Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Midtown

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Midtown? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Frida’s

4.9

4.9 (188)

$31 to $50

Vegetarian / Vegan

University City

About the restaurant

Frida’s and Bonito Bar serve bold, scratch-made dishes like braised short ribs, award-winning burgers, and fresh juice margaritas. Our sleek, intimate space features carrara marble tables, flattering low lighting and a gold-ceiling bar—the perfect setting to dine in style.

Recently voted Best Chef 2024 by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Chef Natasha Kwan crafts every dish with precision and passion. Located just north of Clayton, Frida’s blends sophistication, exceptional flavors and a setting made for those who appreciate the finer things.

Top review

Christine

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

We had a lovely evening. The food & service were excellent. However, the music was a little loud. As more diners arrived, they needed to raise their voices in order to have conversation. That was annoying but something easy to rectify.

The Capital Grille - St. Louis - Clayton

4.8

4.8 (2063)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Clayton

About the restaurant

Make it a day to remember. From birthdays and anniversaries to professional milestones, we aim to make every gathering special at The Capital Grille. Open seven days a week, The Capital Grille is best known for our expertly prepared steaks, which are dry aged in house for 18 to 24 days and then hand-cut by our restaurant's on-premise butcher. The Capital Grille's wine list features more than 350 selections, and its floor-to-ceiling wine kiosk regularly houses 3,500 - 5,000 bottles. Reservations are recommended but not required. For more information, please visit our website. We look forward to delighting you.

Top review

MikeVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Outstanding lunch and Jason our waiter is always a pro!!

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Popular dish

Caesar Salad

Oceano Bistro - Clayton

4.7

4.7 (3626)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Clayton

About the restaurant

Welcome to Oceano Bistro, St. Louis premiere fresh fish bistro.

Our chefs, in partnerships with fishermen, farmers, and food artisans have searched the world's seas to bring the St. Louis area what is enjoyed by those who are living on the coast. We then pair it innovative and exciting fresh local producers and flavor combinations certain to dazzle every discerning palate at prices that are a great value for a great catch.

Top review

Steve

Dined 4 days ago

We always enjoy Oceana. It is a great play to dine.

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4.7

4.7 (2146)

$50 and over

Seafood

Clayton

About the restaurant

801 Fish offers only globally sourced finned fish and crustaceans from the world's most pristine waters. You'll find chef driven cuisine coupled with exemplary service in a sophisticated and modern aquatic atmosphere at the Clayton restaurant across the street from its sister, 801 Chophouse. In addition to our beautiful and social distanced dining room, we offer limited outdoor seating, available on a first come first served basis.

Top review

Brad

Dined 1 day ago

Fresh oysters and selections are incredibly delicious! Yum

Diego's Cantina

4.7

4.7 (472)

$30 and under

Mexican

University City

About the restaurant

Owned and operated by Natasha Kwan, St. Louis Post Dispatch's Best Chef in St. Louis, our elevated Mexican restaurant blends vibrant flavors with a tropical atmosphere that feels like a vacation, taking you far from St. Louis. We’re located in a charming University City neighborhood, just steps from Clayton.

Our menu features plates like queso flameado, costra and crunch tacos, enchiladas, nachos and a few Tex-Mex options. Cocktails and margaritas are crafted with fresh-squeezed juices and premium ingredients. 

We offer all-day happy hour Tuesday through Thursday. We also accommodate parties of 10 or more for special celebrations.

Other accolades:
Best New Restaurant, A-List Restaurant (St. Louis Magazine)
Best Queso (Ian Froeb of St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

To Note:
Gluten free friendly - our fryer is dedicated gluten free so eat all the chips you want!
Many vegan options
Dog friendly patio and sidewalk

Top review

Charles HoffmanVIP

Dined 1 day ago

More authentic Mexican than most. Service was outstanding as usual. Comfortable, friendly place.

Hangar Kitchen + Bar

4.7

4.7 (699)

$31 to $50

American

Rock Hill

About the restaurant

Join us for a Night out on the corner of Manchester and Mcknight. Inside seating available. Please call 314-473-1221 to book a Party over 6 People. Currently Featuring Holiday Cocktails 🎄

Top review

Austin

Dined on Nov 23, 2024

Maddie was our server and she was fantastic, and had great recommendations. The food was wonderful and the “Coming in Hot” cocktail was delicious! The Calabrian flatbread was the table favorite and the cookie skillet. The owner was super kind and welcoming, and the ambiance of the restaurant is fun and lively! 10/10 would recommend!

Beyond Sweet

4.6

4.6 (307)

$50 and over

American

The Loop

About the restaurant

Beyond Sweet Kitchen + Bar is St. Louis' newest vibe.

Top review

Cynthia

Dined 2 days ago

I've been a member of my book club 4 20 yrs. We meet in IL. And we are librarians & teachers. This was the 1st time they came to STL. I chose Beyond Sweet 4 dining. They were quite pleased with the great service, the excellent food & memorable customer service. I can't remember the name of our server but he was awesome! Had a beard & was 30?? My book club member was trying 2 hook him up w her daughter!! It was a lovely experience. It's my 3rd time experiencing this lovely culinary experience!! Thanks Dallas!!!

Louie's Wine Dive - Saint Louis

4.5

4.5 (463)

$31 to $50

Wine Bar

Clayton

About the restaurant

Louie's Wine Dive is an unpretentious wine bar where guests can try an assortment of wine and some delicious food to go with them. Come check out our wine board with rotating specialty wines and cocktails. Monday is all day happy hour and we do brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Thank you to all of our wonderful guests who make this place amazing. Please call to make a reservation for a party of 5 or more and limited reservations are available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Walk ins are always welcome!

Top review

Scott

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

Food was very good. Deserts were wonderful. Watching the food prepared and plated was fun. If you're looking for a place to have a quiet dinner and be able to hear and talk, this is not the place for you.

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Popular dish

Beignets

Peel Wood Fired Pizza

4.3

4.3 (668)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Clayton

About the restaurant

Peel Wood Fired Pizza is a local, chef-owned business. You can really taste the difference when all menu and recipe decisions are made by chefs who are passionate about the food and taste experience.

Top review

Joshua

Dined 4 days ago

Food and drinks brought timely. Happy hour apps were good, large enough & adequate for group.

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Popular dish

Balsamic Chicken

Casa Don Alfonso - The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis

4.3

4.3 (1281)

$50 and over

Mediterranean

Clayton

About the restaurant

*2024 WINE SPECTATOR BEST OF AWARD OF EXCELLENCE*

Renown Italian restaurateur Mario Laccarino is pleased to invite guests for a taste of the Sorrento Coast at Casa Don Alfonso. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, the menu tells the story of traditions passed down for generations in the family homes of southern Italy. These recipes come from a magical place, ripe with the culture and beauty of the Mediterranean. Alongside an unmistakable commitment to hospitality and service, Casa Don Alfonso brings hand-crafted flavors and carefully chosen ingredients with every bite.

Family of Iaccarino honors the culinary heritage of the Campania region, with seasonal ingredients that closely resemble the sun-kissed produce harvested at the Iaccarino family’s farm. Fresh, handmade pastas create an edible narrative of the Iaccarino legacy, while whimsical desserts transport guests to Naples’ nostalgic bakeries.

From Sorrento to St. Louis, we look forward to welcoming you soon.

Top review

RickVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Food is great. Pizza very good and perfectly prepared. Gnocchi pasta special was unique. Fish well prepared. Service was high level and attentive. Value is not high and you pay for the experience.

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