For more than a century, Al’s has stood at the banks of the Mississippi beckoning those who want good food and service. There are multifarious reasons why it is the only local family run restaurant in the same location after a century. From its very beginning, the maven of Al’s, Louise Barroni attracted riverfront dock workers and railroad staff from far and near to the eatery. Her egg sandwiches were a magnet. Then in the 1960s, a fire sheared off the second floor and Al Barroni Jr. took the opportunity to transform Al’s into a fine dining establishment now known worldwide. Celebrities, heads of state, movies stars such as Henry Fonda and Frank Sinatra still have tables there. But “what happens at Al’s, stays at Al’s,” a phrase coined there long before Las Vegas borrowed it. Privacy is valued and is equal to the unparalleled, elegant tableside service and exquisite food. It is a hidden gem of luxury dining in St. Louis many have yet to discover.
As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary this summer, Father's Day arrives with a fitting reminder that some traditions remain timeless. Since the earliest days of the Republic, beef has occupied a special place on the American table. From frontier cattle drives to the grand steakhouses that emerged in the country's growing cities, steak has long symbolized abundance, achievement, and celebration. It is little wonder, then, that Father's Day consistently ranks among the busiest dining days of the year for America's premier steakhouses such as Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse near the iconic Gateway Arch and the westward expansion in Chesterfield.
There are certain holidays that arrive with obligation—and then there are those that arrive with reverence. Mother's Day belongs, unequivocally, to the latter. In St. Louis, the second Sunday in May is not simply marked; it is curated. It is a day when gratitude is translated into beauty, indulgence, and, increasingly, experience. And for the city’s most discerning families, the question is no longer whether to celebrate—but how exquisitely. Because in St. Louis, as in New York City or Paris, sophistication is not defined by how much is spent—but by how thoughtfully it is given. On Sunday in May, 10, 2026 nothing is more luxurious than getting it exactly right.
If you are reading this, you are the FIRST to see our May/June 2026 issue. In it, we explore how St. Louis continues to leave its imprint on the world stage. Our cover story, “The Rooms That Speak: Lou Bopp and the Art of Photographing Absence,” is a deeply moving piece that will leave a lasting impression on you. It is a poignant look at the creation of a 2026 Oscar-winning documentary by a St. Louis photographer. It is, quite simply, unforgettable. We also take a deep dive into two other St. Louis institutions, the 101-year-old Al’s Restaurant, which was the very definition of fine dining in yesteryear and carries the torch today in St. Louis and beyond. Also read about how Stifel Financial Corporation Chairman and CEO Ronald J. Kruszewski ensures that their brand is carried throughout the nation and the world.
Spring. Ah, glorious spring. The parties. The food. The activities. St. Louis loves the warm weather. We embrace it. There is so much to do here. We all want to live our lives like they are golden. The stores glimmer throughout the metropolis like flowers on a sunny day. The restaurants and bars across the St. Louis area are welcoming guests back outdoors with vibrant patio spaces, seasonal menus, and warm-weather specials. From sunny brunch spots to lively happy hours and sunset dinners, patio season offers locals and visitors new ways to enjoy the city's most beloved destinations. From Passover, to Easter, to Derby Day and Earth Day, and of course, Mother’s Day, St. Louis in the spring is magical. Drink it up!
Out of smoke comes fire. The new Mainlander Restaurant in the Central West End is indeed on fire. After it was gutted by a fire in 2022, Mainlander has moved a few blocks north and now occupies the far bigger space at 392 Euclid. You loved it the first time. You’ll love it even more now. The vibe is part-Brady Bunch family room and part “Mad Men” slink. It’s dark, but what low light there is catches on a row of jewel-like candy dishes. Kitschy cocktails and its menu of glorious multifarious foods come from the owners. Blake Askew has German roots and a deep knowledge of French culinary techniques, which meld into a delightful fusion with co-owner Gordon Chen’s Taiwanese influences. Read more and see their amazing food here.
It's love month in the Lou! Whether you're going on a date night, celebrating Galentine's, planning an office outing or enjoying a friends and family parties, these Valentine's events and activities offer something special to warm everyone's heart during February 2026.
Valentine’s Day 2026 falls on a Saturday this year. All weekend long, romance will be in the air. Lovers will be in search of romantic spots where Cupid’s arrow pierces the heart of their paramours because they chose a place where discriminating palates marry distinctive atmospheres. Here are some of those places.
Red wine is a cornerstone of any Valentine’s Day celebration, setting the mood for romantic dinners, heartfelt toasts, and moments meant to be lingered over. Elegant, personal, and timeless, wine is the perfect gift for expressing love. This Valentine’s Day, Aperture Cellars offers a curated selection of Cabernet Sauvignons designed to elevate the occasion. Aperture Cellars wine pairings are sure to make Valentine’s Day and the entire season of love flow with delicious liquid reds.
The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza is offering couples an evening of timeless romance this February. Valentine's Day offerings at the historic, luxury hotel live up to the elegance and sophistication which are the hallmark of the storied St. Louis treasure. Treat your significant other like royalty this Valentine’s Day with a refined romantic dinner at The Preston. Extend your experience with the choice of two overnight packages where every detail is thoughtfully curated for an unforgettable escape for the season of love. Details here.
As Valentine’s Day 2026 fast approaches next month, newly appointed general manager Joey Kelly is poised to create an unparalleled experience at Ruth’s Chris Steak House for couples and singles alike for the season of love. Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, the storied restaurant is celebrating all week and weekend. Singles, gal pals, friends and lovers alike are expected at Ruth’s Chris Chesterfield in the expert hands of Joey and his team.
This January, Clementine’s Ice Creamery celebrates Veganuary, a global movement that encourages people to explore a plant-based lifestyle during the first month of the year. Whether guests go fully vegan or want to make more mindful choices, Veganuary is all about discovering delicious swaps that don't sacrifice flavor. All month long, Clementine's Ice Cream will be unveiling new, vibrant dairy-free flavors. From refreshing sorbets to luxuriously creamy coconut-based scoops, there will be something to please every palate!
Happy New Year, connoisseurs of fine wines. Throughout 2026, we will sharing with you recent wine discoveries of globetrotting wine expert Vicki Denig. She will feature five recent standouts in each issue. As a wine and travel journalist, as well as a Certified Specialist of Wine, based between New York and Paris, she will detail the history and nuances of the vintages and let you know why you might want these gems in your cellar. Bonjour!
For decades, Bissinger’s — one of the oldest names in American confectionery — and the Abel family’s Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company have been guardians of that craft. Today, they’re doing something harder: translating hand-made heritage into modern growth, with a bold expansion plan that plants the St. Louis chocolate story in two of America’s most competitive arenas — Nashville and New York City. Hit the sweet spot by reading the whole story and seeing the treats that made them a household name.
As soon as the final bottle of champagne is popped on New Year’s Eve, more and more people are hitting the reset button on the booze and skip it New Year’s Day — in fact for all of January. Dry January is a popular New Year's resolution that started out as a short term detox whose purpose was to undo the excesses and indulgences of the holiday season. Today, for a number of reasons, although the month is cold, Dry January is hot. Everywhere you look it is trending with multitudinous ways do what alcohol helps most people do — unwind, connect with others, and have fun. Here we explore the trend that is catching fire.
As 2026 dawns, 5,280 circular Waterford crystal discs will fall from the sky on the ball in Times Square. Like fine Waterford crystal, 2026 rings in the fourteenth year that Sophisticated Living St. Louis has brought you the finest. Get a sampling here of what 2026 has to offer in the pages of the January/February issue of St. Louis’ leading luxury lifestyle magazine.
2026 is on the horizon, and many high-end St. Louis destinations will help you ring in the new year in style. From all-inclusive events, to sit-down prix fixe menu experiences, celebrate New Year’s Eve & Day with Champagne toasts, raw bars, prix fixe menus, and more at places ranging from the glamorous Ritz Carlton’s Lobby Lounge, to None of the Above, the speakeasy-style cocktail lounge located underground at City Foundry STL.
The holidays are in the air. Everywhere you look you can see it. The holidays in St. Louis are as electric as the lights that dot the cityscape. Neiman’s and Saks are decked in gay apparel. Keyboards are clicking rapidly ordering from Amazon. Thanksgiving feasts are being planned. Travel arrangements are made. And you want to do it right. You want to do it with style. We can help. Here, we present our annual Sophisticated Guide to the Holidays. We’ve assembled a curated collection of places to eat. Places to go. Things to give. Things to do. And Things to see. From A-Z, there’s a virtual charcuterie of board goodies to select from in St. Louis.
Brandon Benack, Truffles Restaurant’s long time executive chef, a master of hand-rolled pasta, is now making house calls. He shows up to your house looking like he's about to commit a crime. He’s got a gun case slung over his shoulder and a massive cutting board tucked under his arm. Fear not. That case holds his collection of antique pasta-making tools. That cutting board becomes the stage for the resurrection of centuries-old Italian pasta traditions that most people have never seen. He is the “pasta assassin.”
Soon we will be singing Auld Lang Syne as we say farewell to 2025. Throughout 2025, we’ve shared with you the good life, both near and far. We are the region’s leading luxury lifestyle omnichannel publication. From print, to digital, to social media, we make sure that you have your finger on the pulse. Let’s take a look back at 2025 through the lens of our issues of the last 10 months, and say hello to our newly-minted November/December issue, which will be available soon.
