I've been to Mainlander 3 times, once at the old location and twice to the new and it had never disappointed. We love to get the cocktail pairing as they always have well made cocktails with creative flavors. The vibes are so nice something between tiki and supper club, nothing quite like anywhere else in St Louis. We enjoy getting there a little early for cocktails at Jujube Inn as they offer a different selection of than the pairing here. Most recently we enjoyed their May menu, which changed every month. There were two starter courses with a couple different options, the pork suckling was especially divine this time around and the seven layer dip with chili cheese scallion pancakes were an improved nod to a classic Midwestern dip. The second course had a great chicken Florentine in clay pot but the carrots and peas for sides were even more of a stand out, so flavorful and meticulously prepared. The grand finale was a strawberry rhubarb jello cake -- so light and refreshing a reminder of Midwest home cooking again. I'll be back again and again I'm sure, love the changing menu. read more

Mainlander - Icebox martini - Supper Clubs Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

Mainlander STL is a supper club that has left a consistently great impression on me. I have been twice, once at their original location and most recently at the new space, where we also had cocktails at the bar before dinner. The concept is a rotating monthly menu focused on local ingredients, and they are clearly proud of their sourcing. It is a prix fixe menu with options for dietary accommodations, served family style, which adds to the atmosphere and makes the meal feel communal. Both visits were excellent. The food was delicious, the service was warm and professional, and the drink pairings were strong, both cocktail and wine. The bar deserves special mention. The cocktails were outstanding, and the bartender had a great attitude and made everyone feel welcome. I cannot recommend this place enough. It is a must. read more

Very special place. There's a tangible charm behind the passion and intention put on display here. Rarely do you see restaurants succeed in bridging sustainability, innovation, and execution. Yet, that seems to be Mainlander's entire ethos. Such a fun service with a ton of memorable bites throughout, with their trout, sweet potato dumplings, and chocolate lava cake being standouts. Would 100% return to try another month's menu. Pro-tip: If going with more than one person, order the vegetarian option in addition to their standard prix fixe to try more items on the menu. Favorite dishes: Trout, sweet potato potstickers, pork belly, five spice chocolate lava cake read more

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Ambiance was very intimate and sophisticated. They have a fixed menu and small number of seats, requiring reservations in advance. Overall, food was fresh and creative. We chose the drink pairing as well. Excellent service. Great place to celebrate special occasions! read more

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Mainlander STL is a supper club. The food is outragiously good. It also has a small lounge bar. It's a place with warmth and charm playing delightful music. The staff is superb!! The first look at the menu, it does seem out of the ordinary. TRY IT!! Your mouth will thank you for it! read more

Omfg always love very visit here!! Bar menu really hits the spot and super casual!! It's awesome you can pop in without a reservation read more

Mainlander - Supper Clubs Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

What an experience! Each item is creatively made with so much love. We chose a Regular and a Vegetarian menu so we could try a bit of everything. My meat loving husband really enjoyed the non-meat items as well with one being his highlight of the meal(the tomato and mushroom pot pie). It is amazing the amount of local products they create the dishes with. The interaction with various staff members truly made this a wonderful experience. Each is extremely knowledgable and you can tell they all have a passion for what they are serving. I highly recommend the cocktail pairing(either regular or N/A options) as they were delightful! read more

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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. read more

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Amazing! From start to finish. Drinks are strong but delish! Food was so so good. Love the vibe. The staff is so hospitable. Everything brought out was mouthwatering. Still thinking about the ribs, parsnips, and my gosh the dessert!!!! Will definitely be on the list to come back!! GREAT date night read more

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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! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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If I could give this place 6 stars, I would. Let's start with the food. The menu put together for November was incredible. Highlights for our table were the eggplant parm and the char siu pork steak. Cannot forget to mention the panna cotta with cilantro sorbet. Sounded a little obscure at first, but let me tell you, the flavors worked together beautifully. In addition to the great food and drink, the staff here made the night an unforgettable experience. They clearly take so much care in the quality and background of the food. It was so special to have them come over and explain every dish. I wish I could eat here every night. Will be back again, and again, and again! read more

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TLDR: Do yourself a favor and make that reservation. The overall dining experience you will have at Mainlander is well worth the above average price tag that comes with it. If you are wanting an exclusive restaurant that is fairly hard to get a reservation at, then this is the place to be. I had been wanting to try Mainlander for a while, but could never get a reservation. You have to be on Resy exactly when reservations open the month prior to when you want, or it's not gonna happen. Thankfully, I was able to get in on their last month, before they move to their new location. The restaurant itself had a very exclusive feel as the outside only had their logo on blacked out windows. We could've easily walked past if we weren't looking for it. When we entered, all of the staff were extremely welcoming as if we just walked into their living room. The food and drinks menu were posted on the walls, so we mostly knew what to expect. We added a single spirit free cocktail pairing, which I would recommend to complement the meal. Each course and accompanying cocktail were brought to our table and explained in detail which made the whole experience very personal. You can tell they care about their craft and put thought into each offering. The standouts from this menu were the mushroom puffs and pork. I am very partial to any kind of Asian fusion dish, so I appreciated this menu. For the overall value of the meal, it was definitely worth it. As compared to some other restaurants in town in this price range, I think the food definitely can compare. You add in the personalized service and exclusivity of the whole experience, that's where Mainlander separates themselves. I am already setting some alarms to be able to get in at their new location whenever reservations open for later this year. read more

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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! read more

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Mainlander is back open and back open with a bang. 2nd time we have eaten here. Amazing dinner. Probably the best beef I have ever had. Get a reservation as soon as possible. read more

Mainlander - Supper Clubs Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

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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. read more

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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 . read more

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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! read more

Mainlander - menus on the wall of a restaurant - Supper Clubs Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

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Mainlander was the first exceptional meal I had in St. Louis -- not the first expensive or "fancy" meal; the first *exceptional* meal. From late 2023 to Mainlander's re-opening at their new location, I dined on (almost) every single menu that Mainlander served. Mainlander is priced for the quality of service and of design that you receive. It is not cheap, but it is worth the expense. I've had my quibbles with this individual dish or that drink, but I have never left a single Mainlander seating grumpy with what the staff has served me. I cannot say this for any other nice restaurant I have attended. I can cite individual dishes -- Blake & the kitchen's almost-oddly superb breading on fried dishes; the Super Bowl kickback-themed bites served to me by the back-of-house talent who designed them; a truly astounding amount of Ozark Forest mushrooms that I would have (incorrectly) never ordered if I couldn't trust the Mainlander staff to plate and pair them. The food is good not just because it's made to an impeccable degree in isolation -- it is specifically the liberating grant of control of your whole night to a team of driven, interested, and talented professionals that makes Mainlander "worth it". And such people! Gordon and Blake are two of the kindest and most-welcoming individuals I've met, full-stop. The idea of being served food of this quality by people who *care* and make you feel welcomed elevates Mainlander over any kind of coastal, bourgeois fair that you'd see. The union of talent, intention, and humanity is unlike any other restaurant I've had the pleasure of frequenting. Eat here, Saint Louis, and be good to the staff. You could only be so lucky. read more

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. read more

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! read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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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! read more

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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 read more

Mainlander - Pork with sweet potato side - Supper Clubs Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

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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. read more

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! read more

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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. read more

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I have to share this here because it was one of my best STL dinners this year. Mainlander is an exclusive dining experience and worth the hype. It's a set menu with items locally curated ingredients. It's so exclusive that there's no signage or anything indicating you're there aside from a one inch label across the handle of the door. They're closed now and relocating but I encourage you to add it to your bucket list! There is about 11 tables in the entire place and it's very intimate with the chefs coming to you table side to explain each dish and drink accompaniment. read more

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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. read more

Mainlander - Supper Clubs Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

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! read more

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Delicious, unusual food in a beautiful restaurant. Derive is fantastic and cocktails are delicious.

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! read more

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. read more

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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! read more

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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. read more

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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! read more

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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. read more

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. read more

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