12 great St. Louis restaurants that are definitely open on Monday, Vol. 3

You know the drill: It’s Monday again, you’re looking for somewhere to eat, you’re close to giving up and grabbing something from your freezer. Don’t do it! We’ve got you; go forth and peruse the third volume of our collection – here are the first and second – of great places to eat on a Monday. 

O’Connell’s Pub
This old-school South City pub sticks to the basics, but in O’Connell’s case, that’s a beautiful thing. From their beloved burgers and onion rings to the ever-popular roast beef sandwich, this is the kind of classic bar food that’s assured to cure your Monday blues.
4652 Shaw Ave., St. Louis, 314.773.6600, oconnells-pub.com 

Katie’s Pizza & Pasta
Katie’s is a safe haven for Italian food lovers in the county. Enjoy a negroni or an Aperol spritz, some black garlic bread and a unique pizza or two, like the squash blossom, the morel and ramp, or the Ted’s meatball.
multiple locations, katiespizzaandpasta.com 

Retreat Gastropub
If you think it’s impossible to find a killer cocktail bar open on Monday, you are wrong! Retreat Gastropub has got all the refreshing, tropical-leaning drinks you could want; or, just stay comfortable with a familiar classic. And while the drinks are great, many go simply because they love the food. Both are valid reasons.
6 N. Sarah St., St. Louis, 314.261.4497, retreatgastropub.com 

Pho Grand
You already know what it is. Pho, banh mi and killer vegetarian dishes. Who could ask for anything more? Bonus: If you’re there for dinner, afterward, you can go down the street for a drink at CBGB, also open on Monday. You’re welcome!  
3195 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, 314.664.7435, phogrand.com

Taqueria El Bronco
This low-key Cherokee Street taqueria has some of the best Mexican food in town. Slide in for an al pastor and a chorizo taco, some chips and salsa and a couple beers.
2817 Cherokee St., St. Louis, 314.762.0691, taqueriaelbronco.com 

Pastaria
If your regular lunch or dinner moves include pasta and wine, you probably already go to Pastaria; if not, add it to your rotation. Definitely get a pizza or two. And a slice of birthday cake at the end, because it’s Monday and you deserve it.
7734 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, 314.862.6603, eatpastaria.com 

Salina’s Mexican Restaurant
This little strip-mall spot in Chesterfield brings huge flavor; it’s satisfying and worth the travel, whether you’re in the neighborhood or in St. Louis city. We love the fish tacos, the steak tacos and the phenomenal house salsa.
20 Clarkson Wilson Center, Chesterfield, 636.530.9010, Facebook: Salina’s Mexican Cafe 

Sauce on the Side
Sometimes you just want a dang calzone and a good salad. That’s totally alright. Between all the diverse sauces and filling options – eggplant! figs! salsa verde! garlic oil! – you’re pretty much guaranteed a serious flavor bomb.
multiple locations, sauceontheside.com 

Southwest Diner
Pickle fries. Tamales. The Southwest Slinger. Buttermilk cornmeal pancakes. Tortas. Enchiladas with red and green chiles. These are a few of our favorite things.
6803 Southwest Ave., St. Louis, 314.260.7244, southwestdinerstl.com 

Smokee Mo’s St. Louis BBQ
Vegans rejoice – this county barbecue spot (which also serves up quality meat), has everything from jackfruit nachos and vegan mac and cheese to tofu burnt ends. All the barbecue sauces slap, so you’ll want to make sure to load up on food to drench with them.
110 Old Meramec Station Road, Manchester, 636.220.1227, smokeemosstlouisbbq.com 

Gioia’s Deli
The hot salami sandwich.
various locations, gioiasdeli.com 

Blue Ocean Sushi
This Loop sushi staple is a Sauce staff favorite. The sushi is quality, but if you aren’t in that zone, you’ll be safe with a hearty bowl of ramen and a nice cocktail – something for everyone.
6335 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, 314.726.6477, blueoceanstl.com