St. Louis is one of the Midwest’s hidden gems when it comes to food. While it’s known for its iconic Gateway Arch and blues music, the city also boasts a culinary identity that blends tradition, innovation, and cultural diversity. From hearty barbecue to quirky desserts, St. Louis is a city where every meal tells a story.
For RV travelers, staying at St. Louis Mulberry RV Gardens puts you in the perfect spot to explore it all. The park offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, yet it’s only a short drive to some of the best restaurants and markets in the region. That means you can spend your days indulging in foodie adventures and your evenings relaxing lakeside by the fire.
What Are the Signature Dishes of St. Louis?
Before planning your food tour, let’s start with the must-try local specialties that define the St. Louis dining scene:
- Toasted Ravioli – Born in the city’s Italian neighborhood, “The Hill,” this dish features breaded, deep-fried ravioli served with marinara sauce. It’s crispy, savory, and addictive.
- Gooey Butter Cake – A rich, sweet dessert that started as a baking mistake in the 1930s and quickly became a St. Louis tradition. Perfect with coffee.
- St. Louis-Style Pizza – Made with a thin, cracker-like crust and topped with Provel cheese, a gooey blend of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone that locals love.
- St. Louis-Style Ribs – Pork ribs prepared with a unique cut and often grilled before being sauced. They’re meaty, smoky, and finger-licking good.
- Frozen Custard – While popular across the Midwest, St. Louis is home to the iconic Ted Drewes Frozen Custard stand, which has been serving locals since 1929.
These dishes are more than food—they’re part of the city’s cultural fabric.
Where Can You Find the Best St. Louis Eats?
One of the best things about staying at St. Louis Mulberry RV Gardens is how easy it is to explore the city’s food scene. Here are some must-visit spots:
The Hill Neighborhood
This is the birthplace of toasted ravioli and the heart of St. Louis’s Italian-American community. Restaurants like Charlie Gitto’s and Mama’s on The Hill serve authentic pasta, sandwiches, and desserts alongside the city’s signature dish.
Pappy’s Smokehouse
Regularly ranked among America’s top BBQ joints, Pappy’s serves slow-smoked Memphis-style barbecue with a local twist. Their ribs and pulled pork are legendary, and lines often form before doors open. (Pappy’s Smokehouse)
Soulard Farmers Market
Founded in 1779, this is one of the oldest farmers markets in the U.S. It’s the perfect place to grab fresh produce, local meats, cheeses, and baked goods for cooking back at your RV site. (Soulard Market)
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
A must-stop for dessert lovers, Ted Drewes is famous for their “concretes”—thick custard shakes so dense you can turn them upside down.
St. Louis Breweries
For couples or groups who enjoy craft beer, local favorites like Urban Chestnut and 4 Hands Brewing Co. pair perfectly with BBQ and pizza.
Can You Recreate St. Louis Favorites at the RV Park?
Absolutely! One of the joys of RV camping is the freedom to cook and experiment with local flavors. After a day exploring food markets, you can bring back ingredients and try your hand at:
- Grilling your own St. Louis-style ribs over a fire pit.
- Baking a simplified version of gooey butter cake in your RV oven.
- Hosting a “local foods night” with Provel cheese pizza and toasted ravioli.
St. Louis Mulberry RV Gardens makes this easy with amenities like picnic areas, fire rings, and full hookups.
What About Couples and Families?
Food is one of the best ways to bring people together, and St. Louis caters to every audience:
- Couples can enjoy romantic evenings dining at vineyards or indulging in slow meals in The Hill.
- Families will love hands-on fun at the farmers market or sharing gooey butter cake at a local bakery.
- Groups of friends can sample BBQ, craft beer, and custard, turning meals into memories.
By staying at the park, you can balance city adventures with quiet time in nature—something hotels can’t always offer.
Why Use St. Louis Mulberry RV Gardens as a Base for Foodie Adventures?
Here’s what makes the park the ideal hub for culinary travelers:
- Close to the city – Just a short drive into St. Louis for dining and markets.
- Quiet evenings – Escape the noise after a big meal in town.
- Cooking flexibility – Use your RV kitchen, cook over a fire pit, or eat out—it’s your choice.
- Affordable stays – Save on lodging and spend more on food adventures.
- Amenities for comfort – WiFi, walking trails, a lake, and pet-friendly spaces round out the experience.
Sample Foodie Itinerary for a Weekend Stay
Day 1
- Arrive at St. Louis Mulberry RV Gardens, settle in.
- Evening trip to The Hill for toasted ravioli and Italian classics.
Day 2
- Morning visit to Soulard Farmers Market to shop for picnic supplies.
- Afternoon BBQ lunch at Pappy’s Smokehouse.
- Evening campfire at the park with local wine and market snacks.
Day 3
- Breakfast of gooey butter cake and coffee.
- Visit the Missouri Botanical Garden or Forest Park.
- Wrap up with frozen custard from Ted Drewes before heading back.
This balance of dining, exploring, and relaxing ensures you get the full St. Louis flavor.
Ready to Eat Your Way Through St. Louis?
Whether you’re craving smoky BBQ, sweet gooey butter cake, or an authentic taste of Italian heritage, St. Louis delivers—and so does St. Louis Mulberry RV Gardens.
Book your stay today, and enjoy the perfect mix of culinary adventures in the city and peaceful nights by the lake.
Reserve your RV site or cabin now and make your next trip a foodie getaway to remember.
