Little Fox is a lively restaurant and bar in Fox Park

Sauce 75: the essential St. Louis restaurants right now

Life can feel pretty sweet with a glass of orange wine (or craft spirit-free cocktail) in your hand as the sun sets on Little Fox’s extremely pleasant covered patio. And that’s even before the food comes out. Bar snacks and small plates are key here. The royal trumpets from Ozark Forest Mushrooms are luxe, as are the crispy artichokes and the little gem salad with cured egg yolk, pistachios and buttermilk vinaigrette. Or go bigger and plump for one of the entrées, such as the Slagel Farms flatiron steak with tallow butter. The interior feels smooth, soothingly hued, but always lively with chatter. Spur-of-the-moment reservations are a rarity here, so reserve your special occasions in advance, but a few spots are always held back for walk-in guests.

2800 Shenandoah Ave., St. Louis, 314.553.9456, littlefoxstl.com

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The Sauce 75 is a photomosaic of the best in St. Louis dining in 2024. This list is a celebration of the diverse skills, techniques and culinary traditions that meet across our region. In sum, it tells a story about where St. Louis has been, where it is now and where it’s going next. Many great and good St. Louis restaurants have not made the cut. (Seventy-five is a lot fewer than you think!) Restaurants are constantly growing and evolving and go through ups and downs. Newly opened restaurants can take time to find their feet: There are a few exciting new places we’re cheering for, but which we feel haven’t yet fully hit their stride. Read the entire list here.