Photo by Christian Gooden (Post-Dispatch)
Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co.
Many restaurants, even great ones, need years to evolve into the best versions of themselves. Occasionally, though, a restaurant is exactly right from day one. Such is the case at Kevin Nashan’s Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co., which identified St. Louis’ need for a casual, chef-driven seafood restaurant and has filled it with gusto. Nashan’s devotion to exceptional ingredients lifts straightforward dishes like lobster rolls, lobster and crab boils, and shrimp po’boys to best-in-town status. And while lobster, shrimp and crab are the stars here, don’t overlook such hidden gems as the fried-clam roll or the po’boy with beef brisket.
Hours: Dinner daily, lunch Monday-Friday (opens at 1:30 p.m. Sunday)
Opened: 2014
Must order: Fried-clam roll ($9)