Photo by Laurie Skrivan (Post-Dispatch)
Southwest Diner
Southwest Diner has become such an institution — perpetually crowded (a wait is more or less mandatory on the weekend), its look neither nostalgic nor sleek but charmingly lived-in — that I sometimes have to remind myself the restaurant is only 5 years old. You make yourself how-did-we-live-without-this? essential when you’re both the only New Mexican restaurant in town and a place that does something other than just eggs and bacon for breakfast. (Though the eggs and dishes like biscuits and gravy here are well-executed.) The crash course for newcomers? Posole as a starter and then the carne adovada (red-chile braised pork with eggs and home fries).
Hours: Breakfast and lunch daily (closes at 2 p.m.
Opened: 2012
Must order: Carne adovada ($10)