Niche Food Group’s Joe Luckey Shares His Favorite St. Louis Restaurants, Patios, and Go-To Spots

When he's not making pizza at Fordo's Killer Pizza, Executive Chef Joe Luckey enjoys exploring the St. Louis restaurant scene. From neighborhood patios and standout cocktails to biking to his favorite neighborhood park, these are a few of the St. Louis restaurants and local spots he keeps coming back to.

Favorite St. Louis Patio: "DefinitelyBrasserie by Niche. It's great people-watching. The Central West End has a bustle about it that I really like. I also love grabbing Fordo's Killer Pizza, and taking it over to the patio at 'sippi."

Favorite Sweet Treat in St. Louis: "I'm a sucker for Pastaria's vanilla gelato. People love to say vanilla is boring, but when you have real vanilla, it's such a complex flavor. The pistachio tea cake from Bowood by Niche is also incredible."

Pro tip: You can pick up Pastaria gelato at Fordo’s Killer Pizza, as well!

Best Pizza in St. Louis: "Fordo’s Killer Pizza. If I'm eating pizza outside of work, it's probably Union Loafers or Louie. I still need to make it to Nicky's Slices, too! And yes, I will absolutely crush a whole Imo's Pizza by myself."

Best Cocktails in St. Louis: "None Of The Above has the best cocktails, far and away. One night, after closing up at our Fordo's Killer Pizza location inside City Foundry STL, a tornado watch was issued. Two of our sous chefs and I went downstairs to None Of The Aboveto wait it out. Honestly, it couldn't have been a better place to spend the evening and wait out the storm."

Favorite St. Louis Park: "I love Forest Park like any St. Louisan, but I'd rather hop on my bike with a Pastaria Deli & Wine prosciutto sandwich and head to Tower Grove Park… perhaps with a bottle of bubbly."

From Fordo's handcrafted pizza (we would argue the best pizza in St. Louis) and NOTA's iconic cocktails to the city's best patios, parks, and neighborhood gems, Joe Luckey's recommendations showcase why the St. Louis restaurant scene is one of the Midwest's most exciting food destinations. If you're searching for the best restaurants in St. Louis, the best cocktails in St. Louis, or simply what to do this weekend in St. Louis, Joe’s list is a great place to start.