Pappy’s Smokehouse
Pappy’s is pure delight. They serve pulled pork, brisket and chicken, but the ribs are my personal favorite. With the exception of vegetarians, every new WUSM student should visit at least once. If you’re not willing to take my word for the greatness of Pappy’s, a simple drive-by ought to be enough to convert you to the barbecue cult. Your superior nasal cavity will begin begging for attention once you’re about a block away, and if you come at a traditional mealtime, you may see folks lined up out the door for this succulent treat. Pappy’s has won several national awards (displayed oh-so-humbly within) and has been featured on Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food.” Pappy’s is a great option if you want to give visiting friends/family a distinctive St. Louis experience, even though they specialize in “Memphis-style” barbecue. Pappy’s is always a great option for a post-exam (or pre-exam, or no-exam) pig out.
— Jake G., M1
Dewey’s Pizza
Pizza has always been one of my favorite foods. You might even say I consider myself a pizza connoisseur. When I heard that there was free pizza every night throughout the application season for interviewees, I was thrilled. However, after eating slices from the same pizza joint every week, I was ready to try something different. Dewey’s is in U-City, about 15 minutes away from campus. They serve a wide variety of pizzas with delicious and unique topping combinations with funny names such as “Dr. Dre” and “Socrates’ Revenge,” as well as amazing salads. My favorite part about Dewey’s is the “make your own” option because they have gourmet toppings like goat cheese and prosciutto ham. I recommend returning until you find the ideal combination of toppings! Dewey’s pizzas range from $12-$20 but the high quality food is worth the price.
— Manuela M., M1
Sweetie Pie’s
I landed in St. Louis on a rainy day, hungry and disoriented after a long flight from San Francisco. Yelp told me about a place called Sweetie Pie’s. One of the comments mentioned Oprah. (Apparently this restaurant has its own show on OWN). No sense arguing with Oprah. I lined up for cafeteria-style servings of fried chicken, catfish fillet, mac-and-cheese, mashed sweet potatoes and more. A spoonful of Southern soul and a heaping of Midwestern hospitality, Sweetie Pie’s serves up a taste of the city I’ve come to call home. The lines get long most hours, but it is well worth the wait. Expect leftovers.
— Ian F., M1
Bailey’s Range
Bailey’s Range is that slightly fancier burger joint that is two big steps above your average burger joint. You know, the one you go to when you’re feeling a little bit fancy but all you truly want deep down is a nice, juicy burger. Bailey’s has an earthy feel with wooden tables and benches, and offers burgers in any and all ways, shapes and forms. Their beef patties are 100 percent grass-fed and Missouri-raised, but if beef isn’t your cup of tea, fear not! Their other patties include chicken, buffalo and black bean, and they even have alcoholic shakes! My first time there, I ordered an Ozark burger (crimini mushrooms, caramelized onions, black peppered goat cheese, veggies) and a banana fosters milkshake with black rum – yummm! It can be a little pricey (~$20-$25/meal) and you have to drive there (~10 minutes from campus), but it’s well worth it! It’s a favorite for many of my classmates!
— Andrea T., M1
Fitz’s
If you’re in the mood for classic St. Louis food and atmosphere, then Fitz’s is the place to eat. Located on the Delmar Loop (named one of the “best streets in America”), the best way to get there is by car. Across town, you’ll find bottles of Fitz’s Root Beer and Cream Soda, which are bottled in the restaurant by the fancy bottling machine on display. Since it’s nestled between a lot of bars, most people go elsewhere to drink, but I particularly recommend it as a venue to split a pitcher of beer and hang out with friends. Having said all of this, I have one warning: The floats are HUGE! You have to get one, but they’re enormous, so I always split a meal if I’m eating a float. P.S. You get a free float if you go on your birthday!
— Sirish V., M1
Central Table
Ready to break out of the med school pizza rut? It may be time to visit Central Table, a semi-classy restaurant located right where WashU meets Central West End. This open, well-lit space has eclectic offerings, including butternut squash risotto, beef chili, melted cheese (starring smoked gouda, white cheddar and pesto) and sushi. Prices are reasonable during the day, in the $5-$10 range, and rise steeply for dinner entrees. That’s when you really want to take advantage of the 15 percent WashU discount (don’t forget your ID!). And if you really want more pizza, they have that too.
— Jennifer F., M1
Sauce on the Side
Sauce on the Side is the best restaurant in St. Louis. Don’t believe me? Just ask Yelp, where Sauce on the Side is the highest rated restaurant in the entire city. Conveniently located one block from the Eighth and Pine MetroLink stop (downtown), this restaurant features a large variety of specialty calzones priced between $8-$11. Also featured on the menu are specialty salads and an assortment of local microbrews. If taking the Metro downtown is not how you roll, there is also a location in Clayton. It’s open until 1 a.m. on weekends, so a calzone at Sauce on the Side is the perfect way to end a night of studying or socializing.
— Tyler B., M1
Crushed Red
Crushed Red, located in Clayton, is an elegant, four-star bistro serving pizza, salad and soup. Eating healthy can be hard, but at Crushed Red, they use a unique combination of flavors to create the most delicious (and healthy) freshly chopped salads and flatbread-style pizzas. Even better, service is friendly and quick. Your food is usually ready by the time you pick a table. I normally avoid salads, but when it comes to the Crushed Red’s Chipotle BBQ Chicken, I could finish a large salad and go back for more. Crushed Red is a perfect place to grab a fresh, well-priced lunch or dinner when you don’t have a lot of time and want something tasty but healthy. Full-sized salads are $6-$10, and pizzas are all under $9.
— Phuong L., M1
Pi Pizza
When I moved to St. Louis from Chicago, my biggest fear was that I would have to say good-bye to my beloved deep-dish pizza. Luckily, I was introduced to Pi, a unique and classy pizza restaurant right in the Central West End. Pi Pizza is made with a delicious cornmeal crust, yummy sauces, and tons of fresh ingredient options. My personal favorite is the Delmar, which is an amazing take on barbecue chicken pizza, but there are lots more traditional or vegetarian options. And for those who aren’t a fan of the best kind of pizza in the world, Pi has delicious thin crust pizza too. Whether you want to enjoy the chic atmosphere or carry out a satisfying meal, you have to try Pi! (Fun fact: When President Obama visited Pi in St. Louis, he said it was the best pizza he’d ever had!)
— Abby R., M1