Quick – how many restaurants are in Downtown Kirkwood? There are over 40 restaurants featuring hundreds of delicious menu choices, from Chilean sea bass to a Bravocado bowl. If you haven’t been to a Downtown Kirkwood restaurant in a while or just need a great place to grab a bite with family or friends, these are a few local favorites to keep in mind when some asks, "Who's hungry?"
Amigos Cantina - Have you tried the Honey Pear Margarita? It's the perfect blend of honey, pear juice, and El Jimador Blanco Triple Sec. Known for its incredible margaritas, Amigos general manager Joe Kennedy attributes its 15 years of success to the quality of their freshly made food. "We stay true to our roots," said Joe. In addition to their secret-recipe margaritas, the most popular and authentic items on the menu are the fish and shrimp tacos and the fajitas. The menu includes daily specials, and if a dish is a hit, Marcella, the kitchen manager, will permanently add it to the menu. Joe credits his remarkable staff for creating an inviting atmosphere that keeps customers returning to share a meal with family and friends at Amigos.
Imo's Pizza -Step into Imo's Pizza on a Friday night and you'll find owner Michael Prosperi crafting pizzas – the same as he's done for the past 30 years. "I've been around a long time, and it only gets better," said Michael. He's excited to introduce a new cauliflower crust pizza. In a town with many pizza options, Michael graciously said, "I want to thank our customers for all these years." He praises his team for enthusiastically embracing his mantra, "Let's plan on making everyone happy tonight." Michael noted, "You'd be surprised how many people come here because of our staff. I've got the best team you could imagine." Not to mention St. Louis' iconic pizza.
Mike Duffy's - Mike started the restaurant because his buddies craved a burger, beer, and sports spot for lunch. Katie, his wife, was his first hire. What began with just ten tables, the restaurant has expanded four times, including adding a patio. Stepping into Mike Duffy's Pub & Grill feels cozy and inviting, like home – perfect for connecting with friends and family. With daily specials, renowned burgers, "tremendous" fried chicken, pizza, and "phenomenal" meatloaf, Mike Duffy's secret lies in consistency. "Excellent food and friendly service every time," said Mike, reflecting on the past 37 years.
Sapore - The name means "flavor" in Italian. Paul Buzzetta, the founder of Sapore Italian restaurant since 2011, showcases diversity, spotlighting favorites like Chilean sea bass, seafood risotto, Prince Edward mussels and clams, lemon chicken, and amatriciana pasta. Paul developed recipes passed down by his mother and proudly talked about his parents' role in the restaurant. "My father makes sure everything runs smoothly," said Paul. "Sapore is based on family and love. If you put love into the food, it will be good, and people will notice."
Sunset 44 - After flooding the bar and restaurant on Christmas Eve 2022, Sunset 44 was remodeled and reopened in April 2023 - better than ever. The closing allowed the chef and staff to rework the menu and cocktail list. This family-owned and operated restaurant will impress you with its diverse cuisine, homemade bread, and a wine list of over 200 wines. Wine tastings are offered monthly, and the restaurant sells wine to go for prices that cannot be beaten. There is a reason Sunset 44 has been a Kirkwood favorite for over 30 years.