Tag: Food in Sainte Genevieve

American Custard Co. In a town famous for French colonial history, American Custard Co. represents something equally important—what happens when a family-owned establishment decides that consistency and quality matter more than convenience. Located near the water park, this local flagship for American fare delivers proof that chain restaurants didn’t create modern fast food because it’s inevitable but rather because it’s profitable. Every detail receives attention that corporate standardization abandoned decades ago. The burgers—whether standard classics or featuring culinary twists—are cooked properly with actual technique. Hot chicken sandwiches can be grilled for those seeking healthier options without sacrificing flavor. The fries swim in beef tallow like they’re supposed to be, not vegetable oil. Salads feature fresh lettuce and homemade vinaigrette rather than mass-produced dressing. The coffee rivals St. Louis Starbucks, eliminating the need to miss city amenities while visiting. And the frozen custard that gives the establishment its name? It fills the role Ted Drewe’s plays in the city—genuine frozen custard excellence capturing what dessert should be. This is Ste. Genevieve’s testament to community commitment: a family working their tale off serving fresh-cooked food reflecting care that can’t be systematized or franchised. Family Ownership: Work Ethic Visible in Every Detail American Read more…

The Anvil Saloon & Restaurant At 46 South Third Street on Ste. Genevieve’s historic downtown square, The Anvil doesn’t chase trends or Michelin stars—it does something far more enduring. For nearly 170 years, this building has delivered honest, home-cooked comfort food in atmosphere so authentically old-time that you half expect steamboat captains and frontier merchants to walk through the door. The centerpiece isn’t just the food, though those world-famous onion rings are genuinely legendary. It’s the bar itself: a massive, ornate back bar that arrived via steamboat in the 1850s, reportedly salvaged from a vessel that sank or ran aground in the Mississippi River, then hauled by oxcart to this building where it’s anchored conversations, celebrations, and community gatherings for nearly 170 years. The combination of uncompromised comfort food, authentic historical character, and genuine small-town hospitality creates dining experience that keeps locals returning weekly and tourists traveling from Europe, Asia, and across America specifically to experience what The Anvil delivers. Building History: From Hardware Store to Beloved Institution The building began as a hardware store (1850-1855), hence the “Anvil” name referencing the blacksmith’s tool. In 1855, the Vaeth family purchased it and transformed it into a gentlemen’s saloon, installing that Read more…

Audubon’s Restaurant  The Unequivocal Center of Downtown Ste. Geneviève Nestled in the heart of downtown Ste. Genevieve at 9 North Main Street, Audubon’s occupies a century-old building that has anchored the town’s social scene since 1901. Originally the historically famous Palace Bar starting in 1903, the restaurant reopened under current ownership in 2015 with a mission to reflect the cultural identity and history of Ste. Genevieve through scratch-made cuisine. The menu celebrates the town’s diverse heritage—French, Cajun, German, and Italian dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients. One satisfied guest summed it up: “We ended our wine tasting day with dinner at the Audubon. We had the Schnitzel, Cajun Shrimp and mushroom burger. All were wonderful! Staff is great! Facility is clean.” Where the Past Meets the Present Audubon’s philosophy centers on giving visitors a chance to taste the history and diversity of Ste. Genevieve’s community while offering locals an opportunity to taste a bit of their own heritage. The scratch-made menu balances upscale dining with comfort food familiarity—German schnitzel and spaetzle sit alongside Cajun pasta, French onion soup, Italian fettuccine, and American classics like burgers and brick oven pizza. Signature dishes draw consistent praise. The pork schnitzel comes “bigger than Read more…

February 4, 2023 Do you love eating chocolate and shopping? Then this event is for you! Join in the delicious fun on the first Saturday in February in historic downtown Ste. Geneviève. With the purchase of a ticket, you will be able to sample a yummy chocolate treat at each participating shop while you explore the unique items for sale! Only 300 tickets are available, and they always sell out in advance. To purchase tickets go to:  https://downtown-sainte-genevieve.square.site/ . This event is sponsored by Downtown Ste. Geneviève. Read more…

Location: Historic Downtown Ste. Geneviève Attention shoppers: Follow the Cookie Crumb Trail! Sample cookies and collect recipes to get started on your own Christmas baking! Participating downtown shops will feature a different cookie recipe and have sample cookies for you to taste. Proceeds go to a local family in need. Just in time for Christmas! Read more…