Gioia's Deli
Hot Salami Sandwiches for Two — ~$18–20
The Hill Italian deli since 1918 — the hot salami sandwich on garlic cheese bread is a genuine St. Louis original that no other city can claim. Sliced fresh to order, loaded with Volpi meats, served toasted. Sandwiches run $10–13.50 each with a smaller combo option ($8.50 for half sandwich and soup). The Spicy Daggett with giardiniera is the move. A bucket list stop for anyone who takes sandwiches seriously.
Blues City Deli
Two Sandwiches — ~$16–20
Benton Park's most beloved sandwich shop and the best muffuletta outside of New Orleans — a bold claim that regulars will defend without hesitation. Also does outstanding po'boys, roast beef, and pastrami reubens on excellent bread. The half po'boy for $3.25 is one of the best-value bites in the city. Live music Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Always a line, always worth it.
Carl's Drive-In
Two Burgers, Onion Rings & Root Beers — ~$16–18 💵 Cash Only
A Route 66 institution since 1959 — 16 stools, griddle-smashed double cheeseburgers for $6.50, and homemade root beer served in frosty mugs. Consistently rated the best cheeseburger in Missouri by local newspapers, and recognized nationally for the chili. Cash only, ATM on site. Once you're seated at the counter, don't dally — those stools are coveted. An essential STL experience.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
Two Concretes — ~$8–14
The most famous frozen custard stand in America — a Route 66 landmark on Chippewa Street since 1930. The "concrete" is a St. Louis original: frozen custard blended with mix-ins so thick it's served upside down without spilling. Mini starts at $3. The "All Shook Up" (vanilla, banana, peanut butter chocolate cookie) is the crowd favorite. Two regulars or concretes run $8–14. Non-negotiable on any STL visit.
Mac's Local Eats
Two Smash Burgers — ~$16–18
Local, pasture-raised smash burgers near Forest Park — sourced from small Missouri farms with whole animal, made-from-scratch everything. The Southside Mac with house sauce is the go-to. Also does boudin, house-made chili, and milkshakes that people drive across town for. The kind of burger joint that gives you actual pride about where your food came from. Two burgers with a side for around $16–18.
Pho Grand
Two Pho Bowls — ~$16–18
South Grand's Vietnamese institution — a massive menu covering all the essentials: pho, bún noodle bowls, bánh cuon rice flour crepes, and vermicelli dishes. The pho broth is rich and deeply flavored, and travelers who eat Vietnamese food in every city they visit consistently call it among the best they've found. Two generous bowls come in well under $20. The anchor of STL's best international food corridor.
Nudo House
Bánh Mì for Two — ~$12–16
From the family behind Mai Lee, the St. Louis area's first Vietnamese restaurant. The bánh mì is the value play — slow-braised pork shoulder on a house-baked baguette with chicken liver pâté, house mayo, pickled carrots, jalapeño, and cilantro for $6. The "Bánh Mì Pho Dip" with beef braised in pho broth is $8. Two sandwiches runs $12–16. Pho and ramen $13–15 for a bigger splurge that still fits two under $20.
K-Bop STL
Korean Rice Bowls for Two — ~$14–18
Korean rice bowls on the Delmar Loop, steps from The Pageant concert venue. Beef bulgogi, spicy chicken bop, chicken katsu, and bibimbap in the $12–14 range — quick, authentic, and generous. The plum tea gets called out in almost every review. A perfect pre-show meal that leaves enough budget for a drink inside. Two bowls land around $14–18 depending on what you add.
The Vine Mediterranean Café
Mediterranean Plates for Two — ~$14–18
South Grand's beloved Middle Eastern café and RFT Best Middle Eastern winner. Lentil soup with fresh-baked pita for $2.99 a bowl. Shawarma with tender slow-roasted lamb and beef is praised as the best in the city. The tasting platter is more than enough for two people as a meal. Chicken kafta, falafel sandwiches, fattoush salad — two people eat a full spread for $14–18. Outdoor seating, casual and welcoming.
Taco Buddha
Tacos for Two — ~$14–18
Creative fast-casual tacos in Kirkwood and University City — locally sourced, fresh ingredients, inventive flavor combinations. The Biloxi (crispy fried shrimp, cabbage, Cajun coleslaw sauce, pickled red onion, cotija) is the standout. QR code ordering, covered patio when weather allows, consistently fresh and fast. Two taco meals — 3 tacos and a side each — land well under $20 and hit harder than any chain taco you've ever had.
Salt + Smoke
STL BBQ for Two — ~$18–22 shared
St. Louis' most acclaimed BBQ restaurant with multiple locations — brisket, pulled pork, burnt ends, and smoked chicken with a rock music vibe and great craft beer selection. Best value play for two: share a pulled pork sandwich (~$14), an order of beef fat fries, and split a side of mac and cheese — two people eat serious STL BBQ for right around $20. The fried ravioli side is a nod to the city's Italian-American heritage. Don't skip the gooey butter cake dessert.
💡 Pro tip: Carl's Drive-In is cash only — there's an ATM on site, but come prepared. Ted Drewes runs seasonal hours and can close in winter, so check before making a special trip. Blues City Deli has live music on Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons if you want to make a meal of it. If a deal has changed, flag it on our main directory.
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Applebee's
2 Entrees + Appetizer
One shareable appetizer + two full-size entrées. Fiesta Lime Chicken, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Boneless Wings & more. Available dine-in, takeout & delivery.
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