Ian Froeb's STL 100 (2018 archive)

Urban Chestnut Brewery & Bierhall and the U.R.B.

Urban Chestnut Brewery & Bierhall would have returned to the STL 100 this year regardless, thanks to its terrific, German-accented pub fare, including a strong contender for the best pommes frites in town. This year’s entry carries an exclamation point, though. At the very end of 2016, the brewery opened the U.R.B. just across the street from its sprawling Grove facility. Here guests can sample and provide feedback on new beers. They can also order New York-style pizza by the slice or whole pie. With its tangy, airy and crisp-bottomed crust made from naturally fermented dough, the U.R.B.’s pizza is already surging up my list of St. Louis favorites.

Hours: Bierhall: Lunch and dinner daily;the U.R.B.: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-7 p.m. Sunday

Last year's ranking: Rest of the Best

Opened: 2014 (Bierhall), 2016 (The U.R.B.)

Must order: Pommes frites (Bierhall, $6-$8) and pizza by the slice (the U.R.B., price varies)

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