Unassuming counter serve providing burgers, chicken & fried seafood, plus soft serve, since 1954.
Cynthia Tebo
After hiking a section of the Meramec Greenway, I decided to stop at Young’s Restaurant and Ice Creamery in Valley Park.
Originally, I was going to order ice cream but decided on a slice of coconut cream pie and a cup of coffee. Not many people were ordering coffee, so I got a fresh pot.
The pie crust was flaky while the filling was rich and creamy. My only regret is that I didn’t have enough room to order a slice of peach crumb pie, too.
Young’s features the piecrete which is a slice of pie blended with soft-serve ice cream. Some of the pie is reserved for the topping. (I will definitely have to try one of those!)
Also, on my “to-try” list is the chicken basket. The chicken is given a saltwater rinse (brining), before being breaded and cooked in a pressure fryer.
While chicken is what they are famous for, I would say it’s their friendly, top-notch service that accounts for their repeat business and longevity. Not many restaurants have been in business for over 70 years!
If your travels take you to Valley Park, this place is a must stop. Be sure to check out the photos and memorabilia.
Special thanks to the owner, Grant, for giving me additional history and information about Young’s. I look forward to going there again.
… moreSheri Lind
If you’re craving comfort food done right, this spot is a must-visit.
The homemade malt is hands-down the best I’ve ever had—rich, creamy, and perfectly nostalgic.
Their smash burger? Insanely delicious. Crispy edges, juicy center, and layered with flavor in every bite.
And the country-style fried chicken? Juicy, golden, and served with dreamy homemade mashed potatoes and tender green beans that taste like they came straight from grandma’s kitchen.
Every dish feels like a warm hug with a gourmet twist. Five stars, no notes.
… moreMoKu
Overcharged for food, contacted management, no response. Was charged 16.99 for a 2 breast meal but received a breast and a wing. Very greasy chicken, skin slid off like slime. Meh fries- Aldi fries in an air fryer are better. Sandwich ok but not especially good, lacking flavor. Hush puppies were good and i like instant potatoes so they were good as well. Was looked at and ignored for sprite refill. Horrible atmosphere, outdated, super ugly color scheme, felt like a church basement. Will never be back. Was charged $40. Sweet tea was not sweet, didn’t even bother for refill. Not upfront about upcharges (charged $3.99 for fries without telling us there was a charge when they asked if we wanted fries- for $9.99 we thought they came with the sandwich as a side). Just don’t waste your money. I left hungry bc the chicken I did get had hardly any meat on it, but plenty of oil. Didn’t bother to try the ice cream- low expectations had been set and I was afraid I’d be charged extra unknowingly. Not cheap food, not good food. Idk how they’re still in business. Rather go to Wicked Chicken instead for that same $40 and leave with good food plus leftovers.
… moreSWIFTIE 13
This place was rly good. Thier food was amazing I got fries a burger with mustard pickle lettuce and jack cheese. They were super busy but it didn’t take long at all to get the food. There was so much fries I couldn’t eat all of my food.i also got a concrete with butterfingers and that was amazing. 15/10 rly recommend
… moreSir Yort
Small little place that was constantly busy, but not too crowded, so you can sit and enjoy lunch at your leisure. The food was great, and the owner came out to talk to my wife about her shellfish allergies. He was very helpful and took it seriously. She found she could eat anything grilled and had no problems.
… moreChristina
Would have loved to try their ice cream, but after seeing many orders come out before ours we weren’t inclined to spend any more $$ here. Overheard the owner asking the girls up front (who take orders) “what is this, a one, seven?” On the ticket. This was after people who placed their orders after us got their food and we were still waiting for ours. I’m assuming that was our ticket and why we got our food last. I appreciate the cleanliness, Fish was good — order the two piece fish meal. More bang for your buck – the cashier couldn’t tell me the difference between the fish plate and fish & shrimp plate. She said you get two pieces with just the fish and chips — I’m assuming that is the case. She couldn’t tell me how many shrimp came fish & shrimp. Just get the 2 piece fish (if that’s what it is). No apology for our wait, but did get a “thank you” from owner when we left. Won’t be back.
… moreAnnette Limpert
First time my husband and I visited this restaurant. We got a patty melt, fish &chips, fried cauliflower, tea, malt shake with hard shell chocolate and a small twist chocolate dipped ice cream cone. Everything was fresh and delicious. Samantha was a super server with a bubbly fun personality. We will return and bring more family and friends. Clean and simple decor.
… moreNick Favier
I know this place had been around for a long time. I found out about it around a year ago and can say this might be the best burger, chicken, and staff in the city/county. I am almost positive they couldn’t mess up their food if they tried.
… moreAudrey Toole
We absolutely love this place.
Cheap, but amazing food!
They actually have ice cream sodas!
The burgers and cheese sticks are some of the best I’ve ever had.
Such a cute family owned place that’s been a community staple since the 50s!
… moreZachary Maddux
Pros: Pretty good food, Nice looking inside, Plenty of seating, Very clean.
Cons: Lousey service, Slow getting food, had to remind them 4 times about my coffee order (1st cup took 20 min, and never got a refill) Staff seamed to be extra young, inexperienced, and unpleasant. Limited parking, and looks abandoned from the outside
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