Photo by Hillary Levin (Post-Dispatch)
Jerk Soul
Zahra Spencer and Telie Woods intended to open a small beachfront restaurant in St. Thomas in Spencer’s native U.S. Virgin Islands. Soon after, Woods, who hails from Chicago, joined Spencer in St. Thomas, Hurricane Irma wrecked the island. Woods then returned to the United States, via Puerto Rico, right before Hurricane Maria arrived. He ended up in St. Louis and quickly found a storefront for him and Spencer to open a restaurant in the Hyde Park neighborhood. This isn’t St. Thomas, but the jerk chicken, brasied oxtails and other dishes at this carryout-only restaurant will put you in mind of the Caribbean. The menu includes both classic dishes, “fusions” like nachos and pizza topped with jerk chicken, and vegetarian fare based around black-bean patties.
Hours: Noon-8 p.m. daily (closed Saturday)
Last year's ranking: New this year
Opened: 2018