St Louis MO Italian and barbecue restaurants, Sunday lunch - ideas?

We lived in the St L area from 1997-2010.

I would consider one of my favs: The Schlafly Tavern (in the city) or the Schlafly Bottleworks. Schlafly is a great mid-major brewer, and the restaurants are good, with the beer being featured. Schlafly is not owned by Brazilian-Belgian owners (like the famous beer that made St Louis famous).

Most of the Italian restaurants are not huge - seating on Sun might be an issue - have reservations for sure.

There are a LOT of great restaurants on Grand Av.

As to BBQ, I don't really think that St Louis is known for BBQ. That's Kansas City on the other end of MO. Italian food is the big deal in St L. However, unless you are very adventurous, i'd steer clear of "St Louis-style pizza". I had many squares (not slices), and found not a single one to be even OK. It's an acquired taste.

I think Charlie Gitto's is one of most popular in St Louis. A bit further out is my favorite casual place, Failoni's on Manchester. One cool thing about The Hill (traditional Italian neighborhood) are the shops and bakeries in there, although I dont know Sunday hours.

My family and I also visited St. Louis for a wedding in May. Before the wedding, we ate at Salt + Smoke which was great for BBQ. My adult children raved about it, especially the bologna! Sunday lunch, after the wedding, we ate at Mama’s On the Hill. Both were able to comfortably seat 20+ people. I live in NJ (the pinnacle of Italian food). Mama’s On the Hill was fantastic. Btw, the museum at Washington University in St. Louis was free and quite nice to wander when there were no wedding festivities.

Good to know about Kansas City being known for barbecue. See, I’m learning ! Paul, the place you suggested is a pub, while I enjoy pubs, I’m looking for Italian or barbecue places and also, the wedding is at a brewery so we will get some brews.

Stan, I found Charlie Gittos in my search last night. Looks great but not open for lunch on Sunday. The other place you mentioned is also not open on Sunday for lunch.

Keep the suggestions coming

Lindy, thank you for the suggestions - I will look at Salt & Smoke.

Gian Tony’s on the Hill is probably the best Italian food. Anthonino's is another place on the Hill that’s very good. Off the Hill, Trattoria Marcella would be highly recommended.

As for BBQ, the well known spots are Pappys & Bogarts. If you want ribs, Pappys is probably my favorite.

Thank you Rob. Both those suggestions are closed on Sunday or don’t serve lunch on Sunday.

I’m finding many Italian restaurants either not open on Sunday or don’t serve lunch on Sunday

Well, thank you all for the help. We were able to get a table for 11 on Sunday at Mamas On The Hill. I’m looking forward to our brief time in St Louis.

The most unique thing in St Louis is the City Museum. If you have time, make sure to go there.

Thanks Paul,I will keep your suggestion in mind.