Olive + Oak has enduring appeal in Webster Groves

Sauce 75: the essential St. Louis restaurants right now

Olive + Oak’s hefty, crowd-pleasing burger can now also be found at St. Louis City SC’s CityPark, but to understand the restaurant’s enduring appeal, a trip to Webster Groves is essential. The cheese curds are an addictive must-order appetizer, with their puffy, crisp exterior, gooey interior and accompanying side of charred scallion aioli. The cocktail program also shines: The menu is frequently rotated but always features interesting and unique combinations of ingredients. On a recent visit, we enjoyed the No. 31 (the cocktails are designated solely by a number) with charred poblano-infused pisco and an array of fruits, but any cocktail here will please the most discerning of palates, including the #94 we featured a few years ago.

216 W. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, 314.736.1370, oliveandoak.oohosp.com

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The Sauce 75 is a photomosaic of the best in St. Louis dining. 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.