Kim's Bop Shop
The concept from Shawn and Nicole Kim riffs on Korean comfort food from Shawn's childhood with ultra-fresh ingredients, housemade condiments and unique flavor profiles.
We know quite a few people who keep Kim's Bop Shop in heavy rotation, and some love it so much, they even order it right after getting engaged (true story.) Get in on the action this weekend and order from the newish concept at The Hill Food Co. to feast on Kim’s Legendary Rolls (kimbop with vegetables, rice and proteins rolled in seaweed and sliced) and Kim’s Legendary Bowls, with five signature choices that can be built on a base of white rice, glass noodles, spring greens or fried rice.
Our picks: Spice lovers, get the District 7 roll (or bowl), which is one of our favorite flavor profiles. Want less spicy and more indulgent? The Korean fried chicken bowl is a must-try. Always order the mandu and the honey butter tots.
2360 Hampton Ave., The Hill, St. Louis, Missouri, kimsbopshop.com/home