Photo by Hillary Levin (Post-Dispatch)
Planter's House
Yes, the STL 100 is about restaurants. As I wrote in last year’s edition, Planter’s House belongs on the list for chef Sam Boettler’s cooking here (on a recent visit, duck breast and egg noodles in a deeply savory duck-miso broth). Still, I must applaud what co-owner and cocktail whiz Ted Kilgore and his bar team do, not only mixing excellent drinks both classic and of their own creation but also introducing entirely new themed menus now and then. As I write this, that theme is “Arrested Development,” and the Mr. Manager is a callback to one of the sitcom’s (many, many) jokes and a great cocktail even if you have never seen an episode: tequila, pistachio orgeat and banana liqueur brightened by grapefruit and lime, with the lingering spice of mole bitters.
Hours: Dinner Tuesday-Sunday (closed Monday)
Last year's ranking: Rest of the Best
Opened: 2013