Polite Society Polite Society set the tone for my entire St…read more Louis trip. If you know me, you know -- if I see octopus on the menu, I'm ordering it. And this one did not disappoint. It was perfectly cooked, flavorful, and honestly one of my favorite dishes from the trip. I also had a scallop dish that was just as good -- rich, well-seasoned, and beautifully prepared. On top of the food, they have a really strong wine selection, which made the experience even better. The overall vibe is polished and elevated without feeling too formal. Service was great, food came out on time, and everything felt intentional. Highly recommend if you're looking for a nice dinner spot in St. Louis.

Food: quite good, for each person in our party…read more Auto-gratuity: not good; actually, quite bad.

Upon being seated at the Crow's Nest yesterday, we were informed that the deep fryer wasn't working…read moreand that, because we were a group of more than eight, we would not be allowed to split our checks and would be charged an automatic gratuity. Not only were we not granted an exception on the checks as consolation for not being able to order french fries, there was no indication that this had even occurred to our server. This is precisely the level of temerity we need to inculcate in young women in our society, and I'd encourage her to apply for a job at the women's-only sports bar a few doors down if and when it ever opens. It'd be tragic if she wasn't there if and when I return, but I'd appreciate the fact that she has a greater mission. Hopefully, the deep fryer is working. It being out of commission naturally limited the number of things on the menu we could order. We were only told that we couldn't order anything that required a deep fryer, not given a modified menu or anything. I started going through each item and imagining how it might be prepared, but I couldn't muster the psychological bandwidth to continue. Hit my Cash App if you appreciate the amount of unpaid emotional labor I was compelled to contribute. It occurred to me that I might just get a burger and a side salad, but then I saw that they carry a club sandwich. I love a good club sandwich, and I figured it might make for a light, refreshing alternative, given the weather. There's an option to get a cup of soup for $1.50 extra as a side with your sandwich (no, they didn't offer to eat the charge), and I figured that might go well with my sandwich. I was kicking myself when they brought out someone else's order with the side salad. It looked really good. The Frisco Burger, or whatever they're calling it, looked good too. Meanwhile, the BBQ Beef & Cheddar Soup--the soup du jour (that's French), according to Flo--looked gross, like something your dog might cough up. But damn it was good! It was more beef than anything else. A large bowl of it might actually be too much food. (I'd still eat it, natch.) The overall flavor profile was along the lines of a good french onion soup. It was a reminder that I need to be ordering soup in restaurants more often. I wish the club sandwich was cut into little triangles and fanned out on the plate in some elaborate configuration, like at a place where rich old ladies have lunch, but I guess that wouldn't have been in keeping with the theme. Instead, it was served on the world's thickest Texas toast, with the world's dullest steak knife protruding from its center. This sounds like hyperbole, but I may have honestly been served the equivalent of half a loaf of bread. It was much more bread than I required, but at least it was fresh and delicious, as were all the other ingredients. Turkey used for sandwiches is almost never remarkable, but this was surprisingly great, as good as anything you'd get served as an entree unto itself. Nothing about this place suggests that it would have such good food, but it just goes to show you can't judge a book by its cover. The decor, the overall vibe and the lack of hospitality might not be for everyone, but don't let that deter you.

What a great place! Popped in and found seating right away. The had a lot of great food and drink…read moreoptions, including vegetarian and vegan. We got cheese curds for the table and I got the hot honey mac and cheese. The food was delicious. They had a retro movie playing and lots of cute decor. It was super fun to sit there and enjoy the ambiance. The service was also quick and good. Will be coming back.

While visiting St. Louis, decided to check out Hatch'd based on all the great Yelp reviews. Despite…read morebeing very busy on a weekday, we were instantly seated at their only open table. I ordered the Hatch'd By You which consisted of two eggs, meat, hash browns and and English muffin. I thought everything was great. The eggs were spot on and the hash browns were super crispy - exactly how I like them! Hatch'd is a true example of how a restaurant should be run. The owner, Josh, worked alongside his staff, and also stopped by at every table to introduce himself and check on their dining experience. Our waiter was also incredibly polite and suggested some great, personalized customization to our dishes. The place has a very welcoming atmosphere.

Amazing restaurant, with amazing staff…read more I went here with my kids for an early fathers day breakfast. We made a reservation to this place. It said we were ninth in line. We thought we had to wait for a long time, but it actually went quick (like 5 minutes) when we got there. We did not realize this place had an upstairs, until our waiter guided us. This place looks very large on the inside compared to what it looks like on the outside. The restaurant also had an rustic atmosphere. With exposed pipes, rusted decor, and 80's memorabilia on the shelf. We ordered coffee here, and one of them came in a Christmas cup. Even though it was six months away. My wife chuckled on how they served her coffee in a Christmas cup. Mine came in a plain white cup. But I still excessively chuckled on how funny the menu is and the staff are. The staff are very attentive to how your food tastes and make plenty of funny jokes with you. They also are very descriptive on what the specials on pancakes and omelettes are. As well as being very honest. I ordered the Benny's Got Beef Or Belly with Brisket. I know, long name. I watched the weather while my food was being prepared, and occasionally looking at the PBS TV nearby. My wife was drawing with my 11 year old daughter (and writing "secret messages") as their food was being prepped and prepared. When my food finally came out, I immediately took a bite. The brisket was very juicy and tender. And the eggs were delicious on the side. I tried this place several years ago. Was still the same good taste that I remember when I took my wife to this place. Very amazing place. Will come again.

And this bird can sing! I'm late to the intro, but happy to finally check in at the Tower Grove…read morelocation. Songbird makes great use of its space and should be near the top of your STL brunch list. A reasonably-sized (not-overwhelming) menu, great coffee, delicious cocktails, quick, attentive service, and undeniably delicous food. I took off on a redeye this morning (coffee courtesy of Blueprint), and landed on the Farm Sampler: two scrambled eggs, applewood smoked bacon, sourdough toast, sliced avocado and sauteed shiitake mushrooms. Phenomenal flavors and textures. Toast is typically an afterthought for me, but the buttery crunch of the sourdough has to be spotlighted. The Bee's Knees cocktail was also a wonderfully refreshing prelude to the approaching STL summer. The time has come, the song is over, thought I'd something more to say: wake up, reserve, enjoy.

I think that Songbird suffers from a problem that many businesses have when they scale up: the…read morepersonal connection is lost, and the food no longer tastes like it is made with love. I was very excited to try them but left knowing I would not return. I waited 40 minutes on a weekday morning for a bar seat for one, standing because all the waiting area seats were taken. The hostess/waitress was very nice when she got to me, but you could tell that the amount of customers was simply too much to handle. Now, this was okay - I should have made a reservation, and it's not the staff's fault they were overwhelmed. However, the service once I sat down was patchy, delayed and distracted. I had to remind different servers of my presence, multiple times. I was willing to overlook this if the food had been fantastic, but unfortunately, their most popular item, the combo breakfast sandwich, was so incredibly heavy. The first bite was crispy, oily and fatty deliciousness, but by the third bite it was simply too rich. The sweet overtone of the honey was lovely but did not cut through the grease. By the time I finished half, I understood why several diners had left the other half uneaten. My personal preference is for a fresh, umami yet balanced sandwich that does not make me feel queasy after finishing it. This was not the sandwich for me. There was a long delay after I finished eating for them to bring me the check. My whole meal took around 2.5 hours. I had arrived starving and, I like to think, with an open mind. These are my honest, unfiltered observations. It is wonderful that so many people want to try their food and that their new space is bigger. Their decor, glassware and menu were cute and tasteful. I also love that they grew from a farmers market food stall and that they source their ingredients locally. With their level of popularity, I think they should focus on preserving the quality of their service and food.

This is an adorable brunch spot with lots of character!! We visited here with some friends and were…read moreglad they got a reservation. The restaurant was packed and had a line (for good reason)! Once seated, our server checked on us frequently and listed their specials soundly. I opted for the sandwich special of the day, the Monte cristo, and my partner got one of the Benedict's. We split the special waffles of the day, the French toast waffle. We also both got a good drink with our meal. The Monte Cristo was perfectly sweet and savory. Incredible potion sizing for the price and a delicious plate. The French toast waffle was insane. Such a perfect sweet treat to finish our meal!

What an adorable little breakfast gem! I can see this spot getting quite crowded on the weekend…read more This restaurant is located right off the Greenway so it would be a great spot to bike to! We enjoyed breakfast out on the patio and enjoyed it despite the construction out back. I think they may be adding on a patio for more outdoor dining. We really enjoyed the biscuits and gravy and Gouda grits!

My coffee was really good, it came out really quick, perfect temperature and there was some good…read moreseasonal things on the menu. The staff was super nice and friendly and I appreciate the good customer service. It was pretty clutch how it was within a mile from my hotel and I will return. Thanks for the delicious coffee and pick me up before my work event. They have food, a kids menu they have pastries. They have desserts and sweets. They have a lot of good options and got a good table space here.

My wife and I have been coming to the living room since we started dating over a decade ago. Over…read moretime the restaurant has expanded but kept the same great service. The new (ish) expansion was a great move. The restaurant space is open and bright with ample room to spread out. The menu has a good mixture. My favorite is the wingspan breakfast. It is a medium boiled egg, bacon, and a peppery biscuit. I get it every time. They also make good drinks and I'm partial to their chais. Overall it is a great neighborhood coffee shop. .

The food was really good, the service was excellent, and it was a very, very relaxed ambience. I…read moreenjoyed eating here, and you can definitely tell that there are a ton of locals that go there every single day. I was a little bummed we couldn't get a table, but we were able to sit at the bar. So if you don't make reservations, they will get you in. The biscuits and gravy are either for you or they're not. I like them, but it's not something I would order every day. The charcuterie board was very good, but almost came off as a little basic for the price. The eggs Benedict was excellent, and the potatoes were the star of the show. The most simple food, but it was by far one of the biggest surprises at how tasty they were. I 100% recommend.

I don't know why I don't get to Brasserie more often, if I lived in the Central West End I may be…read morethere multiple times a week! The atmosphere, food and service are all always top notch! And the happy hour is crazy good! On a nice day there is nowhere nicer than the patio and tonight the happy hour was GLORIOUS. I do like sitting inside as well but with this weather you couldn't make me go inside. I have had brunch here quite a few times, dinner too, but as I said today was happy hour. That means the burger. It is absolutely one of the best I have had. I take it as offered but love that they always ask if I want modifications. Look at that burger! And the shoestring potatoes are marvelous too! We had the chips & cheese and olive appetizers to snack on as burgers were getting made and we each had a cocktail. Love that the service is attentive and friendly (Brian was great tonight). But also love that I never feel rushed to turn the table over. And the happy hour from 5-6 means that burger is close in price to tha burgers at Shake Shack and I guarantee you will enjoy this far more. I have had great dishes of all sorts here but I sometimes have to give in to the burger... it never lets me down!

This place is amazing! The decor and vibe of the building are unmatched in comfort! The place and…read morepeople are relaxed and welcoming. I chose to sit on the patio and was waited on by the loveliest server named Harper! she was sweet and helpful, her service was amazing! If she's there, definitely ask to sit in her section. You won't be disappointed. the food was also incredible, tasted so fresh! 10 out of 10 would go back again!

My experience was just cocktails at the bar. I was impressed, so I will be back for brunch or…read morelunch. My day drinking BFF and I needed to kill time before the restaurant we were set to have lunch opened. So we thought cocktails at Bowood would be nice. We got two stools at the bar and settled in. Once we glanced over the cocktail menu, we knew what we wanted. We're both Espresso Martini fans, we each got one. Seeing an espresso machine behind the bar, I glad to see they use "real" espresso in their martini. I got real excited when he grabbed my favorite vodka, Tito's as the base. Watching his masterful skills as he prepared our cocktails was pure entertainment. We were both impressed with the presentation of our martinis. They are served in vintage styled glasses. It was the best Espresso Martini I have had since, Harvey's in midtown closed. The martinis were so good, we thought we'd have a light nosh. We both like pistachios so we ordered a, Pistachio Brown Butter Tea Cake and shared it. The bartender also recommended it. His description was spot on. With an excellent martini and a pistachio tea cake, I may have told the bartender that I loved him. We finished our drinks and I settled up our tab in celebration of my BFF's B-Day. Walking out, both of us said, we're definitely coming back.