Mainlander

What an amazing meal! Every bite was just perfect. The service was incredible, and every member of the team was attentive and considerate. The chef puts so much thought and care into the plates, down to where the ingredients are sourced, and it really shines through each and every menu item. The cocktails were also stunning! It is definitely worth getting the cocktail pairing - four carefully crafted cocktails for just over $30 is a steal anywhere. This is by far ranked among the best restaurants in St. Louis, and I feel bad for other cities who don't have this charm tucked in one of their neighborhoods.

Absolutely amazing meal. Hands down one of the best restaurants we’ve ever been to in St. Louis. We had the pleasure of eating at Mainlander several months ago and still talk about how great a meal it was. The menu changes monthly and is extremely fresh, creative, and well thought out / locally sourced. The cocktail pairing was an amazing touch to all the dishes. Everything we ate was absolutely delicious - run, don’t walk, to mainlander for your next date night / double date / special occasion dinner. You won’t regret it!

Really amazing mix of Taiwanese & local flavors, very creative with a cozy atmosphere. I love how some dishes look Asian but taste Western (like the tofu and fried rice) and vice versa (like the pork ribs). Cocktails were truly artistic and paired well with our meal. Lucky we were able to book in advance since we're only stopping by St. Louis for the weekend. Wish we could come more often and next time we're in town will def visit again!

Looking for a new, fun, fine dining restaurant in St. Louis? Look not further! Mainlander is a must-try dining experience. The intimate dining area is tastefully decorated. The locally sourced menu was delicious and fun. The portion sizes were perfect, I left full but not uncomfortable. I recommend getting any of the drink pairing options, every course paired so well together. I also appreciate the all-included price up front; no tipping hassle. I believe the price was fair for the quality of service and expertly crafted meal. This is my new favorite restaurant in the city, we will be coming back to try the different menus!

If you are looking for Michelin quality in St. Louis then mainlander is it. Such a thoughtful dining experience. Blake and Gordon are involved in the dining process it made the meal just so special. Highlight of the meal is the overall cohesiveness about the menu and the main this month which was a perfectly cooked walleye accompanied by legumes and spinach and a cheesy onion (allium) casserole. I look forward to seeing this restaurant thrive and will most certainly be back.

A great evening starts the moment you enter Mainlander, with a warm welcome from the team. Service is warm, informative, and attentive. The cocktails were all wonderful plays on classics or cool new creations. The food was absolutely on point, with great flavors and a nice balance between adventuring in different directions but with an underlying theme. One of my new favorites in STL!

The food was amazing with the right portions, perfect season. Service was above and beyond. It has this Asian style of sharing which makes that perfect for a date night. The atmosphere was quite interesting, it felt very private and cozy. The bathroom was awesome, with a lot of space and with Elvis Presley music in the background. I will check out the menu here again.

We’ve had three wonderful dining experiences at Mainlander and were blown away on both occasions. Cannot wait to return every month to taste their next creations! A special thank you to Gordon, Chef Blake, and the rest of Mainlander’s team for our 10/10 evenings. You made us feel like family. ♥️ Bravo!

We finally got to try **Mainlanders** in St. Louis, and it absolutely lived up to our expectations! Given how quickly reservations fill up (about a month in advance), we were excited to experience their ever-changing, fixed menu--and it did not disappoint. The meal started with Tidbits, a selection of small appetizers, and my favorite was the Mushroom Puff Burgers--delicate, flavorful, and perfectly executed. The main course, called the Treasure Chest, was a beautiful mix of flavors and textures, featuring pork belly marinated for five days, Missouri beans, sweet potato schupfnudelin, and more. Every bite was rich and thoughtfully balanced. For dessert, we were served Crispy Wok-Charred Floating Islands--charred meringue pieces paired with fresh clementine slices. The contrast of smoky and citrusy flavors was both unexpected and delightful. The whole experience felt like an adventure, full of creative dishes and surprises. Mainlander is truly a special place, and we're already looking forward to coming back to see what's on the menu next time.

Mainlander was hands down one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. The service we received here was unforgettable. All of the servers were very genuine and enthusiastic to share information about each course and how / where the ingredients are sourced. The servers all work together as a team with harmony instead of just having one server dedicated to one table. The food here is served in a unique way - first with a tidbits selection of small bites. We started off with a Mushroom Chive Dumpling, Caviar Kartoffelpuffer, Salt and Pepper Fried Milk, and a Char Siu Bao. These small bites were all packed with unique flavor and a delicious umami component. For the supper portion of the meal we were served 3 Cup Amish Chicken, Sweet Potato Spaetzle Mac, and Orange Peel Eggplant. Our favorite offering from this section of the meal was definitely the Mac, the aged cheddar used in it was delicious and super rich. For dessert we were served a Meyer Lemon Cake and Cheesecake Cremeux. I'm usually not a huge fan of lemon desserts, but this was surprisingly tasty. The lemon flavor was very subtle and not sour at all. Overall, I will definitely recommend trying out Mainlander. Since the menu changes each month, it'll be exciting to come back and see what offerings are available. One tip would be to book your reservation on the 1st of the month for a time slot in the following month. The restaurant is fairly small in size and only seats about 25 people max per time slot.

Well this place is an experience! Getting a reservation is hard - and I understood why when we arrived. The dining room only sat thirty or so. To keep it short and sweet: best dining experience in 2024 and really the best I've had in years. One big draw for me is I love how affordable this place is for what it is. A tasting menu for $93, the tip INCLUDED in that? Phenomenal. It does only come with "three" courses, but there's so much going on in those courses, you really get your money's worth. The staff was phenomenal- the kind that never lets your glass get half empty. True attention to detail. Accommodated my gluten-free friend beautifully. The cahokia congee course was my favorite. Congee has so much more texture than you think. Loved all the toppings. Really I just loved the whole menu. It was balsy, and sometimes it feels hard to get that. Thoroughly looking forward to my next visit.

One of the coolest restaurants I've been to anywhere. Absolutely wonderful service - I love their concept of pay ahead of time and not have to worry about it after our meal. Tips, drinks, everything is included. Reservations are tough to come by but great restaurant and definitely worth it. Gives a very exclusive feel. Very excited for their new location opening up soon!

Absolutely amazing experience from service to food everything was absolutely great. Music was full of bangers and a great spot for a nice dinner splurge on the town. Fresh local ingredients and great flavor blends, and the chef came out to explain everything. Need to come back on a monthly basis!

Delicious food, prepared with care and thoughtfulness. Creative dishes that you can't get anywhere else, all some of the best food I've eaten. Amazing service, staff, and chef. Really felt like a personalized and intimate experience.

My partner planned a surprise outing and we ended up at Mainlander. The space is so beautiful and the staff was warm, welcoming and key to the impeccable ambience. We got to try their 10.23.2024 menu. Their menu is constantly changing and their emphasis on locally sourced ingredients is inspiring. We paired our meal with the cocktail addition and every cocktail was incredible. We don't often drink so it might have been a little too ambitious on our part. The food: the tidbits (mushroom daneing, Waldorf salad, trout toast, chicken) were delicious. We loved that each dish/bite was described in detail as it was brought out. The main dish was the walleye, autumn legumes and the allium casserole. The fish was fresh and delicate in flavor. The casserole stole the show for us. The cheese that they sourced was incredible. The fresh cake donuts were to die for. I am already dreaming up our return. Just a really beautiful and intimate experience.

I finally hand an opportunity to try out Mainlander and it did not disappoint. We did the dinner and cocktail pairing. We were welcomed warmly by Gordon and he ensured the service was impeccable throughout the night. They were very attentive and ensured they explained what was being served. All the dishes were made from locally sourced produce and took on an interesting take on traditional dishes. We started with the salads - the Watergate salad was incredible made of roasted pineapple and pistachios. Their Malibu salad was a unique twist on Asian fusion salad. The St Paul slider was well made as well. For the mains, we had crushed duck fat potatoes, delicata squash popper and a Salisbury steak. It was all delicious! For dessert, we had a unique yellow squash yellow cake made with paw paw apple butter. Their cocktails were well made and presented beautifully. Evan took a long effort to ensure the cocktails he made were impeccable! Every dish and drink was perfectly curated. We made a reservation online and paid everything ahead of time which made the checkout process after the meal hassle free. Their menu changes monthly so looking forward to coming back to try their other menus!

Have a celebration coming up or just want a really damn good meal? Then set your alarm for the first of the month and snag a resy!! Mainlander is doing something so special in the Lou. There are two ~30 person seatings a night, and they have every little detail down perfectly. My husband and I celebrated our anniversary there and I can't stop telling people about it! The staff is so fun, and every drink and bite was perfection. The menu changes frequently and has three courses. We left fulllllllll. They offer a wine pairing, cocktail pairing and an NA pairing. We did one wine and one cocktail and both were great. See the pictures for all of the drool inducing food. Mainlander offers a unique experience and is a must visit for your next special occasion or just an excuse for a fancy night out! You will not leave disappointed!

I recently moved to St. Louis and this has been one of the best restaurants I have eaten at since moving here. Everyone was very welcoming. It was worth the price. The first course was a bunch of small bites that were all very tasty. I really enjoyed the catfish sliders and the mushrooms. Our main dish was pork which was very tender and the sweet potato side was delicious. We did not get the wine or cocktail pairing but the welcome drink was very good and the complimentary beers are a very generous size. I appreciate how they use local products. I am looking forward to going back and trying a new menu as it changes every month

Excellent experience . The food and service were fantastic . The drinks were great just a bit on the sweeter side for my taste . Ambience is cozy and intimate .

I'll say it. Best meal you'll have in St. Louis! My friend and I can not stop talking about this place! Set menus change each month and with the seasons and cocktail menu changes as well! You have the option to add on cocktails or wine pairing and it is with the money! The cocktails really complimented the meal. Top notch personal service from the moment you walk in. No detail goes unnoticed. Mixologist and chef bring you your mela and drinks and you can see the passion and love they put into their work. Small and intimate it's a modern tiki type vibe mixed with some Hawaiian Elvis. Reservations are required! Don't delay in getting them today! Thank you so much to the staff for an amazing evening. We 100% will be back!

Everything was amazing for our visit in January. Every dish was delicious and the staff did a great job explaining where the ingredients were from, how they came up with the ideas, etc. We had the cocktail pairing and that was just as fun and thoughtful. The restaurant was small and intimate but we didn't run out of fun things to notice. Hoping to get back there after they move to their new location.

Perfect. Amazing. Everything I have wished for and more! I found my new favorite restaurant. I love the variety and experimentation with the dishes. Some Asian-inspired and mid-century dishes with an updated twist. The food was so good and well prepared. I felt like I was learning a little history lesson during each course. I think my favorite items were the rabbit dumplings, cheese bings, and the chop suey. The space is immaculate. My favorite design style is mid century modern and they nailed it in here. It's also pretty dim lighting so you feel relaxed and welcomed. I usually never care or talk about the bathrooms of places, but this has to be one of the nicest ones I've ever seen! They have complimentary lactaid, mints, floss, safety pins, and tampons. What an honor to have such a wonderful restaurant in STL! I highly recommend making a reservation.

My partner and are were devastated by Bulrush closing, but heard from some friends that Mainlander had some similar features so we checked it out after getting a reservation far in advance. Ambiance is very romantic and unique. Dim lighting with a sort of loungey/study feel with some really classy decor. Hard to describe the overall style but it was nice. It's a small, intimate space but we didn't feel too crowded by others despite it being fully booked. We could hear our table neighbors if we tried, but the acoustics in the room were nice so that we weren't drowned out by anyone. Service was the best I've had at a restaurant with really only Bulrush competing. Staff was so friendly and warm it felt like we were friends. They were happy to answer questions and seemed like they legit cared what we thought about our meal. They would give us suggestions or input but were never too overbearing. They all seemed super genuine and if not, must be excellent actors. One server even recalled us from when they worked at Bulrush (where I recalled them also being super kind). We weren't afraid to ask questions and it seemed like everyone there vibed well as a team. The food was delicious! I'm a vegetarian and was very happy with my meal. It started off a little dainty and I wondered if I would be satisfied at the end, but indeed - I definitely had a full belly (but not stuffed!). The only con for me was that some of the dishes seemed more simplistic than I hoped. But I appreciated the effort and fact that the ingredients are local. I also really love paying for my meal in advance and that the price includes tip. It creates so much less pressure and avoids the stress of dealing with money unless you wanted to add something to your meal (which we did add a drink pairing) and even then, was an easy process. I would definitely return to Mainlander for a special occasion! It's expensive but actually quite reasonable for the quality and service.

Now that I find myself outside of the STL area I can say the Mainlander is one of the establishments I will miss most. I had the pleasure and privilege of assuming the role of a regular here for the past several months. Chef Blake, Gordon, and the rest of the amazing staff at Mainlander consistently provide a dining experience at the highest level. The food is always both delicious and interesting and the menu--which is largely comprised of seasonal local ingredients--changes every month so you can always expect something new and exciting on return visits. Additionally, the cocktail pairing is not to be missed! I always exclude any specific details regarding the ambiance and/or specific dishes so you can have the same first-time dining experience that I did. I cannot recommend the Mainlander enough. (Just don't forget the reservation!)

Welcome to Blake and Gordon's home, AKA the best and most worthwhile dining experience in the entire city!! Mainlander is a supper club that has monthly pre-fixe menus that blow your mind every single time. It's American dining with touches of Asian fusion (which is incredibly heartwarming given the context of Blake and Gordon; it personally excited me more than anything the first time I dined here), and you actually pay for the meal when you make your online reservation (required) so it's a very seamless experience when you just show up and enjoy your meal. Menus are posted a month in advance, and there are drink pairing options at extra cost (cocktail pairings, non-alcoholic cocktail pairings, wine pairings) that are very much recommended. It's $88 per head and $38 per drink pairing, which is honestly so worth it. There are set dining times of 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM. Mainlander's space is limited with dimmed lights to create a very intimate ambiance. It's actually not a very formal affair (unless you want it to be), so feel comfortable to arrive in whatever attire you feel best in. Every staff member works together to bring out the dishes and to explain them to you, so you really do feel like you get to chat and connect with their team. They're all super sweet, and my partner and I always talk about how badly we want to be their friends. It's also worth mentioning that they really make the effort to remember tidbits about you, and if that isn't the pinnacle of personable and stellar hospitality, I don't know what is. Re: food -- I'm a very picky eater and it's honestly really annoying dining with me sometimes because it's an incohesive list of things I don't like. Historically, it's kept me from ever doing pre-fixe menus that I haven't heavily vetted all of the ingredients for, but I will generally eat everything at Mainlander because Blake's food is truly that good and his vision for food is that trustworthy. It's been game-changing for me to come here because I've gotten to branch out with food. I also appreciated that it was seasonal and family-styled service, which played into the at-home vibe. The drinks are also all winners! They're all intentionally crafted and beautifully paired with the food without overpowering the flavors. They've got the perfect ethanol content, which feels like an art in itself. I truly cannot recommend Mainlander enough. Having tried a number of "recommended" restaurants in the city, none have measured up to the caliber of Mainlander on any/all fronts. Always looking forward to coming back to try Blake's monthly masterpieces!

Took Alex to Mainlander and we were delighted. Every course was impressive starting with the dumpling and ending with the Pane Cotta with Pop rock Granita. The ambiance was unique and left one feeling transported to another time and place. Amazing transformation for a small retail space in CWE. Our service was over the top to say the least. Super attentive explanations of each course and beverage. Price was such a great value. We purchased the wine pairing for one of us and the NA beverage pairing. Both were incredible matches for each course.

Mainlander, an intimate supper club in Central West End, St. Louis, is a refreshing disruptor in the restaurant industry. Chef Blake Askew and Gordon Chen have created a dining experience that combines local and seasonal produce with the ambiance of classic supper clubs. The restaurant's journey from a pop-up at Bulrush to its establishment in 2023 reflects a commitment to evolving and understanding the roots of American dining. Mainlander skillfully balances an escapism ambiance while avoiding cultural insensitivity. Its interior, adorned with midcentury decor, sets the stage for an intimate dining spot. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a welcome drink and an aperitif, setting the tone for what's in store. The changing monthly menu, divided into three courses, offers a diverse range of dishes with both meat and vegetarian options. Chef Askew's dedication to sourcing from local producers adds an extra layer of quality to the ingredients. Dining at Mainlander is strictly by reservation, emphasizing precision and professionalism. The inclusive drinks package allows guests to enhance their experience with wine, cocktails, or non-alcoholic pairings crafted to complement each meal phase. Tipping is not necessary, as the pricing structure ensures fair wages for the staff. Mainlander is a creative venture driven by a small team passionate about their craft. The absence of outside investors fosters an environment focused on culinary innovation and quality. Open from Wednesday to Saturday with two seatings each evening, Mainlander offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that invites you to explore the essence of American cuisine with a modern twist.

Locals know the situation: St. Louis punches far above its weight when it comes to the city's dining scene. We're spoiled here. In the conversation of best restaurants, Mainlander is on the shortlist. It may even lead the list. But before I applaud the food, I want to credit those who have curated such a unique and lovely dining experience. From the maitre d' to the server to the bartender to the chef -- you'll meet them all and walk away better for it -- everyone makes you feel like the star of the show. It's appreciated. Thank you. The food at Mainlander is not only outstanding, it is thoughtfully sourced and prepared. The menu changes often -- I'm unsure if it's a daily/weekly/seasonal/etc. change -- so I can't recommend specific dishes. Think of it this way: it's a dinner party. Show up, trust the chef, and enjoy your time. They start you with a welcome drink before quickly offering the first course, a selection of small bites that take your taste buds to places that are new, yet familiar. They follow with a main course, followed by a dessert round. Everything on our visit was top notch. As we walked to our car, we were giddy. We not only dined at one of St. Louis' most exclusive restaurants, it somehow lived up to the considerable hype. And then some. Thank you Mainlander. Every single staffer played a role in making our first trip a night to remember. It was difficult to decide which was better: food or service. We cannot wait to return.

I cannot say enough about Mainlander. From the moment I walked in from the bright sunshine into the dimly lit space, I felt transported into a different era. Gordon and Blake are so welcoming and made sure to wish me a happy birthday (Look, some of my family members didn't even remember). Every dish we tried was delicious (I will forever dream about the mashed potatoes), and I love how they explain every course and every cocktail/wine. It's not just food; it's a performance, and I mean that in the best possible way. I recommend one person in your party get the cocktail pairings and one get the wine so you can try everything. Very generous wine pours, by the way. What a wonderful staff and atmosphere. My family and I cannot WAIT to go back.

Amazing! I was blown away by the originality and complexity of the dishes. Service was exceptional. Ambiance reminds me of a speakeasy- intimate and relaxed. I wish it is easier to get a reservation! Next time we will order cocktail pairings with our meal!

Fabulous night out at the Mainlander supper club! Reservations are required for your dining experience and spots book up fast but you can use the Resy notification feature to snag last minute openings due to cancellation. Helpful to note that guests prepay for the experience through Resy and tips are not accepted. The storefront is unassuming on approach but the interior sets a classy moody vibe. When booking, guests have the option to select a drink pairing, wine, cocktail or non-alcoholic cocktail. I opted for the non-alcoholic option and each drink was wonderful...not too sweet. Guests are also greeted with a welcome drink upon arrival and staff took note of my non-alcoholic preference and made the adjustment to mine which was appreciated. Each course is made with seasonal fresh produce and meat; menus change monthly. Service was stellar throughout the meal, each course gets a full walkthrough the dish and pairings were well done. Highly recommend!

Food: 5 Stars Service: 5 Stars This is hospitality at it's finest. I knew the moment I walked through the doors that we'd be well taken care of and that Blake, Gordon, and their staff would ensure that our experience would be stellar. Atmosphere: Nostalgic mid-century modern, but with a modern twist. This isn't a vibe- Mainlander is holding up their own frequency. Food/Cocktails: There are some old school dishes, but presented with a more modern spin. Focusing on local farms and foraging what's here in Missouri is something patrons should look forward to. Utilizing what's local and in-season also carries over into the bar, where their mixologist will present you with some creative libations. We thoroughly enjoyed all of the pairings and only wished we had more time (and another stomach) to order more food and drinks. Make a reservation and be ready for a great experience.

One of the best first time dining experiences in St. Louis that my husband and I have had. We were blown away by the courses, absolutely delicious. The wine pairings were perfect and we were so impressed by the service. Already made our next reservation!

The mainlander experience is cozy and they do a great job explaining the story behind the dishes. We also opted for the cocktail pairing per recommendations. We enjoyed the asian flavors in the fusion lazy susan concept to start with and I loved my ratatouille which wa sthe vegetarian alternative. We had this choc mousse dish as the dessert which i thought was alright. Overall, the cocktails were creative but they were rum based and on the sweet end which are typically not my preference but I would say definitely creative and attractive for most other crowds. I will probably opt to order my own or go with the wine pairing next time!

What an incredible experience we had at Mainlander, with an emphasis on experience. My wife said it best, there's plenty of great restaurants in St. Louis, but this was the first time in a while where we felt the whole dining experience was thoughtful. The Service from start to finish was impeccable, I counted 7-8 people working and I'm pretty sure each one of them at some point was interacting with us, including back of house staff. This is made possible by the intimate setting with less than 10 tables in the space. Cocktails and food were the best we've had locally in a long time. I've already got my calendar set to notify me on the 1st for the following months reservations, see you guys again soon!

Six out of five! Wow, wow, wow. My husband and I went to mainlander last night for the first time and we were blown away by the food and experience. And this is an experience -- from the moment you are greeted at the door through the whole meal the decor, enthusiasm of the staff, and food & drinks make for a memorable evening out. Mainlander is reservation only and has two seating -6pm and 8:30pm -- if you're planning to go in the near future set a reservation now as it's quite booked up. Reservations are made in Resy and there you pay for your meal (standard or vegetarian) and select your drink pairings (wine, cocktails, mocktails or basic). As payment is facilitated on Resy when you are done with your meal you're done and can leave when you're ready -- no bill. The menu at mainlander changes every month so you can keep coming back. For us it was a 3 course meal with all phenomenal plates. We absolutely loved the Cahokia congee appetizer, not only was it delicious but so much fun to eat as it came out on a lazy Susan and had many delicious accompaniments (meatballs, bbq beans, pickles just to name a few) to make your own congee. Second course was a prime rib (can you even have an old school super club vibe without the prime rib special ) -- in this course the coconut cream of spinach was a standout. For the meat, it seemed high quality but didn't have the tenderness I was used to with a prime rib but none the less it had a great flavor. Dessert was a twist on a gooey butter cake -- also very tasty. The drinks were also fantastic. One of us got the wine pairing and the other the cocktails so we could try both. All the wines were excellent and cocktails were really fun takes on the classics (Mai tai, manhattan, espresso martini). The bartender and server would deliver each drink with pride and enthusiasm that was infectious explaining to you the flavors or concept (same with the food). Can't wait to go back for next month's menu! So glad to have such a gem here in our CWE neighborhood.

The meal was nicely paced, the descriptions we enthusiastic (lots of locally sourced ingredients), and there were a wide variety of dishes. Some multi-course meals leave me hungry, but my friend and I were came hungry and we left nice and full! We also got the drink pairing, which was lovely and the right amount of boozy (not too much, not too little) with a variety of liquors (rum, mezcal, etc.) Very few tables inside. Some might say a little dark, but super cozy ambiance!

Hands down one of the best restaurants and meals I have ever had! This place is AMAZING! Starting off with the interior, it is eclectically and homey! Lots of interesting decor on the walls and hanging from the ceiling. On top of that, the food and drinks were delicious! Served family style and very flavorful! None of the food here disappoints! We began our night with a welcome cocktail, which was a yummy rum punch. Our first appetizer was a dumpling filled with seafood, homemade and delicious. The rest of the first course was a salad with all of the fixings, along with a small St. Paul sandwich, which was also very good! Main course was beef cheek, which was so tender it didn't need a knife! There were fresh vegetables on the side and everything was seasoned wonderfully. Dessert was a Bundt cake, which was moist and flavorful! All drink pairings were unique and went well with the dishes. As for service, it too was amazing! Food, drinks, everything came out in a timely manner and they spent a good amount of time explaining what everything was. Plates and utensils were cleared quickly! So many amazing things to say and I don't think I did this place justice! I will def go back and try out a difference month's menu!

This has been my most anticipated dinner reservation all year and let me tell you it was worth EVERY PENNY! When booking you prepay for your prix fixe which is really reasonably priced. I chose to add on the cocktail pairings which were also very reasonable. If you don't choose a drink pairing your meal does come with complimentary Miller High Life which was great for my husband who isn't a fan of cocktails. We chose the 6pm seating in the small restaurant with roughly 20 seats. The service was incredible they did a great job explaining everything to us and the bartender was passionate about his creations. The food was out of world! Thoughtful and inventive and full of flavor! We can't wait to come back.

Every once in a while, if you're lucky, you step inside a new restaurant and you know immediately, before you've had a bite of food,"This is going to be an amazing experience." From discovering the easy to miss speakeasy-like entrance (look for the glowing Mainlander logo!) to the immediate warm and welcoming hospitality, to the intimate mid-century modern interior design that transports you to a cozy 1960's supper club, you know you're about to experience something special. Each plate of food, introduced by the chef, is its own moment of discovery and creativity and did not disappoint (Including the vegetarian versions ordered for the non-meat eaters in our party). We added the cocktail pairings, which had a definite classic tiki influence, and they were the perfect complement to the meal. So good! We'll definitely be making regular visits to The Mainlander.

What can I say about my experience at Mainlander. It was truly unique, it was remarkable, it was full of delicious, unique, and truly creative flavors, and my recommendation to my STL foodie friends is RUN--don't walk--to Mainlander. We began the dinner with a rum punch cocktail and a shrimp dumpling in broth--fantastic. Then the salad course arrived on a lazy Susan with Watergate salad and, with the exception of the charred pineapple, ingredients that were all brought from within 100 miles of STL. The entree was a beef dish (think pot roast) that fell apart as you attempted to pick it up, and lord was it magnificent. Served with these gnocchi-like sweet potato noodles that I still dream about and an amazing squash vegetable dish. Did I mention that, not only was the food of the very highest quality, but that there was a lot of it?! What a refreshing change of pace! Dessert was just lovely and perfect for fall. We had a mini Bundt cake served with fresh cream and a slaw of apples and carrots with a sweet cinnamon sauce. Additionally, the decor is mid-century modern and so tastefully done. The bathroom is Elvis Blue Hawaii themed and beautiful, and Gordon was the host with the most--just lovely. The pricing is $89 per person without alcoholic beverages and includes gratuity. Hot take: the value is so good that they will have no choice but to increase their prices. They should because demand is high enough and the value is still outstanding. Can't recommend this place enough.

Received a gift card to Mainlander as a thank you from a colleague and went last night with my husband and another couple. Everything was fantastic, from the welcome cocktail and complimentary "house beer" to the cocktail and wine pairings. The meal itself was delicious and somehow struck the balance of being both elevated and non-pretentious. There was a LOT of food served over several courses. The service was excellent - friendly, enthusiastic and talented staff. Highly recommend and cannot wait until they're in their new location, which will apparently have a walk-up bar so that you can enjoy their delicious drinks and snacks without necessarily doing the full prix fixe menu. So happy to have this addition to the CWE!

The cozy intimate vibe starts right when you walk in the door; the menu is written on a chalkboard and there is a set menu every night (either vegetarian or non-vegetarian). Every course comes with a cocktail pairing (NA is available) and every course comes with a detailed explanation from the servers on ingredients, which are often sourced locally. Overall, this was a great experience and I would definitely go back; servers were kind and helpful and the food is DELICIOUS.

Incredible experience Saturday evening. The food was fantastic, outstanding service & great atmosphere. I cannot wait to return to this restaurant! Everyone was wonderful - such an enjoyable experience from the playlist to the energy and joy Gordon brought to this experience. 10/10!

Our experience and food was amazing! Every course was delicious. We will absolutely come back again. I love that the menu changes with the seasons/monthly as well.

An impeccable experience. A small group of friends dined here over the weekend to celebrate a birthday. The service was incredible - personable and sweet. The interior is beautiful and it transports you back in time a bit. The food is ... ho-ly sh*t! Amazing! Even if you're a picky eater, push past your comfort zone and experience a damn near perfect meal. Every dish is so thoughtful and very well done. We were all happy and full when we left. Hope to return soon.

Mainlander might be the best kept "secret" right now. It feels cool in the most fun way, like you ended up at a private dinner at your very hip older friend's house and you can't figure out why you made the guest list. The staff and owners have such an obvious love for what they're doing, and clearly care that guests have an incredible experience. Two friends and I recently enjoyed the tasting menu, and some of our highlights were the St. Paul sandwich and tofu. I personally can't wait to try more cocktails on another visit, as the taste of one of the signature cocktails was delightful. I'm excited to see what Mainlander does next!

Our visit was exquisite. The service was impeccable and the food and drinks were absolutely delicious. All the hype is real!

I feel like I'm in on a secret getting to dine here. But I want to let the secret out so everyone can have this experience! An intimate throw-back setting (only 18 seats!) we loved it as soon as we walked in the door. A prix fixe menu with wine or cocktail pairings served family style. Everything we had was just incredible. So many unique flavors, but masterfully subtle and balanced. The chef and mixologist are brilliant. The host Gordon exudes infectious enthusiasm. It was seriously one of the best meals I've had in St. Louis and without the normal "upscale restaurant" pretentiousness. Menu changes monthly so we can't wait to go back.

A complete delight! From the speakeasy feel to the warm and attentive staff to the delicious menu--a wonderful experience! Nostalgic without being kitschy, and impeccably prepared and served. I especially loved the dessert--a vanilla tapioca brûlée is just a brilliant idea, and the melon soup was unexpectedly the perfect complement. The setting is fun, the mood joyful and relaxed. Everyone working there seems to love what they do, and love talking with you about their creations. We can't wait to return!

I was just telling a friend I have been looking for a supper club where I can meet like minded foodies and the Mainlander delivers. Don't miss out on this ticketed seasonal four course meal with a must have add on cocktail experience. A truly special experience.

Phenomenal experience here. Everything is intentional and treated with love from the moment you discuss a reservation to the thank you note written on your leftover box. Yes, the food is obviously the star, but both the cocktail and wine pairings are on point as well. The team knows how to give you a great experience while providing a space that feels intimate yet comforting. I wish I could give them 6 stars!

What a great night out! This place is fun, intimate, unassuming and (most importantly) delicious. The creativity and local ingredients result in fresh and entertaining dishes. The dishes were all spectacular, and the sauces and final touches really take them to the next level. All dishes are explained in detail to each table, so you feel like you really know the dish you're devouring. I can't wait to go back for the next menu!

Mainlander seriously rocks! We went there last night for our anniversary, and this was probably the best restaurant I've visited in the US in the last five years. When we walked in we were by Gordon, a co-owner and maître d'. Gordon is just fantastic. He makes you feel super welcome and has some insane energy that really ups the experience. Also he's the first person I've met that's given a wine description that I actually enjoyed (usually it's just someone droning on -- with Gordon's style, you listen, try it, and it makes the wine into its own experience, almost like a story. The wines had some serious complexity that normally I'd overlook (I tend to avoid complex wines like a pinot and go toward simpler, bold flavors like a cab -- this was the first time I really kind of "got it" and enjoyed the complex wines.). Chef Blake delivers food to your table that I describe as, "it punches you in the face." That's always my litmus test for the top tier (and, coincidentally, Gordon used the same phrase to describe the last wine served - which was on point). (Which was another cool thing - the chef and the bartender both delivered the food/drinks they made -- bartender also made a killer "Mainlander" cocktail that was like a mai tai, another drink with some delicious complexity that tasted fantastic. Also bartender had a cool vibe.). The restaurant is like stepping back in time, but in a cool and comfy way. I thought of it like knowing you're going to a top restaurant like a michelin-esque one, except I immediately felt comfortable, nothing stuffy, etc. The music, the art, even the unique wooden glasses for the free rum punch - every detail is on point. To avoid sounding too gushy, we initially thought the tables might be a bit too close, but we didn't hear a peep from other tables and had conversation at a normal volume the whole night -- so it wasn't a problem whatsoever. In short, Mainlander is hands-down the best place I've tried in ages. And is probably the first restaurant I've reviewed in 3-5 years. Great wine, great food, great atmosphere. You're in for a treat!

Mainlander is phenomenal. Everything is top notch - the room, the decor, the service, the food/drink pairings... I highly recommend.

I've been here twice and both times I left feeling like life was better after than before. I cannot recommended this restaurant - this experience - enough. The food is mind-blowing, good portions, modern, yet rustic, technically perfect, and truly interesting. You feel like the only people there, the ambience is perfect and vibey. The service is fun, lively, and truly remarkable. The cocktails are an adventure. Just go here, already!

Delicious and creative food with impeccable service in a warm inviting space. We love trying new things, and new takes on everyday things, and Mainlander provides both. On our second visit, the pommes puree verte were probably the best version of mashed potatoes I've ever had. Flavorful and creamy with perfectly balanced texture - not too heavy and not too light. And the dumplings with mushroom mousse were sublime. While some things stand out due to our personal flavor preferences, everything we've had at Mainlander has been great. The attention to detail in the food and the service will keep us coming back.