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Al’s has defined fine-dining in St. Louis for 99 years; a beloved landmark that earned its reputation as one of the top restaurants in the U.S. Featuring award-winning steaks, lobster, seafood and pasta, Al’s creates the total dining experience. Fresh menu presentation, elegant tableside service, beautiful ambiance, generous portions, excellent wine list and an extensive array of top shelf spirits are the standard. Traditional offerings plus signature dishes like, Beef Romano, Filet Oscar, Lobster Thermidor, and Lamb Ettinger. Al’s Restaurant is a City of St. Louis Historical Landmark (#130) & EMMY award recipient. We are in close proximity to entertainment and sports venues, city attractions, beautiful hotels & casinos.
Open since 1925, this enduring upscale eatery offers steakhouse classics, including steak Diane.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1200 N 1st St, St. Louis, MO 63102
Phone: (314) 421-6399
Website: http://alsrestaurant.net/
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Al’s Restaurant
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Al’s Restaurant is located a block off the St. Louis riverfront near the Gateway Arch. It has occupied the location since it opened in 1925.
Al’s Restaurant | St. Louis MO – Facebook
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Reviews
arthur montgomery
I took my wife and a couple of friends here. We had an amazing dining experience and a really cool atmosphere. With the streets it’s a little confusing to get to. You can park in front of the door or in the parking lot in back. Worth the trip.
… moreWhitney White
I am not one to leave reviews, however, my experience here was dreadful. I hope to save someone from spending a great deal of money, disappointment and illness.
My husband and I wanted to go out to a very nice dinner to celebrate my birthday. We love fine dining. In my husband’s family, Al’s was a favorite for many years, so he thought it would be nostalgic. What I didn’t know at the time was that they quit going to Al’s several years ago… for a reason.
Right away, when we walked in, I wanted to leave. It was like stepping into the Twilight Zone. It reminded me of a funeral home. All that was missing was a casket. The dark, dingy atmosphere was very unsettling, coupled with the fact that the restaurant was completely empty except for two tables. I agree with another reviewer that they are “not savvy enough” to pull off the retro, outdated 1960’s aesthetic. Even if they were, the interior lacks the polish of midcentury design and rather embodies that of Dark Shadows from 1966. Barnabus Collins emerging to take drink orders would have really rounded it all off.
Our reservation was for 7:45pm, but we arrived an hour early to have cocktails at the bar before dinner. The person that greeted us acted annoyed that we were early and said that the bar was closed. It was Saturday night. That was unheard of to us. When they seated us, I wanted to cry. I had been looking forward to spending time at a beautiful restaurant with my husband for weeks, but the surroundings were homely, musty and depressing. Both waiters approached us as if we were an annoyance, and they had better things to do. The drinks took forever. My Cosmo was not acceptable, but I drank it anyways. I asked them to make it different for the second round and the waiter acted like it was going to be an inconvenience to the bartender. After that, I was afraid to ask for anything else.
There aren’t printed menus or prices. They brought out meat and fish on a platter covered in plastic wrap to show us the selection. It was an unappetizing display.
After dinner one of the waiters and co-owner, Gary, awkwardly brings an Emmy award to your table to boast about. The Emmy was for some 8-minute piece that PBS made about Al’s. I was appalled, which only made the experience of being there more revolting.
The cocktails were not good. The food ranges from just ok to gross. The bill was over $530 for the 2 of us. But that’s not where this story ends…
We went straight home and right to bed. Normally we like to go out after dinner, but I wasn’t in the mood after that. Around 2 AM I woke up with agonizing nausea. I ran to the bathroom and threw up for half an hour from the dinner we had at Al’s. I’ve never been sick from a dining experience before. It is now days later, and I still feel queasy remembering the worst date night of my life. My poor husband feels so embarrassed about taking me there. I’m glad we’ve known each other for over 20 years and have children together because if that had been our first date, I wouldn’t have gone out with him again.
Do not ignore the bad reviews of this place. Al’s needs to close up shop. Its glory days are over, and they are delusional if they think this is fine dining. Even if the food had been good, the atmosphere and snotty attitude was enough to make me never go back. Sorry Al’s, but it really is time to hang it up.
… moreMy husband and I wanted to go out to a very nice dinner to celebrate my birthday. We love fine dining. In my husband’s family, Al’s was a favorite for many years, so he thought it would be nostalgic. What I didn’t know at the time was that they quit going to Al’s several years ago… for a reason.
Right away, when we walked in, I wanted to leave. It was like stepping into the Twilight Zone. It reminded me of a funeral home. All that was missing was a casket. The dark, dingy atmosphere was very unsettling, coupled with the fact that the restaurant was completely empty except for two tables. I agree with another reviewer that they are “not savvy enough” to pull off the retro, outdated 1960’s aesthetic. Even if they were, the interior lacks the polish of midcentury design and rather embodies that of Dark Shadows from 1966. Barnabus Collins emerging to take drink orders would have really rounded it all off.
Our reservation was for 7:45pm, but we arrived an hour early to have cocktails at the bar before dinner. The person that greeted us acted annoyed that we were early and said that the bar was closed. It was Saturday night. That was unheard of to us. When they seated us, I wanted to cry. I had been looking forward to spending time at a beautiful restaurant with my husband for weeks, but the surroundings were homely, musty and depressing. Both waiters approached us as if we were an annoyance, and they had better things to do. The drinks took forever. My Cosmo was not acceptable, but I drank it anyways. I asked them to make it different for the second round and the waiter acted like it was going to be an inconvenience to the bartender. After that, I was afraid to ask for anything else.
There aren’t printed menus or prices. They brought out meat and fish on a platter covered in plastic wrap to show us the selection. It was an unappetizing display.
After dinner one of the waiters and co-owner, Gary, awkwardly brings an Emmy award to your table to boast about. The Emmy was for some 8-minute piece that PBS made about Al’s. I was appalled, which only made the experience of being there more revolting.
The cocktails were not good. The food ranges from just ok to gross. The bill was over $530 for the 2 of us. But that’s not where this story ends…
We went straight home and right to bed. Normally we like to go out after dinner, but I wasn’t in the mood after that. Around 2 AM I woke up with agonizing nausea. I ran to the bathroom and threw up for half an hour from the dinner we had at Al’s. I’ve never been sick from a dining experience before. It is now days later, and I still feel queasy remembering the worst date night of my life. My poor husband feels so embarrassed about taking me there. I’m glad we’ve known each other for over 20 years and have children together because if that had been our first date, I wouldn’t have gone out with him again.
Do not ignore the bad reviews of this place. Al’s needs to close up shop. Its glory days are over, and they are delusional if they think this is fine dining. Even if the food had been good, the atmosphere and snotty attitude was enough to make me never go back. Sorry Al’s, but it really is time to hang it up.
Nick Powers
Take a step back in time when service was exceptional and dining was an experience, that is Al’s. Tremendous service, amazing service, and a one of a kind experience that no other place in St. Louis can match.
… moreDustin French
This historic restaurant is quite the experience, to say the least. It’s dimly lit, has a dress code (jacket required for men), features table-side service…it’s probably the most “fine dining” I have experienced in St. Louis. They do specialize in steaks, but also have seafood, pasta, soups, and salad. I got the lobster bisque and Al’s pasta, both were wonderful. I got to try my friends’ dishes, and they did not disappoint. The service is old school, in that they treat the customers like royalty. It’s not cheap, but the food and service justifies what you pay. All in all, this is a restaurant you’ll never forget (and for all great reasons)!
… moreAngie Bailey
I LOVE this quaint restaurant. I’m so glad I found this gem while looking for a nice place to have dinner. The food is to die for and service is top notch. My only issue is the food temperature. I wish it was hotter. To me some of the food was room temperature like the soup, seabass and sides. Other than that, everything just tasted divine. We ordered a lot of food and there wasn’t anything we didn’t love. The table side service is a nice touch. I can’t wait to come back next year!
… moreHayden Spademan
Absolutely an amazing atmosphere, this historic place is just beautiful. Our waiter was so kind and funny. The food was the best I had ever eaten. I would recommend this for anyone coming to st. Louis.
… moreJessica M
Al’s is what other fine dining and steak houses try to be
I saw a post earlier this year on the Lost Tables Facebook group. I had only been to Al’s once (in 2010) and was surprised that it was still open… and although I forgot the guy I went to Al’s with in 2010, I remembered the decadent atmosphere, excellent service, delicious steak and slow meal.
Al’s symbolizes everything that I want in my 40th decade: authenticness, a better socioeconomic situation, and understated originality.
I called two weeks ahead and made reservations for my birthday feast.
My experience couldn’t have been better. The hostess was exceptional and kind to my group of 8 very ethnically and socioeconomically diverse friends, at least 2 whom have never experienced fine dining. Everyone felt welcomed and comfortable (I had told them to dress up, so everyone was dressed appropriately for a place like this).
We split a few appetizers across the table. Delicious and everyone was able to have about 2-3 pieces of everything.
The main courses were presented from a rolling cart and this was one of the most remarkably awesome parts of our meal. What place truly does not have a printed menu? The presentation was mouthwatering and made you want to eat everything on the menu.
Al’s house salad came with all the entrees, and it was perfect. There as a sorbet aperitif between the salad course and entrees, which completely amused my friends. I ordered the 8 ounce filet mignon, and was reminded of why I remembered the food but not the guy from 2010. It practically melted in my mouth and I could have cut it with a butter knife. It did not need sauce of any kind. My side was the Al’s potatoes, which I probably wouldn’t order again only because I had it confused with another style of potatoes (they were delicious for what they were). Other friends ordered the salmon, pasta, and stuffed filet and the sides are big enough to share. I was told the salmon was moist but cooked and seasoned to perfection. The portions were large enough that almost everyone had to-go boxes.
For dessert everyone ordered something different and nobody shared. I was told it was all delicious! Perfectly portioned and the perfect ending (and regrettably meals like this must end).
The only thing incongruent about our experience at Al’s was the weird playlist. It went from country to show tunes to 80s soft rock… it was very confusing and the one detail that was overlooked. I think that others have previously remarked about this. It was pretty odd and would have set a better mood if they had played soft instrumental holiday music, classical, jazz, or even 1920s-1940s pop songs. Most important, the volume of the music was spot on, and acoustics and table spacing in the room were so that we could all hear each other and not overhear other guests at other tables.
Serving and waitstaff was perfect: there when you needed them and not intruding when you didn’t. From appetizer to dessert, our meal ended up taking about 3 hours. For all 9 of us, all very light drinkers, with maybe 1/2 an appetizer portion each, it ended up being just less than 1000 including a very generous tip to our gracious waitress. I would budget at least 100 per person including tip, but 200 per person would be more comfortable.
Along with my wonderful friends, Al’s helped me have the best 40th birthday party that I could have imagined. It is the most memorable fine dining experience, perfect place to spoil my friends who have never previously experienced “fine dining”, and perfect for special occasions. I only hope that they’re around another 96 years and that I have the chance to return sooner than 9 years from now (and I will *definitely* remember all the friends I spent this occasion with)!
(Photos by my dear friend, Florence Flick, PhD)
… moreI saw a post earlier this year on the Lost Tables Facebook group. I had only been to Al’s once (in 2010) and was surprised that it was still open… and although I forgot the guy I went to Al’s with in 2010, I remembered the decadent atmosphere, excellent service, delicious steak and slow meal.
Al’s symbolizes everything that I want in my 40th decade: authenticness, a better socioeconomic situation, and understated originality.
I called two weeks ahead and made reservations for my birthday feast.
My experience couldn’t have been better. The hostess was exceptional and kind to my group of 8 very ethnically and socioeconomically diverse friends, at least 2 whom have never experienced fine dining. Everyone felt welcomed and comfortable (I had told them to dress up, so everyone was dressed appropriately for a place like this).
We split a few appetizers across the table. Delicious and everyone was able to have about 2-3 pieces of everything.
The main courses were presented from a rolling cart and this was one of the most remarkably awesome parts of our meal. What place truly does not have a printed menu? The presentation was mouthwatering and made you want to eat everything on the menu.
Al’s house salad came with all the entrees, and it was perfect. There as a sorbet aperitif between the salad course and entrees, which completely amused my friends. I ordered the 8 ounce filet mignon, and was reminded of why I remembered the food but not the guy from 2010. It practically melted in my mouth and I could have cut it with a butter knife. It did not need sauce of any kind. My side was the Al’s potatoes, which I probably wouldn’t order again only because I had it confused with another style of potatoes (they were delicious for what they were). Other friends ordered the salmon, pasta, and stuffed filet and the sides are big enough to share. I was told the salmon was moist but cooked and seasoned to perfection. The portions were large enough that almost everyone had to-go boxes.
For dessert everyone ordered something different and nobody shared. I was told it was all delicious! Perfectly portioned and the perfect ending (and regrettably meals like this must end).
The only thing incongruent about our experience at Al’s was the weird playlist. It went from country to show tunes to 80s soft rock… it was very confusing and the one detail that was overlooked. I think that others have previously remarked about this. It was pretty odd and would have set a better mood if they had played soft instrumental holiday music, classical, jazz, or even 1920s-1940s pop songs. Most important, the volume of the music was spot on, and acoustics and table spacing in the room were so that we could all hear each other and not overhear other guests at other tables.
Serving and waitstaff was perfect: there when you needed them and not intruding when you didn’t. From appetizer to dessert, our meal ended up taking about 3 hours. For all 9 of us, all very light drinkers, with maybe 1/2 an appetizer portion each, it ended up being just less than 1000 including a very generous tip to our gracious waitress. I would budget at least 100 per person including tip, but 200 per person would be more comfortable.
Along with my wonderful friends, Al’s helped me have the best 40th birthday party that I could have imagined. It is the most memorable fine dining experience, perfect place to spoil my friends who have never previously experienced “fine dining”, and perfect for special occasions. I only hope that they’re around another 96 years and that I have the chance to return sooner than 9 years from now (and I will *definitely* remember all the friends I spent this occasion with)!
(Photos by my dear friend, Florence Flick, PhD)
Shenae Tatman
Do NOT Recommend.
Uber driver tried to warn us not to go, we should have listened.
Not sure how the food is so cannot speak to that. Totally creepy vibe, dark atmosphere. We realized we made a mistake after sitting down at the table so we had drinks and left. We were charged $50 plate fee each (we were supposed to be party of 6, ended up being a party of 4 due to flight delay). We were even charged the plate fee for the couple that wasn’t able to make dinner due to being stuck in airport waiting for flight to get to STL. Charge a $74 tip on top of plate fee for food we didn’t order or eat. One in our party has food allergy and it wasn’t worth taking the chance in ordering the food. We were also wondering about freshness of food when they only serve 10 people a night. Tons of tables, no people. Only drink menus, no Menu to read. Know before you go because we did not and were totally unprepared.
Super weird vibe. Heavy doors, dark, very strange, server came out of hidden door in wall. This is by far the strangest restaurant I have ever been in, I definitely Do NOT recommend.
… moreUber driver tried to warn us not to go, we should have listened.
Not sure how the food is so cannot speak to that. Totally creepy vibe, dark atmosphere. We realized we made a mistake after sitting down at the table so we had drinks and left. We were charged $50 plate fee each (we were supposed to be party of 6, ended up being a party of 4 due to flight delay). We were even charged the plate fee for the couple that wasn’t able to make dinner due to being stuck in airport waiting for flight to get to STL. Charge a $74 tip on top of plate fee for food we didn’t order or eat. One in our party has food allergy and it wasn’t worth taking the chance in ordering the food. We were also wondering about freshness of food when they only serve 10 people a night. Tons of tables, no people. Only drink menus, no Menu to read. Know before you go because we did not and were totally unprepared.
Super weird vibe. Heavy doors, dark, very strange, server came out of hidden door in wall. This is by far the strangest restaurant I have ever been in, I definitely Do NOT recommend.
David Sohn
I had done a little research on Al’s after my aunt recommended it, and she wasn’t wrong – it’s amazing. Couple of pro tips: First, dress upscale. This isn’t a nice steakhouse that rolls with a polo and jeans – make sure to wear a suit jacket. Second, don’t just ask questions about the food (which they can recite everything from memory – it’s a verbal menu) but also about the history of the place. They’ve been open 95 years, and have an incredible amount of history in the building – and the restaurant itself is a historical monument. Third – This place is as much about the experience as it is the food. This is old school fine dining, and while some people complain about the pacing, I found it relaxing. I started with the lobster bisque (excellent flavor) and the Cajun shrimp (spicy and delicious). After that, I moved onto the main course – an 8 ounce filet and a cold water lobster. Both were prepared to perfection, and the fettuccini had an excellent Alfredo sauce that didn’t lean hard on the garlic to create taste. Lastly, I had an Italian dessert, the name of which escapes me, but it’s a chocolate shell ice cream dessert with pistachio and chocolate ice cream, and was as fantastic as the rest of it.
Honestly, I feel silly living here most of my life and not having heard of it until now – but I’m definitely going back soon!
Edit: So there is an excellent video on Al’s you can find on YouTube – Living St. Louis. It won an Emmy, and I found out the gentleman serving me was the owners husband. Seriously, now I’m even more blown away. He was incredibly modest, so I’m definitely going back even faster now.
… moreHonestly, I feel silly living here most of my life and not having heard of it until now – but I’m definitely going back soon!
Edit: So there is an excellent video on Al’s you can find on YouTube – Living St. Louis. It won an Emmy, and I found out the gentleman serving me was the owners husband. Seriously, now I’m even more blown away. He was incredibly modest, so I’m definitely going back even faster now.
Nina Olivera
Eve was awesome! This restaurant has so much character. Food was great! This restaurant is like stepping into a different era and they just don’t have restaurants like this anymore!
… more