Great food and service. Fiery eggs were delicious and spicy. Burrito was amazing as always.

Small, cozy, hole in the wall diner that evokes a southwestern paradise in a Midwestern city. Located on the corner of Southwest Ave and Abbot Pl, Southwest Diner offers a classic breakfast menu with a Santa Fe flair. Servers are quick to take orders and the food comes out at a good pace. They are open to customization on the menu (just be nice about it). I ordered the Posole and Biscuits and Gravy the last time I went. Previously, I've tried their tamales, sopapilla, pancakes, birds in a blanket, and Carne Adovada - all highly recommended. Still want to try their wings. I want Guy Fieri to come here and try their food... Tips: Weekend brunch lines are long, I'd recommend utilizing the Yelp waitlist when able. If you're eating in the winter, try to avoid eating by the door ... unfortunately my biscuits and gravy were a bit cold the last time I ate there because the wind kept blowing in when people were checking in at the hostess stand. But that's okay because the Posole was steaming! Tables larger than 6 are going to have a longer wait time in the winter. In nicer weather, the outdoor patio is great to enjoy a meal in. That's what you get with local diner charm! This place is definitely a special spot in St. Louis read more

See all

I've been meaning to eat southwestern-themed breakfast food since I saw the legendary "chorizo and eggs" scene from the movie Midnight Run. The opportunity finally presented itself when a member of my old man's bicycle group suggested this place for a Friday afternoon lunch. I was more than happy to step away from my responsibilities for an hour or two, and the only thing that would have made it better is if I'd been able to disappoint a group of people standing in line, like at the DMV. I'd been as far south on McCausland as a shopping center near the intersection with Manchester, for a drug test for a job, which I'll have you know I passed with flying colors. Consulting Google Maps on the way to the restaurant, I was surprised to see that it's on (er, kinda on) Southwest Avenue. Does it serve diner fare with a southwestern flair due to its address, or is that a mere matter of coincidence? According to a guy I know, who knows several people who work there (don't be jealous), it's the latter. Certainly, you wouldn't put a restaurant here for the ambience. This looks like the kind of place where you'd ditch a stolen car after using the backseat for a fried chicken dinner that somehow involved ketchup (why?) and an assignation with a lady of the evening. If you live nearby, I guess it's not off the beaten path, but who lives here? The menu is a veritable plethora of riches. You could have breakfast food, or you could have lunch food, even if you couldn't bring yourself to roll out of bed until after 10:30 AM. It's downright anxiety inducing! I toyed with the idea of a torta or a burger, and I also saw that they had milkshakes. I ended up going with breakfast food, because I love breakfast food and I don't get it as often. Specifically, I went with something called the Rocket to Bacon Land. It's a bacon and goat cheese omelet with arugula and caramelized onions, served with home fries and your choice of bread. I could have gone with various kinds of toast or a sopapilla. I went with a biscuit. It was amazing! It looked like something your mom would make with Bisquick when she's feeling especially lazy, but it tasted great. It may have been better than the biscuits at Popeyes--which is pretty much the highest compliment you can pay a food item. The omelet was also pretty good. I appreciated the generous helping of eggs, which must have run them, thanks to a certain individual who shall not be named. It was definitely an egg-forward preparation. The arugula didn't seem to add much, as I suspected, and I don't know that the bacon or onions were present in sufficient quantities as to be truly dominant. The goat cheese was definitely a choice. It was warm and soft (ahem), but not melty the way you'd expect cheese in an omelet to be. I liked it, but I don't know if I liked it as much as a regular ol' Denver omelet. I'm a close-minded individual. I buy vanilla ice cream for the taste. Would I feel the same way, to varying degrees, about everything else on the menu? There's only one way to find out. read more

Southwest Diner - Rocket to Bacon Land - Diners Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

The decoration of the restaurant is very cute. We went while they were busy, so things seemed a little tight in the space, but it was perfectly fine. We ended up sitting at the counter on stools and I thought it was really fun and cute with the older red style cushions. I got the Grits on Fire, and it's really funny to describe this, but when I took my first bite, I was a little disappointed. It had a nice flavor and a bright spiciness to it but was lacking a depth of flavor. It was so close to being amazing! My husband suggested adding salt, and it changed the dish completely. It became something incredible, but I did have to tweak the dish. My husband got a burrito, although I forget which one. It was good, but didn't reach "great." This place was really nice, but not quite what I'm looking for personally. It's way better than an average restaurant, though. I would suggest people try it. read more

Southwest Diner - Diners Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

Came here as it was recommended by a couple of friends. To me the food was pretty mediocre, I had the breakfast burrito with green chili. I was expecting more of a chili rather than actual green chilis ontop. It was fine but lacked flavor in general. And the portion was pretty small, tho it was inexpensive for the portion size. I LOVED the artwork on the patio, and I loved that they offered patio seating. It didn't take too long to get sat even tho they were busy. But our service was pretty slow, I also had the coffee which I didn't care for but I did drink the cup, our waiter never got us a refill on our coffee at all either. The pancakes were truly the best part of the entire experience, very unique and not too sweet which I love! I also had a bite of my husbands heuvos rancheros, the portion was also very small, and it was just okay not great but not bad either. read more

See all

If your friends suggest it, just say yes. If you need a great diner/greasy spoon, make the plan. I was not expecting to like this place as much as I did. We were not able to make a reservation, which is fine, our wait was short. The space is small which is sad for the rest of STL, because they can only help so many people in one day. Service was very attentive, food was a great combo of breakfast with southwest flavors. Hopefully will be able to come back for lunch very soon! read more

See all

Finally made it to Southwest Diner on a chilly day recently! Due to the weather, it was not busy at all on a late morning Saturday but they were still open! Our server was really nice and attentive. We got the grits, a burrito, and torta. All were super good - big fan of the fries that came with the torta! The homemade chorizo was amazing. This is definitely worth the hype!! read more

Southwest Diner - Breakfast burrito (Christmas style - red and green sauce), torta with chorizo, and grits on fire - Diners Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

A must-try Southwest-meets-St. Louis gem! Every bite here is bursting with that bold Southwest flair -- perfectly spiced, comforting, and absolutely delicious. The food looks as good as it tastes -- from crispy tater-tot bites topped with queso fresco and green onions, to the hearty plates piled high with eggs, gravy, and golden potatoes, to that incredible smothered breakfast burrito that's pure flavor heaven. The service is just as awesome -- friendly, attentive, and quick even when the place is buzzing. And the vibe? Totally unmatched. It's bright, eclectic, and full of energy, with the coolest outdoor setup featuring a converted school bus bar for drinks. It's the perfect place to kick back with brunch, a cocktail, or both. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Southwest Diner is one of those places that leaves you full, happy, and already planning your next visit. read more

See all

I had to leave a review specifically for our server, Max. Our order came out perfect and he remembered to wait to bring out my boyfriend's orange juice until our food came. He was always right on time with refills and offered me an iced tea to go. Also the food was insanely good as always. I got biscuits and gravy and he got the slinger. We'll be back as soon as possible! read more

This cozy corner spot has been my go-to breakfast diner in St. Louis for over a decade--ten years--wow! I'm still head-over-heels for the breakfast food, the dedicated Southwest Diner team and the unbeatable warm and casual vibes. Wondering what to order? Let me tell you what I love the most: Breakfast burrito with house-made chorizo, enchilada style and Christmas style--just wow. I have a really hard time not getting this every time I'm there. See some of my pics from over the years for more details of the deliciousness that's wrapped inside. Biscuits and gravy that hit all the comfort notes. There's something they do that makes them just better here. Cornmeal pancakes that are subtly sweet and perfectly golden--every time. Love coffee? Me too! Their coffee is always top-tier. I don't have a meal here without it. Yelp Elite Pro Tip: hop on the Yelp waitlist before heading over--the wait is worth it, but your schedule might thank you. Their patio is a little outdoor gem. Whether it's breakfast for two or a whole crew, it's the perfect spot to grab your breakfast on nice weather days--or even if it's raining, because it's fully covered. If you're in town for more than a couple days, make time for this place. I always do--and I never regret it. Ten years and counting! July 2025 read more

A highlight of my recent trip to Saint Louis was a brunch outing at the Southwest Diner with my son. Located in the Ellendale community outside of Maplewood. Ellendale began to thrive with the addition of electric street cars in 1896. The Southwest diner is in an early 1900's brick building. It was several businesses in its past, but most well known as a grocery. Parking is off street and free. Southwest offers a covered outside patio for additional space with frequent waits especially on weekends. The dining room vibe is spectacular and will deceive customers into believing it has operated for many decades. In reality, Southwest has only existed since 2012 and was formerly a breakfast taco stand at Tower Grove Farmers Market. A sharp eye of their retro tables and chairs may reveal the former identity as 1950's Jack in the box. A cool looking bar compliments their space. They also have interior group dining that seats eight. Table service was top notch, the coffee delicious and a classic diner menu with a flare of New Mexican cuisine superb. The owner Johnathan was on hand too. We both wanted eggs which is a specialty, so for me the "Rocket to Bacon Land" omelette with three eggs goat cheese, arugula, caramelized onions and bacon. Side of potatoes. My son opted more basic with a three egg omelette, sausage and fried potatoes. Our waitress Kate suggested a side order of French Toast to split instead of toast which proved an excellent choice. She also included a biscuit to try that was yum. Put Southwest Diner on your list for a visit in Saint Louis. For families the prices are affordable as well. Jump on their waitlist for a smoother experience on weekends when they get clobbered. Can't wait to return. read more

See all

We ate at this place last Thursday for the first time in a while. I had the rocket to Baconland, my partner had the carne adovado and grits on fire. The service was fantastic and we like the vibe of the place a lot. He liked his dishes. As for the rocket to Baconland omelette, it felt more like a salad wrapped in an egg crêpe, which was not for me. There was also not much bacon for a dish with the name implied. I did not leave hungry though, and I would definitely give them another try. read more

See all

Delish! We got the sopapillas. Yum. Good coffee. Kind waitress. Great patio. We love this place!

Went back today after a bit . The pozole was warm and comforting and the sopapilla was just the right amount of sweet. My husband loved his hueveos rancheros and our friends loved their black bean burger and veggie tortas as well . Our server was great , friendly professional and gave us the space we needed . The ambience is so relaxed and welcoming. My only regret is that I didn't take more pics . read more

See all

I feel like Southwest Diner is a classic and very unique to the city. I recommend going during the week for the least crowded dining experience, although you still might share a table with another party. But it's a good way to learn some new suggestions! You honestly can't go wrong with whatever you order - everything is so good, from the tamales to the pancakes. Better yet, grab a friend and share a few things. read more

So, you think you know huevos rancheros? Well, clearly you haven't been properly introduced until you've hit up Southwest Diner in Maplewood. These folks serve up a plate so spicy and scrumptious, it'll make your taste buds question all their life choices. And the coffee is very strong! Thank you for that. The place is always packed, because who doesn't love waiting for greatness? But don't worry, the vibrant atmosphere and eclectic décor give you plenty to look at while you ponder your existence. And if you're thinking of setting up your laptop to work, just remember: nothing says productivity like the constant aroma of delicious food and the noise of happy diners. read more

Southwest Diner - Diners Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Second time here! We really enjoyed the food first time so we decided to come again. There was a 15-20 minute wait but we could be seated sooner on the patio. We decided the patio would be okay because they have heaters. The overhead heaters were clutch! Service was good. Food great. I really loved the cornmeal pancakes! Eggs and potatoes were perfect but the veggie sausage was a bit overcooked. My boyfriend loved his create your own omelet! The bacon was nice and thick. The portions were just right. There are so many good breakfast/brunch restaurants in St. Louis and Southwest Diner is right up there with the best. read more

See all

Wow! Really cool place! Excellent breakfast joint and awesome vibe. Hip. Trendy. Eclectic. Fantastic outdoor area. Had the fried egg sandwich. Awesome! Wifey had the biscuits and gravy (full order) and fantastic. Friends had the chorizo breakfast burrito...huge and spicy! They loved it!! Place is busy...so use the waitlist to jump in line. Don't walk, but run to this place! read more

See all

Such a great place! The food has never disappointed, every bite is delicious. The service is friendly and warm. The vibe is chill.

Breakfast here is always a treat. My daughter and I have started a new tradition. When we drop my wife off at the airport, we come here for breakfast. She been on a few trips lately, so we've been here a few times lately! Can't go wrong with the grit tots to start! And the breakfast tamales always hit just right! Lots of tables and they turn over pretty quickly, so just be patient if you get there late. read more

See all

Many different dishes with that southwest flavor. The food is very good and the menu describes the dishes helpfully. A terrific part of the place is the service. Courteous, attentive without being solicitous . Need gf? Cheerily subbed corn tortillas for bread. Our server even came back to our table after we had paid and still served up coffee and water either no rush to us as we enjoyed chatting and sitting a while. Very busy for late breakfast and, as many places tend to be, noisy with everyone seeking the right conversation level. That being said, really enjoyed brunch /breakfast there. Parking a bit of a problem as only on the street. Still, worth it. read more

Southwest Diner - Spicey scramblies with potatoes and squash side. - Diners Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Service and food were great. We got the French toast and chicken fried steak coffee was good. Nice vibe!

I love Southwest Diner! I had the tall stack of pancakes and they were ! They came out quick and the southwest ambiance was nice! Top marks! read more

Southwest Diner - Tall Stack Pancakes, mmmmmm! - Diners Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Cute breakfast/lunch spot with a few bumps. The food came out so fast and the ingredients were very fresh. They had a big menu with lots of options for anybody. We had ordered a coffee and a small orange juice. We never got the coffee and they gave us a large glass of orange juice. When the waitress dropped off our food she never gave us the chance to ask for the coffee and they didn't stop by until it was time for the bill. We did have to wait 40 minutes for a table but we came on a busy Sunday morning so it was understandable, just expect to wait if it's a weekend. The diner was also super loud and it was difficult to hear. Overall the food was great and the service would probably be better if we came again. read more

See all

Can always count on Southwest to come through! Swung by for a Saturday breakfast and it was a great way to get my day started. The service is always top-notch. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. They really go out of their way to ensure you have a pleasant dining experience. I enjoyed the biscuits and gravy. You have the option to get one or two biscuits which I appreciated. The biscuit was fluffy and buttery, while the gravy was rich, savory, and seasoned right. It's one of those comfort foods that hits the spot every time. If you're looking for a reliable diner with a warm atmosphere and delicious food check em out! read more

Southwest Diner - Diners Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Good. The food was very good and the atmosphere was very good. If you enjoy good, make sure you try them.

Love Southwest Diner! Now that they have their big covered patio, the wait time is much more manageable. Parking is never a problem- easy street parking close by. Staff is always friendly and the menu is exactly what is sounds like - southwest inspired. Great vegetarian options for my fellow veggie lovers :) read more

See all

Delicious! I had the breakfast burrito and grits, which was perfect. The french toast was amazing as well.

This place was busy! I definitely suggest joining the waitlist through yelp if you can. It is loud, but friendly, it has a very comfy atmosphere. The chicken friend steak with eggs on top was really good, I loved the pancakes, but the burrito was not good. All I could taste was the chilies and I think that was because it was the only "seasonings" in there. It didn't even taste like they used salt. Not a bad place, but would not suggest the burrito lol read more

See all

My sister loves biscuits and gravy so we have been trying them all over town. I've been wanting to try Southwest Diner for a while now, my sister is handicapped and I know the place is popular and I was concerned about her being able to wait( there's always people outside on the weekend). I called ahead and asked if she could be seated while we wait for our table. The woman was so kind and suggested we use the yelp waiting list and that they would make accessible accommodations for my sister. We got there, she was seated in the covered patio and they gave us a table out there also so she didn't need to use any stairs. Couldn't have had better service and extremely generous margaritas!!!! The food was hot, fresh, creative and delicious. Will definitely be back! read more

Southwest Diner - Grits on Fire - Diners Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

Breakfast pork tamales with red and green chile sauce Christmas style. Cool coffee mugs !

New Mexico breakfast burrito is pretty good, we go here pretty often, my suggestion is to get on the waitlist before you arrive. Sometimes the wait can be up to an hour or more. One of the better breakfast spots in St. Louis. They have a new Mexican style menu, with a lot of spicy options. If you're going on the weekend, plan ahead. Inside gets pretty busy, and they have an outside seating area. It's pretty loud in there when talking with others, but the service usually moves pretty quick and they take care of you well. read more

Southwest Diner - Breakfast burrito with sausage - Diners Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

Great service and great southwest eatery. Enjoyed the biscuits and gravy as well as the grits. Would certainly recommend trying if you are looking for an inexpensive and tasty breakfast. They also have cocktails as well if you are looking to spice up the experience. Also to note: we ordered biscuits and gravy and were told that the gravy had run out and would not be ready for about 30 minutes after we had ordered. They ended up making us some and gave it to us for free for the inconvenience! read more

Southwest Diner - Grits - Diners Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

Great food. Quick service. Nice people. Awesome atmosphere! One of my favorite pancakes in the city read more

Southwest Diner - Cornbread chocolate chip pancake - Diners Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

Cozy dining with good food and service. You can join the waitlist from the app for quicker seating. read more

Southwest Diner - Greek omelet with grits and biscuit - Diners Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

I was visiting family in St. Louis and have wanted to stop by this place for awhile! I was told its best to try and go earlier as on the weekends lines can form out the door! I went on a Thursday morning around 8am and it was perfect- only a few people in there! This place is super cute- it really reminds me of something you would see in New Mexico or Arizona. Its diner vibe but Sanfe eclectic. The staff is very friendly and we were told to just pick our own table. I was trying to avoid a lot of spice and asked about the red vs green chile. Our server let me know green is the pretty spicy and red is more mild but still has a kick. I opted for the Strawberry Alarm Clock Pancakes (short stack) and a side of bacon. The person I was with got the breakfast burrito add chorizo and red/green chile (which they call Christmas) haha so cute. I tried some of the burrito and the red chile was still a bit too hot for me but the flavors were great! The pancakes were really really good- they are made with buttermilk cornmeal. They had fresh strawberry sauce and that sweet cream cheese butter on top... yum!! I would absolutely come back here and try something else. Overall experience 4/5 read more

See all

Overall, a good hearty brunch place if you're feeling a more Texmex vibe. Join the waitlist before coming if you can! WAIT TIME: Came in for a 12pm lunch on a Sunday. HIGHLY RECOMMEND joining the waitlist before coming. We were told a 45 min wait when we walked in but were able to get seated on their heated patio within 5 mins of waiting thankfully. FOOD: We got the tamale breakfast plate and the huevos rancheros with a half order of biscuits and gravy. Everything was so delicious! You can taste the spices in the huevos rancheros meat and the tamale tasted pretty authentic. Potatoes were just crispy enough. Portions are large as well, we were pretty full in the end. SERVICE: Our waiter came by very very often, very attentive! He filled our coffees before we even ran out every time. DECOR: Very artsy decor in the patio, murals painted on the brick wall. Inside looks more like a diner but we weren't in there long. PRICE: Came out to roughly $25 per person. Reasonable for brunch and for all we ordered. read more

See all

One of our favorite spots for breakfast/ lunch. Staff are so friendly and food is delicious! It never disappoints! I have had several different dishes, but last visit I had the Chicken Tinga Torta served on Diana's Bakery Telera- Yum! Their onion rings, tater tots, fries, and pickle fries are All super sides! My husband had grits on fire which is fantastic- don't be intimidated by wait times, you won't regret eating here. read more

Southwest Diner - Chicken Tinga Torta - Diners Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

Fave brunch in St. Louis. Love the entire menu and the vibe. Staff is great. Try to Fiery Scramble.

We went here for breakfast Sunday morning. This was by far our best visit to Southwest ever. Love that they've started using the Yelp reservation system again. We got in line at 27th and waited an hour and a half in the end. You have to check-in in-person once you're closer to the front of the line. Unfortunately, it was still a 20-25 wait from there. They have some plastic chairs set up on the patio for parties to wait. Once we were seated, service was so fast! A true first for me at Southwest. Our server told us he was new and he did a fantastic job. It was his first time making a milkshake and it was wonderful; not too liquid-y and not too thick. The cornmeal pancakes are indeed something to write home about. Make sure to order them with the house-made strawberry sauce. My fiancé was a fan of his grits and we got plenty of food for the price we spent. Love this St Louis classic and will be back. read more

See all