ST. LOUIS – In a recent FOX 2 Facebook post, we asked the question, “What St. Louis restaurant do you miss most?” More than 2,500 commenters shared their fondest memories of dining establishments that have since closed their doors. Some of the responses paint some vivid memories in our head of different times in life, showing the deep connection St. Louisans have with their local restaurants.
Top Contenders
- Casa Gallardo (45+ mentions): Casa Gallardo was a popular St. Louis-based Mexican restaurant chain founded in 1975 by Ramon Gallardo. Known for its authentic design and fresh ingredients, it was a local success story that expanded into a regional and eventually national chain. After being sold multiple times, the last remaining locations in the St. Louis area abruptly closed in Feb. 2012.
- Sarah Lou’s (35+ mentions) Located in The Ville, this soul food institution was celebrated for its fried chicken and community vibe. It was known for jumbo shrimp and special tartar sauce.
- Noah’s Ark (20+ mentions) This St. Charles landmark was a giant boat-shaped building with towering fiberglass animals, creating a unique dining experience that captivated families for decades. It operated from 1967 until its closure in the mid-1990s.
- Naugles (18+ mentions) The fast-food Mexican chain had locations around the St. Louis area and gained a cult following for its large burritos, tacos, and even burgers. However, it closed in the mid 90s after merging with Del Taco.
- Eat-Rite Diner (8+ mentions) A 24-hour diner known for its classic American fare and retro ambiance, Eat-Rite Diner was a staple for late-night cravings. The diner officially closed its doors for good on Dec. 12, 2020, due to hardship caused by the pandemic.
Hidden Gems and Sleepers
Beyond the well-known restaurants, several lesser-remembered spots also stuck out.
Cristo’s: A family-friendly restaurant in Baden, Cristo’s was a beloved, long-running family-style restaurant in north St. Louis that closed in 2013, just shy of its 50th anniversary. It was known for its consistent quality, hearty portions, and welcoming atmosphere. A favorite feature was the complimentary cheese spread and crackers served to every table before the meal.
Rossino’s: a beloved Italian restaurant located in the basement of the Melrose Apartments in St. Louis’s Central West End. Open for over 50 years under various names, it closed in 2006 when the second-generation owners retired.
Ponticello’s was a popular, family-owned Italian restaurant in St. Louis, established in 1954 and known for its St. Louis-style pizza with thin crust, provel cheese, and toasted ravioli. After nearly 60 years of operation, the Spanish Lake location closed in 2014 when its owner, Ludwig Reiss, decided to retire.
Pope’s Cafeteria was a beloved St. Louis restaurant that offered classic American cafeteria-style dining for decades. Started in 1915 by a factory worker, it grew to 29 locations. The cafeteria chain closed its last location in 1989, a victim of changing tastes and the rise of fast food.
Damon’s was a casual dining sports bar chain known for its ribs, with a location in St. Louis that operated on South Lindbergh Boulevard in the late 1980s. The restaurant closed as part of the national decline of the Damon’s chain, which struggled with competition and financial troubles in the 2000s.
Emperor’s Palace: The all-you-can-eat Asian buffet that used to be in Chesterfield was known for its massive size and extensive variety of Chinese, Japanese, and other Asian-inspired cuisine. It had a unique, Asian-themed aesthetic, with bridges, and mini ponds with koi fish on the inside. It even had a chocolate fountain used for dunking foods like marshmallows into it.
A Taste of the Past
The nostalgia surrounding these establishments speaks to the effect that a dining experience can have on St. Louis residents. While many of these restaurants have closed, their memories won’t be forgotten.
For those interested in exploring more about these old restaurants, the Lost Tables Facebook group offers even more examples of some former locations and open discussion about them.
We obviously couldn’t address all of the restaurants people mentioned on our Facebook, so to view our post, click here.
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Casa Gallardo’s -
Franco’s -
Garavelli’s -
Big Boy’s Restaurant -
Noah’s Ark -
Noah’s Ark -
J.F. SanFilippo’s -
Filippo’s Italian Kitchen & Bar -
Ozzie’s -
Casa Gallardo’s -
Mike Shannon’s -
Cheshire Inn -
Charlie Gitto’s Pasta House -
Cusanelli’s Italian Cuisine -
Dierdorf & Hart’s -
J. Buck’s -
Big Boy’s Restaurant -
Busch’s Grove
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