6.26.26

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A message from dining editor George Mahe

Don’t ask me why, but I’m a sucker for stories about tiny homes, The Rolling Stones, restaurant listicles, and tipping. Tipping, in particular, remains a source of endless debate, especially as expectations continue to evolve. That’s why I was interested to see fresh data released this week by Toast, the restaurant point-of-sale and reservations platform used by thousands of operators nationwide. This article notes that the average restaurant tip at Toast restaurants in the United States is 19.3 percent at full-service restaurants (FSRs) and 15.8 percent at quick-service restaurants (QSRs), figures that have remained remarkably stable over the past two years. Takeout orders generate an average tip of 13.7 percent, likely reflecting the reduced level of service involved. The report also ranks states by tipping generosity. Delaware leads the nation at 22.1 percent overall, while California comes in last at 17.3 percent. Missouri is tied for 19th place, with diners tipping 20.2 percent at FSRs, 16.9 percent at QSRs, and 19.8 percent overall. Despite all of the recent handwringing over tip fatigue, the data suggests that Americans haven’t dramatically changed their habits. Whether dining in, grabbing takeout, or ordering at the counter, most guests are still tipping at rates that would have looked perfectly normal a few years ago—no better, no worse.

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ARCH EATS PODCAST

A St. Louisans guide to steak: Where to buy it and how to cook it perfectly

Tune in for a deep dive into all things steak: the best places to buy it in St. Louis and the secrets to choosing, seasoning, and cooking it. Watch on YouTube or listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify »

St. Louis Supper Club

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Tickets are on sale now for the next Supper Club on July 28 at 7 p.m. As always, the location remains a secret until the morning of the event. The evening is an exclusive fine-dining experience, complete with a multi-course menu and expertly paired wines and drinks.

The last four Supper Clubs (hosted at Bowood, Lucy Quinn, Madrina, and Basso at the Plaza) have all sold out quickly. This one is expected to do the same, so don’t wait. Tickets will go fast!

Get tickets now »

Find out how you can get first dibs on tickets next time with St. Louis Insider.

Hot Spot

Dinner Takes Center Stage

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is partnering with exclusive private events caterer PLACE & TIME for a two-night immersive dining experience celebrating The Rep’s 60th anniversary season. “CENTER STAGE: Food as Character, Ritual & Spectacle” takes place July 24 and 25 at the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts (130 Edgar) and features a six-course dinner inspired by iconic plays and musicals in which food plays a central role in storytelling. Tickets are $250 per person. Reservations are available here.

Insider Tip

Double Gold Medal Bourbon

St. Louis-based StilL 630 Distillery (1000 S. 4th) recently earned national recognition when its Due Process Five Year Bourbon was named America’s “Best Cask Strength Whiskey” at the 2026 American Distilling Institute International Spirits Competition. The bourbon also received “Best of Category” honors and a Double Gold Medal. Bottled at full-cask strength (130 proof) and aged for five years, the release is the latest in owner David Weglarz’s line of award-winning whiskeys. Only 200 bottles were released in a limited, distillery-only sale earlier this month. A handful of 750-ml bottles remain and are available here for $75. Maybe pick up a bottle at the 14th annual StilL 630 Day party this Saturday from 5–9 p.m. Guests will find new spirit releases, awesome cocktails, food, and more. Admission is free.

Microrant

Not Reading Before Ordering

Every server has encountered a guest who asks questions that are already answered on the menu or who orders a dish and then complains because it arrived exactly as advertised. Sorry, pal, but don’t expect the kitchen to remake a dish just because you glossed over its description. Taking the time to comprehend what’s being offered saves everyone time, frustration, and especially that awkward conversation when the server has to gently point out what the menu clearly states.

A MESSAGE FROM ST. LOUIS CITY SC

Kickstart at Berra Park

Kids aged 5–12 can learn soccer from CITY community coaches on June 30 from 4–6 p.m.! Kickstart presented by SumnerOne is an introduction to the fun of the game.

Learn More Here »

Chico Bueno brings a Los Angeles taqueria-inspired concept to the Grove

Chico Bueno now open in The Grove

Good Company’s Jordan Goodman is opening two Mexican dining concepts in the former Lucy Quinn/Little Lucy space: a casual taco spot and a high-end restaurant featuring tasting menus.

The Space: The dual-concept approach allows restaurateur Jordan Goodman and chef Adrian Maldonado to offer both a casual taqueria and an upscale dining experience under one roof. The larger side, Chico Bueno, houses a Los Angeles-inspired counter-service taco shop, while the intimate 24-seat Chico Malo features a communal tasting-menu format. Existing design elements have been refreshed with colorful Mexican-inspired artwork, décor, and a playful mascot named Juan.

The Menu: At Chico Bueno, Maldonado draws on his Mexican and Los Angeles roots with street-food staples elevated by premium ingredients. Expect tacos filled with carnitas, lamb belly barbacoa, al pastor, chicken tinga, and Baja fish, as well as house-made birote tortas, molotes, esquites, guacamole, and family recipes such as rice and beans. At Chico Malo (opening July 9), the chef showcases Mexico’s regional cuisines through an ambitious eight- to 10-course tasting menu, supported by a high-end masa program and fine-dining techniques honed at Sidney Street Café.

BRANDED CONTENT

STAGES St. Louis: Building community beyond the stage

Live theatre creates shared experiences where audiences gather together, sparking conversation, emotional connection, and cultural understanding. Learn more about theatre’s impact from STAGES' executive producer.

The dining room, bar, and food window at The Key STL

Review: The Key STL hits all the right notes in Grand Center

The burger bar and music venue delivers excellent smashburgers and standout fries—but it’s a surprisingly stellar shrimp taco that reveals the kitchen’s true potential.

The Space: The Kranzberg Arts Foundation opened The Key last fall as part of its effort to strengthen the neighborhood’s dining and entertainment scene. The restaurant embraces a sports-bar-meets-concert-hall vibe, featuring St. Louis–themed murals, pinball, TVs, and local memorabilia, while the adjacent Boogie venue showcases live performances that add energy and vibrancy to the district.

The Menu: Although burgers headline the menu, The Key’s biggest surprise may be its outstanding Gulf shrimp tacos, featuring perfectly cooked shrimp, mango salsa, avocado salsa, and cotija cheese. The kitchen also excels with a rich shrimp dip, extra-crispy wings, and smashburgers made with pasture-raised beef from Price Family Farms. Hand-cut Belgian-style fries are among the city’s best, especially when paired with house-made sauces, such as garlic mayo and Dutch-inspired Joppiesaus. Notes writer Cheryl Baehr, “The Joppiesaus was so tasty, I wanted to dip everything in it: the fries, the wings, my cheeseburger, even the shrimp tacos.”

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