The 32 Essential St. Louis Restaurants

"It’s hard to overstate Matt McGuire’s influence and impact on the St. Louis dining scene. He started with King Louie’s, followed by some of the city’s most celebrated establishments — Monarch, Brasserie, Herbie’s, Niche. Like McGuire’s previous restaurants, Louie is critically celebrated and wildly popular, highlighting the accumulated experience and collective wisdom of the chef’s remarkable team. The decor feels both luxurious and comfortable, and that feeling is echoed in the relaxed but mindful service and even in the quiet confidence of the food coming out of the kitchen. No dish sums it up better than the wood-roasted chicken: It’s simple, with no gimmicks to hide behind, and executed with mastery gained through repetition, refinement, and more repetition. Yeah, it’s a good chicken." - Holly Fann