Small businesses are close to my heart.
As someone who grew up in a farm town, I’ve seen how tight knit communities form as a result of small shops. Small businesses bring neighborhoods together - through a common support of a store, or social hour at a restaurant or bar. When I began working at a local small business myself, I became passionate about shopping local. With each sale, I saw how purchasing from someone in my community directly impacted my boss and her family so that she could provide for her kids, rather than just being a tiny addition to a corporation’s profits. Small businesses have their own unique character, and a sense of pride that you can’t find at a sterile department store.
Each of the restaurants in this blog post are small, St. Louis based businesses - so be sure to consider supporting them next time you are looking to eat out!
Sauce on the Side
“Eat more calzones.” If this is a motto you can get behind, this spot is your new favorite place. With 7 locations in and around the St. Louis area, Sauce on the Side believes everyone should have the chance to enjoy a fresh, hot calzone. Customers can choose from 15 combinations, or build their own. If you’re not big on calzones, there are options for sides, salads, and desserts - in addition to drinks, if you’re dining in. If you don’t feel like going out, it gets even better - they deliver! Just make sure to check their website that you are in an area eligible for delivery.
The Gramophone
Open until 11:30pm every day, The Gramophone serves specialty sandwiches in addition to soups and craft beers. Previously a concert venue, The Gramophone decided to make the switch to focus on being a sandwich pub in 2015, but continues to host artists playing live music almost every day. Their menu features 40 sandwich choices, soups, sides, beverages, and weekly specials. Those who dine in can enjoy an arcade, pool table, ping pong, pinball, and more. Patio seating is available!
Bailey’s Range
Located in downtown STL, just a few blocks from The Old Courthouse, Bailey’s Range proudly serves burgers and shakes made entirely from scratch. They are passionate about providing clean foods with no artificial ingredients, specifically meat from 100% grass and grain fed beef. With a weekly “Burger Battle,” the options on the menu are always changing. Each burger which “loses” (is bought less that week) is kicked to the curb, and a new specialty burger takes its place. Bailey’s Range even gives back to local nonprofits in the area to build a stronger St. Louis community. This destination is perfect for just about any occasion - it’s family friendly, but still offers a wide selection of boozy drinks and over thirty craft beers if it’s a night out.
If you have any small businesses close to your heart in St. Louis, let me know below so I can check them out and maybe feature them! One of the best ways to support a small business for free is to recommend them to others - so be sure to share this post with a friend!
As always, keep exploring...and go grab a bite to eat now!
~Mary
Comments