St. Louis, Missouri, a city steeped in history and culture, boasts a diverse culinary scene. From its iconic toasted ravioli to its gooey butter cake, the city offers a unique gastronomic experience. But when it comes to identifying the restaurant St. Louis is most famous for, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. It’s a layered question that delves into history, impact, and enduring popularity. While several establishments could stake a claim, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard stands out as a true St. Louis icon, representing not just delicious desserts, but a cherished community tradition.
Ted Drewes: More Than Just Frozen Custard
Ted Drewes isn’t just a place to get frozen custard; it’s a St. Louis institution. Founded in 1930, it has become synonymous with quality, community, and a unique St. Louis experience. Over the decades, it has ingrained itself into the city’s identity, transcending its role as a dessert shop to become a cultural landmark.
A History Etched in Frozen Delight
The story of Ted Drewes begins with its namesake, Ted Drewes Sr., who started selling frozen custard at a stand in Florida. Recognizing the potential, he brought his business to St. Louis, opening the first location on Natural Bridge Avenue. The current flagship location on Chippewa Street, along historic Route 66, quickly followed and became the heart of the Ted Drewes empire.
What started as a simple custard stand blossomed into a beloved St. Louis tradition. The Drewes family has always emphasized quality ingredients and exceptional service, creating a loyal following that has spanned generations. They’ve carefully maintained the brand’s legacy, ensuring that each cup of frozen custard reflects the original vision.
The Concrete: An Upside-Down Sensation
Ted Drewes is best known for its “Concrete,” a frozen custard concoction so thick that it’s served upside down. This unique presentation is a testament to the density and quality of the custard, and it has become a signature of the brand. The Concrete comes in a variety of flavors, from classic vanilla and chocolate to seasonal specialties and mix-ins. The sheer number of combinations allows customers to create their perfect personalized treat.
The creation of the Concrete is a tale in itself. Legend has it that a customer challenged Ted Drewes to prove how thick his custard was. He flipped the cup upside down, and the custard remained firmly in place, much to the customer’s surprise and delight. This simple act not only impressed the customer but also gave birth to a marketing marvel that has defined the Ted Drewes brand ever since.
The Christmas Tree Tradition
Beyond the frozen custard itself, Ted Drewes has become synonymous with Christmas in St. Louis. Every holiday season, the Chippewa location transforms into a Christmas tree lot, selling fresh-cut trees from Nova Scotia. This tradition, which began in the 1960s, adds another layer to the Ted Drewes experience. The smell of fresh pine mingles with the sweet aroma of frozen custard, creating a unique and festive atmosphere.
Families gather at Ted Drewes not only for dessert but also to select their Christmas trees, solidifying the restaurant’s role as a community hub during the holiday season. This seasonal offering has expanded Ted Drewes’ reach, drawing in customers who might not even be custard enthusiasts, further cementing its iconic status.
Why Ted Drewes Stands Above the Rest
While St. Louis boasts several notable restaurants, Ted Drewes’ fame rests on a unique combination of factors. It’s more than just the quality of the product; it’s the history, the tradition, and the emotional connection that people have with the brand.
Longevity and Legacy
Established in 1930, Ted Drewes has weathered economic downturns, changing tastes, and increased competition. Its longevity is a testament to its quality and its ability to adapt without sacrificing its core values. The Drewes family has carefully managed the brand’s legacy, ensuring that each generation experiences the same quality and service that made the restaurant famous in the first place.
This long history has created a deep sense of nostalgia and tradition among St. Louis residents. For many, a trip to Ted Drewes is a cherished childhood memory passed down through generations. This emotional connection is something that newer restaurants simply cannot replicate.
Community Connection
Ted Drewes is deeply embedded in the St. Louis community. It sponsors local events, supports local charities, and provides employment opportunities for local residents. The Christmas tree tradition further strengthens this connection, making Ted Drewes a true community hub.
The restaurant’s commitment to community involvement has earned it a great deal of goodwill and loyalty. Customers know that when they support Ted Drewes, they are also supporting their local community. This sense of shared values is a powerful driver of brand loyalty.
Uniqueness and Innovation
The Concrete, with its upside-down presentation, is a uniquely St. Louis creation. It’s a simple but effective innovation that has become synonymous with the Ted Drewes brand. The restaurant also continuously introduces new flavors and mix-ins, keeping the menu fresh and exciting.
This combination of tradition and innovation has allowed Ted Drewes to stay relevant in a competitive market. While staying true to its roots, the restaurant has also embraced new ideas and technologies, ensuring that it remains a favorite among both longtime fans and new customers.
Other Contenders for St. Louis’s Most Famous Restaurant
While Ted Drewes holds a special place in the hearts of St. Louisans, other restaurants have also contributed significantly to the city’s culinary landscape. These establishments deserve recognition for their unique offerings and lasting impact.
Imo’s Pizza: A Love It or Hate It Icon
Imo’s Pizza is another St. Louis institution, famous (or infamous, depending on your taste) for its thin-crust pizza and Provel cheese. Provel, a processed cheese blend of provolone, Swiss, and cheddar, is a defining characteristic of St. Louis-style pizza.
Imo’s has a massive local following and has become a symbol of St. Louis cuisine. While not universally loved, its unique flavor profile and ubiquitous presence make it a strong contender for the title of “most famous.”
Pappy’s Smokehouse: BBQ Royalty
Pappy’s Smokehouse is a relative newcomer compared to Ted Drewes and Imo’s, but it has quickly gained national recognition for its Memphis-style barbecue. Lines often stretch out the door, a testament to the quality of its ribs, pulled pork, and other smoked meats.
Pappy’s has helped put St. Louis on the map as a BBQ destination, attracting tourists and foodies from around the world. While its fame is relatively recent, its impact on the city’s culinary scene is undeniable.
The Verdict: A Matter of Perspective
Ultimately, determining the “most famous” restaurant is subjective and depends on what criteria you prioritize. If you value longevity, community connection, and a truly unique St. Louis experience, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is the clear winner. Its history, traditions, and iconic Concrete have made it a beloved institution that transcends generations.
While Imo’s Pizza and Pappy’s Smokehouse offer unique and delicious culinary experiences, Ted Drewes’ enduring legacy and deep-rooted connection to the community make it the restaurant most closely associated with St. Louis. It’s a place where memories are made, traditions are upheld, and the simple pleasure of frozen custard is celebrated.
So, the next time you’re in St. Louis, be sure to visit Ted Drewes. Order a Concrete, flip it upside down, and experience a taste of St. Louis history. You’ll understand why this iconic restaurant holds such a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
In conclusion, while culinary fame can be measured in various ways – from critical acclaim and innovation to longevity and community impact – Ted Drewes stands out as a uniquely St. Louis experience, making it arguably the city’s most famous restaurant. Its combination of quality custard, cherished traditions, and deep community roots makes it a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to truly understand the heart of St. Louis.
What is the most iconic restaurant creation St. Louis is known for?
The undisputed culinary champion of St. Louis is toasted ravioli, or “t-ravs” as locals affectionately call them. This delectable appetizer consists of meat-filled ravioli that are breaded and deep-fried to golden perfection, typically served with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a marinara dipping sauce. While the exact origins are debated, it’s widely accepted that toasted ravioli was first created in the Italian-American neighborhood of The Hill in St. Louis, solidifying its place in the city’s gastronomic history.
Legend has it that a chef accidentally dropped ravioli into a fryer, and the rest, as they say, is delicious history. Several restaurants on The Hill claim to be the original inventors of this unique dish, adding to the mystique and local pride surrounding it. Regardless of which establishment can definitively claim the invention, toasted ravioli has become a beloved and nationally recognized symbol of St. Louis’s culinary identity.
Are there other regional dishes besides toasted ravioli that St. Louis is famous for?
Beyond toasted ravioli, St. Louis boasts a collection of other regionally significant dishes that contribute to its unique food scene. The St. Louis-style pizza, characterized by its thin, cracker-like crust, Provel cheese (a blend of provolone, Swiss, and cheddar), and often cut into squares instead of slices, is another prominent example. Additionally, the gooey butter cake, a dense, buttery cake with a sweet, gooey top, is a beloved dessert that originated in the city.
Another dish with a deep connection to the St. Louis area is pork steaks. These thick cuts of pork shoulder are typically slow-cooked in barbecue sauce until incredibly tender and flavorful, often enjoyed during summertime gatherings and backyard barbecues. These dishes, alongside toasted ravioli, contribute to the distinctive culinary landscape that makes St. Louis a memorable destination for food lovers.
Which restaurants on “The Hill” are considered the best places to try toasted ravioli?
On The Hill, several restaurants are renowned for their exceptional toasted ravioli, each offering a unique take on the classic dish. Charlie Gitto’s on The Hill is often mentioned as one of the contenders for the original creator of toasted ravioli and continues to serve a consistently high-quality version. Their crispy, flavorful t-ravs are a must-try for any visitor exploring the area.
Additionally, other notable restaurants on The Hill, such as Mama’s on The Hill and Tony’s, also offer their own interpretations of toasted ravioli that are highly regarded. These establishments often put their unique spin on the dish, using different fillings or sauces, but all remain true to the spirit of this iconic St. Louis appetizer. Exploring these restaurants allows visitors to experience the diverse flavors and historical significance of toasted ravioli on The Hill.
What exactly is Provel cheese, and why is it so popular in St. Louis?
Provel cheese is a processed cheese product primarily used on St. Louis-style pizza and is a defining ingredient of the city’s unique culinary identity. It’s a blend of provolone, Swiss, and cheddar cheeses, resulting in a creamy, slightly tangy flavor profile and a low melting point that gives St. Louis-style pizza its characteristic texture. Unlike mozzarella, Provel melts smoothly and evenly without forming long strings, creating a cohesive and satisfying bite.
The popularity of Provel in St. Louis can be attributed to its distinct flavor and texture, which complement the thin, cracker-like crust of St. Louis-style pizza. Its creamy consistency and slightly sharp taste offer a unique sensory experience that has become synonymous with the city’s pizza tradition. While Provel is not widely available outside of the St. Louis region, it remains a cherished ingredient and a source of local pride.
Where did the St. Louis-style pizza originate, and what makes it so different?
The origins of St. Louis-style pizza are somewhat debated, but it’s generally believed to have emerged in the Italian-American community of St. Louis in the mid-20th century. While the precise origin story remains unclear, its distinct characteristics have cemented its place as a unique regional pizza style. Unlike other pizza styles with thicker, doughier crusts, St. Louis-style pizza features an extremely thin, almost cracker-like crust.
What truly sets St. Louis-style pizza apart is the use of Provel cheese and the way it’s cut, typically into squares rather than slices. The combination of the thin crust, creamy Provel cheese, and square-cut presentation creates a distinct texture and eating experience that is instantly recognizable. This unique style has become a beloved culinary tradition in St. Louis, enjoyed by generations of locals and visitors alike.
Can you describe Gooey Butter Cake and where it can be found in St. Louis?
Gooey Butter Cake is a dense, sweet, and buttery cake that is another iconic St. Louis dessert. Its defining characteristic is a moist, gooey topping made from butter, sugar, and eggs, creating a rich and decadent flavor. The cake is typically made with a yeast or cake batter base, topped with the gooey mixture, and baked until golden brown. The result is a slightly crisp exterior with a soft, gooey interior that is both comforting and indulgent.
Gooey Butter Cake can be found in numerous bakeries, grocery stores, and restaurants throughout St. Louis. Park Avenue Coffee is a well-known establishment specializing in Gooey Butter Cake, offering a variety of flavors and variations. Many local bakeries and cafes also have their own takes on this classic dessert, making it readily accessible for anyone looking to experience this sweet St. Louis treat.
Are there any modern restaurants in St. Louis that are reinterpreting these classic dishes?
Yes, several modern restaurants in St. Louis are actively reinterpreting classic dishes like toasted ravioli and Gooey Butter Cake, offering innovative and contemporary takes on these regional favorites. These restaurants often incorporate high-quality ingredients, modern culinary techniques, and creative flavor combinations to elevate these traditional dishes to new heights. They aim to preserve the essence of the original recipes while introducing a fresh and exciting dining experience.
For example, some restaurants are experimenting with different fillings for toasted ravioli, such as vegetarian options or unique meat blends, while others are creating elevated versions of Gooey Butter Cake with gourmet ingredients and artistic presentations. These modern interpretations demonstrate a respect for the city’s culinary heritage while pushing the boundaries of flavor and innovation, showcasing the dynamic and evolving food scene in St. Louis.
Alden Pierce is a passionate home cook and the creator of Cooking Again. He loves sharing easy recipes, practical cooking tips, and honest kitchen gear reviews to help others enjoy cooking with confidence and creativity. When he’s not in the kitchen, Alden enjoys exploring new cuisines and finding inspiration in everyday meals.